Testimonials
Ben is an exceptional writer and a thorough, thoughtful editor.
As a writer, he has excellent judgment — he knows what to elevate to feature-story level and what can be used for collateral. In his research, he asks the right questions and mines the right sources for supporting information. And he produces excellent copy with little oversight. Further, he understands fully the goals for each story. With his outstanding handle on style and usage, he is also our division’s go-to for questions regarding written communication — trusted implicitly as the last line of quality control for the highest-level written communication produced by the university.
WILLIAM INMAN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR, GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Benjamin Hodges has an uncanny ability to dig in and unlock deep nuance. I believe he knows my record better than I do. His insight is scary. I felt I better understood my own spirit after having read his review of Sea of Glass. His writings bring out the richness of flavor in the everyday mundane, and sweet romance to those mysteries we grapple with for an eternity.
SEAN SULLIVAN
MUSICIAN AND SINGER-SONGWRITER, WARBLER
I have always depended on Ben Hodges for all of my final editing needs, and he has never let me down. I have found no one else with his discipline, thoroughness, and breadth of knowledge who also possesses such a humble commitment to preserve and even cherish the authorial voices he stewards.
MICHAEL MINKOFF
AUTHOR, DEATH IS THEIR SHEPHERD AND ACCORDING TO HIS EXCELLENT GREATNESS
MUSICIAN AND SINGER-SONGWRITER, PHYSICK
I’m a Hodges fan now.
CHARLES MCNAIR
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF LAND O’ GOSHEN, PICKETT’S CHARGE, AND THE EPICUREANS
Ben’s writing perfectly fit our needs, bridging the gap between classic vinyl back-cover copy with a refreshing take on our music for potential listeners. His wordsmithing is paired well with his genuine interest in everything he comes into contact with.
JUSTUS STOUT
PRESIDENT, RENEW THE ARTS
MUSICIAN AND SINGER-SONGWRITER, BROCK’S FOLLY
I can’t recall when I’ve been more touched by an article. Benjamin Hodges did a masterful job encapsulating the remarkable story of Allie Armbruster. The piece was mesmerizing and inspiring … beautifully crafted to elicit the responses I and every other reader surely had. It was a long article, and I was compelled to read every word. Thank you for your outstanding magazine!
BARBARA “BABS” JOHNSTON
I just finished reading your article on Allie Armbruster — wow! What a well-written and compelling chronicle of her journey. Major kudos to you for capturing the grit, dangers, and tragedy of addiction but also the momentary victories that Allie must achieve, and continue to strive for, on her sobriety journey. You have incredible writing talent, and we are fortunate to have you here at Georgia State.
JULIE KERLIN
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
I loved Mr. Hodges’ story, “A Life Worth Fighting For.” I couldn’t stop reading it. I felt so absorbed by her life and struggle. It was very well written, and I couldn’t put it down. What she’s doing is amazing, and I hope she stays clean for life because she’ll be doing some incredible things.
ANALY NAVARRO
I really enjoyed Mr. Hodges’ article about Allie Armbruster. I was recently at a Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Collaborative meeting, and a bunch of us were talking about it. There are so many sides to this dilemma, and your article addressed several of them in such a fine way.
WILLIAM TRIVELPIECE
DRUG INTELLIGENCE OFFICER, OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY AND ATLANTA-CAROLINAS HIGH-INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA (HIDTA)
I really enjoyed your article, “Razin’ Kell”! Thanks for doing justice to an essential (and odd!) piece of Georgia State history.
STEPHANIE DEVINE
ASSISTANT EDITOR, GEORGIA HUMANITIES
FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NEW SOUTH
Your article [“Razin’ Kell”] was as amazing as the wonderfully weird building itself. I couldn’t help giggling when reading one of the stories (you can guess which one), and a colleague stopped by to see if I was OK. You made my week.
LAUREL BOWEN
UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST, GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
I always enjoy my Georgia State alumni mag, but I must say this one was an especial treat. I remember Kell Hall well from my undergrad days. Your article truly captured it. Thanks for a great read. I laughed ’til it hurt.
DIANE THOMAS
Ben put together some outstanding copy for my first album, and it was immediately evident to me that he possesses a rare and extremely valuable talent for writing about art. His preparation was exhaustive, and in many ways, he knew more about my music than I did.
Probably the greatest thing about working with someone of Ben’s caliber is that you are going to learn something. Sure, the copy was what seemed important at the time, but Ben provided me with insights — into my narrative, my identity as an artist, and the quality and construction of my work — that have informed my approach to everything I’ve done since this project. He highlighted my strengths and weaknesses, and he had specific, cogent justifications for his conclusions. His work was and remains unparalleled, and I highly recommend him to anyone that is serious about the copy they submit to the public.