Oregon State Athletics Director Scott Barnes is in stable condition after suffering a medical emergency

Jason May

Oregon State Athletics Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Barnes walks members of the Oregon State media through the construction site of Reser Stadium on Jan. 17. Barnes has been the Athletic Director For Oregon State since 2016.

Ryan Harlan, Sports Writer

This story has been edited to clarify who will handle duties in Barnes’ absence, as well as updated to Barnes’ current status.

Oregon State Athletics Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Barnes is currently in stable condition after suffering a medical emergency Saturday night in Fresno, Calif. and has been moved to cardio recovery while hospitalized at Saint Agnes Medical Center.

This past Thursday, Oregon State athletics director Scott Barnes was released from the Saint Agnes Medical Center after suffering a medical emergency while in Fresno, California.

Barnes had spent five days at Saint Agnes Medical Center and then moved to cardiac recovery on Tuesday before his discharge from Saint Agnes Medical Center.

On Saturday, Barnes flew back with his family and returned to Corvallis. He is currently recovering and resting at his residence.

Barnes, 60, was receiving an alumni award from his alma mater at Fresno State, where he played basketball and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1986 along with a master’s degree in athletics administration and physical education in 1993, according to the Oregon State Athletics staff directory. 

Barnes was subsequently transported to Saint Agnes Medical Center, where he currently remains hospitalized receiving treatment.

In a statement Sunday night, Oregon State University said that Barnes remains in stable condition, while showing signs of improvement. Barnes has been able to communicate with family members while receiving treatment.

As of Monday, there had been no new updates in Barnes’ condition.

“We have no updates on Scott’s health today as we are letting him and his family rest and allowing his doctor’s focus to be on his care and treatment without interruption,” OSU Vice President of University Relations and Marketing Steve Clark said. 

Clark said that he could not confirm the nature of Barnes’ medical emergency. 

“All of us within the Oregon State University community are very grateful for the medical care that Scott continues to receive, and we all are encouraged by the progress in his condition that is being seen,” OSU President Jayathi Y. Murthy said in a statement. “Scott and his family are beloved members of the OSU community. His contributions to the university and OSU Athletics are significant and benefit so many.”

Barnes has been Oregon State’s Athletics Director since his hiring in 2016. Prior to his arrival in Corvallis, Barnes previously served as athletics director for the University of Pittsburgh, Utah State University, Eastern Washington University, and Humboldt State University (now California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt).

During Barnes’ absence, the Athletic Department is collaboratively working together to keep operations moving.

“The leaders of the Athletics Department continue to manage their own departmental duties and are collaboratively guiding the overall department while Scott is in the hospital,” Clark said.

Barnes continues to improve and Tuesday was moved from intensive care to cardio recovery while hospitalized at Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, Calif.

“I am so thankful for the incredible immediate medical response that I received Saturday night, as well as the outstanding ongoing care provided at Saint Agnes Medical Center,” Barnes said. “I also have been blessed by the outpouring of love, care and support shown me and my family by members of Beaver Nation, the Fresno State community, friends and athletics colleagues from across the nation. Such support contributes greatly to the Barnes’ family and my own recovery. I look forward to seeing you all soon.”

Those that want to send flowers or cards to Barnes can direct them to Scott Barnes, Gill Coliseum, Office 137, 660 SW 26th St., Corvallis, OR, 97331.

The University asks that the Barnes’ family’s privacy be respected at this time.

This story will be updated as new information becomes available.

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