Summer 2024

Summer 2024

Volume XV, Issue 3

From the Dean

Hello and welcome back, Beavs! As we transition into fall, I want to take a moment to reflect on an incredibly productive summer for our College. Our field days at the experiment stations across Oregon were a highlight, where faculty, staff and students connected with growers and stakeholders to share valuable insights and innovations. These interactions are the heart of what we do—advancing research that directly benefits our communities.

I also hope that amidst the busy summer, everyone had the chance to relax, spend time with family and friends, and recharge for the months ahead.

We kicked off the Fall term with a warm and sunny welcome event, and it was wonderful to see everyone back on campus, especially our students who bring so much energy and joy to our college.

This year, we also have much to celebrate, as we secured $110 million in research awards last academic year—another testament to the impactful work happening across our college.

The past year has marked significant growth for the College. We secured an increase in state legislative funding of $13.6 million for the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station in the 2023-2025 biennium. This funding is being used for 36 new research faculty positions, 13 of which are located outside of Corvallis.

We recently held our new employee orientation for the college, welcoming over 100 hires this year!  While not all of these positions are new to the college, we are actively filling vacancies and creating new positions, which are exciting developments!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2nd annual State of the College event! I shared updates on our progress and how we’re aligning with OSU’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared. It was great to see so many faculty, staff, and students as we continue building on the momentum of this exciting year. If you couldn’t make it, the recording is available online State of the College.

Wishing you all a fantastic start to Fall term and hope to see you soon!

Go Beavs!

Staci L. Simonich, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Dean and Reub Long Professor
College of Agricultural Sciences
Director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station

Highlights

State of the College Recording

Check out these updates from the College of Agricultural Sciences on enrollment numbers, research funding, outreach and Extension, and international programs, including a panel discussion with CAS associate deans. 

sampling a potato for quality.

Big Year for CAS Research: $110M in Research Awards

This has been a remarkable year for our college, with $110M in research awards—up from $60M in 2021—representing 30% of OSU's total research funding. Check out the top 13 research grants awarded over the past fiscal year.

Beaver Classic

Beaver Classic Sales

Thank you for supporting experiential learning at our student farm by buying our organic produce. Support student farming directly by donating.

Boost your immune system this flu season with Beaver Classic Honey!

Sourced from local blackberry blossoms and Pacific Northwest wildflowers, our raw, unprocessed honey is packed with natural nutrients. Harvested by OSU's Honeybee Lab, which supports vital research in bee health and education, every jar is a testament to sustainability and community. Enjoy the pure taste of nature and protect your health, one spoonful at a time. Our Honey and Barley Scones also make a great pair!

Use code "Immunity" at checkout for 15% off!

 

 Beaver Classic Store

Leadership Updates

Steve Culman

Dr. Steve Culman named Director of Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Dr. Culman brings a wealth of experience and expertise in soil health, crop management, and agricultural sustainability to this vital role. Most recently an Endowed Chair of Soil Health in Potato Cropping Systems at Washington State University, his research focuses on improving soil health through management practices that enrich nutrient cycling to enhance crop production and environmental outcomes.

Learn more

Ben Davis

Ben Davis named Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Agricultural Sciences

Davis first joined the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) as a writer in 2015, and became Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications in 2020. He has served as the Interim Director since last November, leading operations of the CAS marketing and communications team, with a focus on integrated marketing and strategic storytelling to share the broad impact of the college.

Learn more

Stephanie Harvey

Stephanie Harvey named Financial Officer of OSU College of Agricultural Sciences

Harvey is a dedicated financial professional, most recently serving as the Director of Capital Accounting & Financial Planning at Oregon State University. Her focus includes strategic planning and capital project accounting, with the goal of presenting timely and relevant financial information in an accessible format to best support decision-making.

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Jeff Reimer

Dr. Jeff Reimer named Department Head of Applied Economics

Jeff Reimer has been in the Department of Applied Economics at Oregon State University since 2005, and has served as the interim department head since September of 2022. His research concerns topics in international trade, agricultural economics, price analysis, labor economics, water resources, and general equilibrium modeling.

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The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is Oregon's principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College provides undergraduate and graduate education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and extended education programs throughout Oregon and beyond. Its research programs create knowledge to solve problems and to build a knowledge base for the future. It is a source of information and expertise in integrating and applying knowledge with benefits that are felt in domestic and international settings.

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