Burris was once a county attorney, politician, school administrator as well as the first assistant to the state superintendent of public instruction.

In 1906, he graduated from Central Normal College in Danville, Indiana and taught in the area schools while taking classes.

At this time, L.A. Pittenger was elected into the Indiana House of Representatives and became the chairman to the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

[3] During Burris' presidency, enrollment, number of faculty members and departments increased as well as social and intramural activities.

In 1927, shortly after giving a high school commencement speech, Benjamin Burris collapsed and died from a heart attack.