Dear OSU Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Kristopher (Kris) Elliott will serve as vice provost for the Division of Extension and Engagement and director for OSU Extension Service effective immediately. He was selected following an extensive national search, with the help of an advisory committee chaired by Dr. Sherm Bloomer, Chancellor and Dean of OSU-Cascades. I thank Dr. Bloomer and the members of the committee for their excellent work.
Dr. Elliott served as Director of OSU Extension Service Outdoor School and Program Leader at Oregon State University (2017–2022), where he launched the Oregon Outdoor School program. Under his leadership, the program grew to serve over 45,000 students across 197 districts, with a biennial budget of over $46 million. His advocacy helped secure full state funding for the effort, and his commitment to equal access for all shaped a successful, thriving initiative.
Dr. Elliott became Associate Vice Provost for Extension and Associate Director of OSU Extension Service in 2022, overseeing operations serving 36 counties with 649 staff members. He launched innovative training programs, drove strategic planning, and worked to expand access to Extension services. His leadership continued as Acting Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement/Director of OSU Extension Service (January 2024 – March 2024) and Interim Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement/Director of OSU Extension Service (April 2024 – Present). Over the last fourteen months, he has worked to align Extension resources with state and county priorities, strengthen collaboration of leaders and units across OSU in addressing those priorities, cultivated relationships with state legislators and county commissioners, and enhanced public engagement and enrollment in OSU’s Extension programs.
Dr. Elliott earned his Ph.D. in Science Education from Oregon State University and his M.S. and B.S. from Cal-Poly – San Luis Obispo. Please join me in congratulating him and wishing him well as he continues leading the Division of Extension and Engagement.
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President