Dear Colleagues,
I write to share that Dr. Scott Ashford, Kearney Dean of OSU’s College of Engineering (COE) since 2014, has announced his plans to conclude his time as dean and return to the faculty at the end of the winter 2025 term, or upon the appointment of a new dean. I offer my warm congratulations to him on his many accomplishments and contributions as dean. We will have opportunities to celebrate his work in the coming months and I’m pleased he will continue as part of the Oregon State community as professor of Civil Engineering.
In his time as dean, Scott has advanced student success through initiatives that have increased retention and graduation rates while guiding the expansion of the college to one of the nation’s largest. Over 11,000 students now study engineering through Oregon State, including thousands pursuing degree programs online via Ecampus. The college has also achieved record research growth through the strategic hiring and support of faculty, tripling new research awards over the last decade to over $85 million annually.
Since joining the College of Engineering and in partnership with the OSU Foundation and university leaders, Scott has raised over $350 million in philanthropy, playing a key role in securing gifts for the Jen-Hsun Huang and Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex, the Gaulke Center for Marine Innovation and Technology, and the Catalyst Scholars Program supporting high-need and high-achieving students.
Scott has also fostered a community of belonging by prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion. The college now has one of the highest percentages of women engineering faculty in the country and was one of three nationwide to achieve the highest status in the American Society of Engineering Education’s Diversity Recognition Program.
Scott has been a respected member of the Provost’s Council of Deans, a highly committed colleague, and a champion for all things OSU. He has served on a long list of university committees and task forces, always ready to step forward when called upon by Oregon State to lead an initiative or chair a committee.
This spring, I will launch a national search for a new dean, with the objective of recruiting candidates over the spring and summer and holding interviews and university visits in the fall term. The process will include conversations with College of Engineering faculty and staff regarding the opportunities facing COE and the expectations for the new dean. Nominations for the dean position are welcome at any time. Email pertinent information to Gigi Bruce, chief assistant to the provost.
Please join me in thanking Dean Ashford for his leadership and service as dean. We are grateful that he will remain in the role until a new dean begins their appointment.
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President