Following an exhaustive internal search, Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences has named Dr. Samuel Bell as the Director of the Sustainability Program.
With a Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University, Bell brings more than 15 years of experience advancing sustainability initiatives around the world. Leading teams in academic and non-profit organizations, Bell has designed projects and built social enterprise programs in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and other parts of Africa as well as the United States.
“We are excited to welcome the combination of Sam’s global perspective and his familiarity with the resources and strengths of OSU to the critical global challenge of sustainability,” said Staci Simonich, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station. “His expertise working with top global leaders in sustainability while also advancing educational opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, will ensure this vital program continue to thrive as a university-wide effort to meet the evolving challenges facing our planet.”
Bell currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics where he has successfully advanced sustainability research and teaching since 2016. As the Sustainability Program Director, Bell will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the sustainability curriculum, including new courses and new course delivery methods in Corvallis, Ecampus, and Cascades campuses.
“I am excited to lead this important work,” Bell said. “There is tremendous opportunity to leverage the deep bench of knowledge across our research, teaching and outreach strengths related to sustainability across all of OSU as well as across the incredibly diverse reach of the College of Agricultural Sciences. I am eager to see the impact this program can continue to make and thrilled to be a part of its future.”
Bell began his new role as director of the Sustainability program on September 25.