Office of the Registrar

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

With a heavy heart, I write to share news of the passing of Oregon State University President Emeritus John V. Byrne.

John served as OSU’s 12th president and over many decades significantly contributed to local and state civic causes. His life was distinguished by exemplary public service in Oregon and across the nation, scientific accomplishment, and the warm friendship he shared with colleagues, students, artists and community members.

His career at Oregon State University began in 1960 as a respected marine geologist and pioneering faculty member of what we now know as the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, serving as a department chair beginning in 1968 and college dean beginning in 1971. John served as Director of the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Dean of Research and later Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. In 1981, he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to serve as the third Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While John’s academic career helped establish OSU’s international reputation in marine sciences, his tenure as OSU president from 1984 to 1995 was equally impactful. As president, he oversaw the implementation of OSU’s first strategic plan; strengthened OSU’s academic reputation; boosted fundraising and invested in technological infrastructure. John’s presidency is remembered for the expansion and renaming of the Valley Library; the addition of new buildings to support the colleges of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences and the construction and remodeling of athletics facilities; the restoration of an undergraduate honors program within the University Honors College; and the creation of an ethnic studies program.

Upon retiring as president, John remained a prominent member of the OSU community, participating in university and arts events with his beloved wife, Shirley, teaching in the Honors College, furthering his own scholarship, helping to found local arts organizations, and contributing to state and national commissions.

The university we know and love today would be unrecognizable without the many lasting contributions of President Emeritus John V. Byrne.

Please join me in sharing heartfelt condolences and support for his family and those within the OSU community touched by his passing.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Y. Murthy, President