Scott Barnes helped guide Oregon State University athletics through conference realignment, major facility upgrades and some of the program’s most memorable postseason runs.
Now, after nine years leading the department, Barnes will retire as the Beavers’ vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics effective Aug. 31, the university announced Thursday.
Following his retirement, Barnes will remain connected to the department, transitioning into a senior advisor role for athletics through Aug. 31, 2027.
Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy praised Barnes’ leadership during a pivotal stretch for both the university and college athletics.
“I am very grateful to Scott for his many years of dedication and commitment to Oregon State University, its athletics program and OSU student-athletes,” Murthy said.
“His leadership and integrity helped guide the Pac-12 and Oregon State University through a very tumultuous time, and the launch of the new Pac-12 Conference this summer will forever be an integral and far-reaching part of his legacy.”
During his tenure, Barnes oversaw a period of significant growth for Oregon State athletics both competitively and institutionally.
Under his leadership, Beaver programs captured 13 conference championships and 40 individual conference titles.
Several of the university’s most notable postseason achievements also came during Barnes’ time as athletic director, including a national championship for Oregon State Beavers baseball, Elite Eight appearances by both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, a College Cup appearance by men’s soccer and a Women’s College World Series appearance by softball.
Beyond competition, Barnes emphasized the development of Oregon State’s more than 400 student-athletes across 17 varsity programs, focusing on success not only in athletics but also in academics and life beyond sports.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the student-athletes and coaches I’ve had the privilege to serve, as well as the colleagues I’ve worked alongside throughout this journey,” Barnes said. “Above all, I am deeply thankful for my wife, Jody, who has been my partner in every sense and a constant source of strength and support.”
Barnes’ tenure also featured a major wave of facility improvements and fundraising success across the athletics department. Projects completed during his time included the westside remodel of Reser Stadium, the Baseball Development Center, the Whyte Track and Field Center and a new gymnastics practice facility.
Additional upgrades included renovations to Goss Stadium at Coleman Field, improvements to the Sports Performance Center and Valley Football Center, and facility updates for several Olympic sports programs.
According to Shawn Scoville, Barnes’ leadership played a major role in growing philanthropic support for Oregon State athletics.
“Athletics fundraising has averaged $27.5 million annually over the past three years, with this fiscal year already exceeding that pace,” Scoville said. “Scott’s leadership was instrumental in the completion of Reser Stadium. We exceeded our fundraising goal in record time and delivered a facility that will serve Oregon State student-athletes and fans for years to come.”
Murthy noted that Barnes also played a key role in helping shape the future of the Pac-12 Conference during a turbulent period across college athletics. Barnes represented the Pac-12 in implementing the landmark House settlement, which enables revenue sharing with student-athletes.
Murthy said Barnes first initiated the conversation about retirement last August, with both sides working together to find the right timing for the transition as the new Pac-12 prepares to launch July 1.
Moving forward, Oregon State will begin a national search for Barnes’ successor. The university plans to hire a search firm and assemble a search committee in the coming weeks, with hopes of naming a new athletic director in the coming months.
Despite stepping away from the position, Barnes said he remains committed to supporting the university during the transition and beyond.
“While this chapter comes to a close, I look forward to continuing to support Oregon State in an advisory role and remain committed to contributing to its future success,” Barnes said.
