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.
Winter 2024
Volume XV, Issue 1
Winter has been a busy time for us here in the college!
A highlight for me was my recent trip to Washington D.C., where I joined OSU Extension and stakeholders in advocating for capacity funding (Hatch and Smith-Lever), competitive research funding through USDA-NIFA, and Agriculture Research Infrastructure funding in the Farm Bill. This included meeting with AgSci alum Mason Justice, who is now a legislative aid working on Capitol Hill!
I attended this year’s Oregon Wine Symposium in Portland, engaging with industry partners and AgSci alums in the wine industry. Faculty in our Oregon Wine Research Institute presented the latest research in enology and viticulture to winegrowers and industry professionals.
Jackie Thorsness accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer, effective March 1. Jackie brings a wealth of experience to our leadership team and has been an incredible asset to the college and OSU for many years.
It was great to connect with folks at the recent Dean’s Coffee Hour! These gatherings offer a chance to get to know me and the associate deans better, and collaborate across our college in a casual and fun setting. We’ve even added OSU Beaver Classics ice cream to the event!
We had a great turnout for the Art About Agriculture exhibit reception for Betty LaDuke—one of my all-time favorite artists, whose work is on display in Strand through March 22.
Looking ahead, this year we will host a college-wide graduation ceremony in LaSells Stewart Center on Thursday, June 13 from 3-5pm, so mark your calendars! It will be open to all graduates participating in commencement this year and will give CAS students the opportunity for personal recognition on stage, surrounded by the support of their family, friends, mentors, and peers. Graduating students will need to register through this website and will be notified once the registration window has opened.
Also mark your calendars for:
- Dam Proud Day on April 24 (Join me for yoga!)
- Ag and Natural Resources Day on the MU Quad on May 7
- CAS Celebrating Excellence event on May 13
Lots to look forward to! Wishing you warmth through the rest of winter term, and a wonderful start to spring.
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
Paul Broccolo Named Director of Advising for the College of Agricultural Sciences
Broccolo brings over 13 years of advising experience to this crucial role, as well as a diverse skillset in counseling and teaching. Over his career, Broccolo has proven to be an effective mentor to diverse student populations across several institutions.
Jackie Thorsness named Chief Operating Officer of OSU College of Agricultural Sciences
With over six years of service to CAS, Thorsness brings a wealth of experience, currently serving as the college’s Financial Officer. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in business administration, and her career spans various roles within the Oregon University System and OSU.