Otto E. Benavides was born in Bogotá, Colombia, he completed Law studies at Universidad Gran Colombia in 1974. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision at Northeast Louisiana University in 1975 and an Ed.S Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision with emphasis in Instructional (Media) Technology at Northeast Louisiana University in 1976. Otto is an Emeritus Associate Professor and Past Director of the Instructional Technology and Resource Center and the NASA Educator and Resource Center at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at California State University, Fresno. (1990-2017)  Previously, Professor Benavides worked at Memphis State University as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the  Media Center at the College of Education. (1984-1990) Before taking the job at Memphis State he was Assistant Director of the Media Center at Shelby State Community College in Memphis. (1977-1984)  At Selby State he created numerous educational videos, taught video production, photography and curriculum for instruction and French classes.   While working at the College of Education at MSU, he developed plans to build a technology structure for the College. However, when  his supervisor left, he did not have support for his plan. His supervisor and Associate Dean became the Dean at the School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State. Dean Burch invited Otto to apply for a job as Assistant Professor. A search committee selected Otto.  He became the lead person to design the technology for the School of Education building. This appointment gave Otto the opportunity to implement his technology design ideas in Fresno rather than Memphis.  Upon completion, the School of Education  building became a model of technological design for education. The new building completed in 1994 had a comprehensive data network, several “computer classrooms,”  satellite communications, various computer servers, a TV studio and many of the modern technologies that later became common in education and business. Professor Benavides was appointed as Director of the Instructional Technology and Resource Center and the NASA Educator Resource Center. He insisted on making a major effort to provide inservice opportunities for the faculty to model student centered instruction. He provided technology support for faculty, staff and students. He contributed to research in the field, created and supported the creation of exceptional videos for instruction. As director and professor he taught a variety of courses integrating technology in instruction and led workshops for faculty, college students and children. He established and supported NASA workshops for teachers and children. 
He was elected Senator to the California State University Academic Senate. He was a Senator representing his campus among the 23 California State University campuses for 12 years, He contributed to many projects as a member  of special committees and task forces including the creation of the CalState online program.  
Steve Jobs nominated Otto Benavides for the design and use of the Fresno State School of Education building to the Computer World Awards Program of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC where he was recognized as a Laureate in 2001. Otto is an Apple Distinguished Educator and an Adobe Education Leader. 
In addition, Otto served in the Volunteers to America in East Harlem, New York. He also served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of State in Florida at the Florida-Colombia Alliance program and worked as a volunteer in many community action projects in Colombia.