Following a competitive internal search, the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University has named Dr. David Stone as its first-ever Associate Dean of International Programs.
A long-term faculty member in the College, Dave most recently served as the Director of the Food Innovation Center (FIC). Located in downtown Portland, the center is one of 11 agricultural experiment stations in the state. In his time there, he led the growth of FIC’s agricultural product and processing development, sensory and consumer testing, food safety program, and agricultural marketing development, with increasing emphasis on international engagement.
“We are excited that Dr. Stone will be stepping into this new role for the College,” said Dr. Staci Simonich, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. “His extensive background leading research projects around the world, as well as his entrepreneurial acumen make him an ideal fit to develop a more intentional focus on international programs.”
This new position is primarily focused on international research, teaching, and outreach through the College of Agricultural Sciences, and also includes a 25% appointment with OSU Extension Service.
“Extension educators and programs across the state glean insights and advance knowledge through international collaborations ranging from applied research to youth exchanges,” said Ivory Lyles, Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement and Director of OSU Extension. “Oregonians directly benefit from this global perspective every day.”
The College of Agricultural Sciences is already deeply embedded in international teaching, research, and outreach with faculty and students representing all 50 states and more than 40 countries. The goal of this new position is to harness the existing international muscle of the College and Extension with a focus that will elevate its impact and increase opportunity for interdisciplinary global research, teaching, and outreach endeavors.
“This position marks a pivotal moment for the College, and I am thrilled to lead the charge in developing the potential for international opportunities for our students, faculty, and stakeholders,” said Dr. Stone, “The challenges facing agriculture and our natural resources today are increasingly complex—from climate change to food insecurity—we need to share and learn from global partners if we are to meet these challenges. And we need to train our students to be global citizens so that they are equipped to do so, as well.”
Stone’s international experience dates back to his time in graduate school which took him to Poland through a NATO-funded initiative to build connections between Western scientists and peers from the former Soviet Union. Since then, he has led research, teaching, and outreach endeavors around the world in Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Oregon’s agriculture is uniquely global with 80% being exported out of state, half of which goes to international markets, according to Stone. With all indications pointing toward that trend growing, for both inbound and outbound agricultural products, the College of Agricultural Sciences aims to help Oregonians find success with these emerging opportunities.
“We’re already on the global stage,” added Stone, “it’s time to focus energy on making the most out of the impact we can have there.”
Dr. Stone holds a B.S. in Zoology from University of Texas, an M.S. in Environmental Sciences from University of North Texas, and a Ph.D. in Toxicology from Oregon State University. After graduating from Oregon State in 2001, Stone held teaching and research positions at Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College before returning to Oregon in 2002 to work with Oregon State Public Health and Oregon Health and Science University. He returned to Oregon State University in 2008 and took on the leadership role at FIC in 2016. He will begin this new position as the Associate Dean of International Programs on November 1.