Biography
Anita Azarenko served as Special Assistant to the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement from October 2021 through September 2022. From July 2019 through September 2021, she served as Interim Vice Provost for the Division of Extension and Engagement and Director of the OSU Extension Service. Anita has been a faculty member at Oregon State for nearly 35 years, rising through the professorial ranks in the Department of Horticulture and then serving in a variety of administrative roles including:
- Head of the Department of Horticulture (2003-2012), where she provided leadership for a statewide program in teaching, research and Extension that consisted of approximately 45 faculty members, over 20 research assistants/associates, 35-45 graduate students and more than 200 undergraduate students. She was responsible for providing oversight of 250 acres of local research farms. Anita was recognized for her leadership skills with the College of Agricultural Sciences Roy Arnold Leadership Award, Women’s Leadership Through Science Award, and Award for Excellence in Organic Policy Leadership.
- Associate Dean for the Graduate School (2012-2015), where her major achievements were focused on graduate program assessment and soft skills curricula.
- Special Assistant to the Vice President for Finance and Administration (2015-2016), providing leadership and management of the Capital Planning and Development.
- Associate Vice President for University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations (2016-2019), where she had responsibility to maintain and operate 570 acres and 200 principal buildings and other smaller structures; renovate or construct buildings; and manage space. Later, Transportation Services was added to her portfolio.
Anita and her husband also farm 200 acres of forest, pasture, livestock and organic tree fruit and hazelnuts in the foothills of Oregon's Cascade Range.
