Simonich Discusses Priorities For Future

Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences dean has her eye to the future.  Dr. Staci Simonich became the first woman to lead the college earlier this year, after serving as acting dean for roughly a month.  She said one of her top priorities as the school comes out of COVID, is connecting with the stake holders statewide.

“Not just me as dean, but our entire college and university, reaching out to our important stake holders across the state, being with them, being there with them in person, seeing them, they see us, us listening to them and what their struggles are and what their needs are, and then talking with them about how we can better meet their needs that they’re facing right now.”

Simonich added the College of Ag has a very good research program, making the school very attractive to the next generation, which will help grow enrollment.

“As a strong researcher myself, I want to continue to grow our research programs in terms of federal funding, USDA funding, etc. and really making sure we’re visible and the quality of our research teaching and engagement programs are seen nationally and internationally.”

Simonich added she has a good working relationship with other Ag schools across the west, but she’s looking at improving those relationships in the months and years to come.

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