The sole finalist for the University of Colorado’s presidency, Bruce D. Benson, faces growing criticism about his credentials, political connections, and record on tenure.

Mr. Benson, a former chairman of the state’s Republican Party and unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate, owns an oil-and-gas-exploration company. He is also an alumnus who has donated millions to the university. But although Mr. Benson has served on educational boards, he has never worked in higher education. (His résumé is here.)

After the four-month presidential search concluded, in January, Mr. Benson promised to raise money and delegate authority in academic matters. But some Democratic lawmakers and a member of Colorado’s Board of Regents remain unconvinced, and this week publicly criticized his selection, The Denver Post reports. They echo complaints from some faculty members and students, who on Monday wheeled mock oil rigs around the Boulder campus in advance of Mr. Benson’s appearance at public forums.

Mr. Benson also has fans, including prominent Democrats, who say the university’s budget woes call for a savvy fund raiser. He could be another example of a new model of politically connected university presidents, joining Michael S. Garrison, a former lobbyist, who is at the helm of West Virginia University.

Supporters say Mr. Benson could prove his worth by helping to pass a state ballot initiative for an energy tax that would create new revenue for Colorado’s public universities, according to the Rocky Mountain News. A Democratic lawmaker asked: “As an oil-gas man, who better than Bruce Benson to convince the oil-and-gas industry to raise their taxes?” —Paul Fain