CORVALLIS, Ore. – Former Oregon State University President John Byrne explores his life and career in the new Oregon State University Press book, “Undercurrents.”

Byrne started his life as a geologist at an oil company before coming to Oregon State in 1960 as a faculty member. His academic path took him from department chair to dean to director of Hatfield Marine Science Center. He then became vice president for Research and Graduate Studies before taking leave to work for the National Science Foundation, and later as the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He returned to Oregon State in 1984 to become its 12th president.

As president, Byrne guided the university through a time of severe state budget restrictions, using skills he’d gained in industry and government. Despite the economic hard times, Byrne was able to grow programs, facilities and external funding at the university. He was also one of the first to introduce total quality management techniques to higher education.

The memoir explores Byrne’s childhood during the Great Depression and World War II, and looks at the curiosity, humanity and intellect that helped him succeed as a scientist, educator and administrator.

Byrne retired from his role as president in 1995 and but still resides in Corvallis.

For more information, go to http://osupress.oregonstate.edu

General OSU

About Oregon State University: As one of only three land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the nation, Oregon State serves Oregon and the world by working on today’s most pressing issues. Our more than 36,000 students come from across the globe, and our programs operate in every Oregon county. Oregon State receives more research funding than all of the state’s comprehensive public universities combined. At our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, marine research center in Newport, OSU Portland Center and award-winning Ecampus, we excel at shaping today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.

Story By: 

Theresa Hogue, 541-737-0786

[email protected]

Source: 

Source: Marty Brown, 541-737-3866
[email protected]

 
Multimedia: 

Click photos to see a full-size version. Right click and save image to download.