The College of Science welcomes Roy Haggerty as its new dean. He most recently served as Associate Vice President for Research and previously as Interim Dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS).
Haggerty joined OSU 22 years ago. He was part of the College of Science faculty for 15 years and part of CEOAS faculty where he held the Hollis M. Dole Professorship in Environmental Geology for seven years, including a year as interim dean. In 2016, he was appointed AVP for Research, where he was the chief operating officer for OSU’s Office of Research.
An exceptional scholar and earth scientist, Haggerty’s research in hydrology and geology has been applied to nuclear waste disposal problems in the United States and Sweden, to groundwater contamination, and to transport of nutrients, carbon, and heat in streams.
Dr. Sastry Pantula is stepping down after four years as dean to shift his focus back to statistical research and teaching. He will serve as a Professor of Statistics in the College of Science.
“I am grateful to Dean Pantula who is an effective advocate for science and an ardent champion of students and diversity,” said Haggerty.
“He is an excellent ambassador not only for the College of Science, but for the field of science. I look forward to building on what he started and continuing to advance our strategic initiatives in the areas of student and faculty success, innovative programs and outreach and engagement.”
Often quoted for his “unity in diversity” mantra, Pantula’s top achievements include significantly enhancing diversity of its faculty and leadership, advocating for women in science, recruiting excellent faculty and staff to the College and working tirelessly to raise the visibility of the College on campus and across the region, state and beyond. During his tenure, Pantula also helped the College raise its number of high achieving students and improve graduation rates as well as increase fundraising and research grants.
Pantula will channel his trademark optimism and passion as he transitions to his tenured professor role.
Haggerty brings strong leadership skills to his new position. During his tenure as interim dean, he led CEOAS to a record year of private philanthropy, advanced their $40M research mission, initiated OSU’s successful bid to host the Antarctic and Southern Ocean core repository and advocated for women in science and to make fieldwork safer for women. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America.
Dean Haggerty’s initial focus will be on budget matters and developing a strong financial plan aligned with the College’s instructional, research and engagement goals; deepening his knowledge about the College’s programs, faculty and students; and meeting with alumni and friends of the College.
Haggerty hails from a rural town in Alberta, Canada, where he grew up with five brothers on a grain farm. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a BSc in honors geology from the University of Alberta and his master’s and Ph.D. from Stanford University.
“Universities are one of the greatest things human beings have ever invented. Science is at the heart of that achievement,” said Haggerty, noting that a thriving, financially sound College of Science is paramount to OSU’s success.
