The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University has appointed Staci Simonich as its new executive associate dean starting April 15.

Reporting to Dean Alan Sams, Simonich will join the dean’s leadership team, providing oversight of departments, branch experiment stations, and the integration of the teaching, research, and extension mission areas of the college. Her leadership will also include responsibilities for leading strategic initiatives for the college and for developing and managing the administration of college policies.

“This is a critical role to the future of the college,” said Sams. “We are all excited about the vision, experience, and passion Dr. Simonich brings and feel fortunate to have her joining the team. It is particularly significant that she will be the first woman to hold this position in the college’s history.”

Simonich is a researcher and administrative leader with a Ph.D. in chemistry from Indiana University and an MBA from Oregon State University (June 2020). A 19-year veteran of OSU, Simonich also has experience in the private sector having worked in the consumer product food industry with the Proctor & Gamble Company.

“This is an exciting time to be joining the College of Agricultural Sciences,” Simonich said. “The diversity of the work there in balancing conservation and production is remarkable. I am humbled and thrilled to lead the strategic initiatives that will build upon efforts to enhance agricultural competitiveness and resilience, grow opportunities in food innovation and access for growing markets, further develop working and natural landscapes, while also working toward new opportunities in marine food systems and their conservation.”

Prior to joining the College of Agricultural Sciences’ leadership team, Simonich served as the associate vice president for Research Operations and Integrity at Oregon State University, as well as professor of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Chemistry in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Previously, Simonich has served administratively as associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs in the College of Science and associate department head in Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.

Simonich will succeed Bill Boggess, who has served as executive associate dean and twice as interim dean over the past 13 years.