Beavers Launch Nationwide Hunt for New Athletic Director with 13-Member Committee

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University has officially launched its search for a new leader to helm its athletic department, forming a 13-member committee to spearhead the critical hire. The move comes as the university navigates a pivotal era in collegiate athletics, seeking a visionary to guide Beaver sports into the future.

The committee, announced by OSU President Jayathi Murthy, is a blend of university leadership, faculty, alumni, and key athletic stakeholders. It will be tasked with identifying candidates to succeed outgoing Athletic Director Scott Barnes, who announced his departure earlier this year. The group’s mission is clear: find a dynamic individual who can champion OSU’s student-athletes, build competitive programs, and secure the department’s financial and strategic footing.

“This is one of the most important decisions we will make for the trajectory of Beaver Athletics,” President Murthy stated in a release. “We are seeking a leader with integrity, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to the success of our student-athletes both on and off the field.”

The search panel includes notable figures such as Senior Woman Administrator and Deputy Athletic Director Marianne Vydra, Faculty Athletics Representative and professor Bob Mason, and former football standout and NFL veteran Steven Jackson, representing the alumni voice. Their diverse perspectives aim to ensure the candidate selected understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing Oregon State.

For Beaver Nation, the search represents a moment of significant transition. With the ever-shifting landscape of conference realignment and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, the next AD will play a crucial role in shaping OSU’s identity and competitiveness for years to come. The committee is expected to conduct a national search, with the goal of having a new athletic director in place later this year.