Colleagues,
A key component of our future facilities master plan and anticipated success will be building partnerships with the public and private sectors. More specifically, we believe that there is great opportunity to continue building on the outstanding work being done in departments and units to further engage our corporate partners in support of teaching, research and outreach efforts.
To help accelerate and/or build the relationships and work with faculty and college leaders, we have hired Dr. Greg West to serve as the Director of Food Systems and Industry Relations. Many of you know Greg through his contributions or service with OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development, teaching and guest lecturing and volunteer service helping connect our college to the private sector. Greg will begin on June 1, 2016 and report to the Vice President and Dean as the college continues to identify and solidify our path to a comprehensive and coordinated effort focusing on private sector engagement across disciplines.
Greg has 28 years of experience in the food system in various leadership capacities with some of the most recognizable and successful brand names. Most recently, Greg served as Vice President of Product Innovation and Consumer Insights for Bob Evans Restaurants and before that was Director of Food Innovation and Technology for YUM! Brands/KFC in Louisville Kentucky. Additionally, Greg has worked for Frito-Lay, PepsiCo and Kraft General Foods in various leadership capacities.
We look forward to Greg working across the college to help each of you and your faculty strategically engage with the private sector and build upon our already strong teaching, research and outreach programs.
Sincerely,
Ron Hendrick, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the Acting Vice President and Dean
Ryan J. Schmiesing, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean and Sr. Administrative Officer