In 2018, more than 100 faculty, staff and students worked together todevelop a college-wide strategic plan that ties to the university’s visionand principles and builds on prior college efforts, adapting a vision andmission from the 2008 Diversity Action Plan, which was adopted in order tointentionally engage with issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusivity.

COF DEI VISION

The College of Forestry aspires to create an environment in which allmembers of the community feel safe, respected and free at all times toparticipate in various undertakings of the college, including learning, teaching, administration and research.

COF DEI MISSION

The College of Forestry will embrace the distinctive qualities of allmembers of the community. We recognize that equity, inclusion anddiversity are foundational values of OSU as an institution and pillars of excellence, enhancing all of the College of Forestry’s missions. 

The College of Forestry is committed to addressing those challenges inthe realm of forestry and natural resource management – whether it bethrough education, research, or public engagement. We intend to drawfully and inclusively on the power and force of the human imagination,experience, and creativity to meet the needs of today’s world.

Diversifying our college community is one of five strategic priorities tobuild the vision of the College of Forestry as a world-class education,research, and outreach center for healthy landscapes, communities andbusinesses. Priority five directs efforts to “drive toward a more diversified,pluralistic college community founded on collegiality and respect.

The strategic plan sets the college on a path toward accomplishing thispriority by describing actions we will take to build awareness of the needfor equity and inclusivity including: creating a welcoming climate andculture in the college; diversifying the faculty, staff, and student bodythrough improved recruitment and retention; and fostering and rewardingactions that promote a pluralistic community culture that will help ensurethe institutional longevity of our commitment. This plan provides concreteactions designed to seize opportunities and overcome challenges toenhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the college.

Implementation of the DEI Strategic Plan is led by the college’s DEI Coordinator, Heather Roberts, and a 12-member committee of faculty,staff and students. Members work with others within the college toimplement specific actions. The dean, associate deans and department heads provide support for DEI efforts.