SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND BUSINESS

at Southern Oregon University

School of Science & Business at Southern Oregon University

The School of Science and Business at Southern Oregon University supports academic programs, scholarship, and community-based projects focused on solving pressing challenges. We are committed to demonstrating the critical role of analytical thinking and scientific methodology required to address global issues. Our faculty, students, researchers, and community partners work collaboratively to promote vibrant communities, a healthy and livable future, and a flourishing planet. Our programs involve students in significant research activities that build investigative and communication skills in order to achieve competence, coupled with confidence. Through hands-on programing, our diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students leave SOU knowing they can make a difference in the world because they already have. Our campus extends beyond the classroom walls to include businesses, organizations, institutions, and ecoregions. Leadership begins here.

School of Science and Business Stories

Restoration Project at Little Butte Creek Learn More

A Restoration Project at Little Butte Creek

SOU Hosts the Oregon State University Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience

SOU Student Receives Prestigious Scholarship

Kierstin Grotewiel Journey in Science and Softball Learn More

From the Softball Diamond to the Lab: Kierstin Grotewiel’s Journey in Science and Softball

SEE MORE STORIES

Dr. Vincent Smith

Director of the School of Science & Business

As Director of the School of Science and Business, Dr. Vincent Smith partners with faculty and staff to develop and implement academic departments, research institutes, and institutional services in support of SOU students, the community, region, and planet. The Director oversees resource management, academic services, curriculum, research, outreach, fundraising, and administration of eleven departments focused on science, technology, innovation, leadership, and business administration. He additionally serves as the Director of the SOU Institute for Applied Sustainability and is the Director of The Farm at SOU. Dr. Smith also serves on numerous boards, commissions, and committees focused on community development, food systems, and sustainability. These have included: The Rogue Valley Food System Network, Rogue Basin Partnership, Rusted Gate Farm, The Small Business Development Center Advisory Council, and the Southern Oregon Innovation Hub.

Dr. Smith previously served as Chair of the Environmental Science & Policy Department at SOU and as a professor specializing in sustainability, sustainable food systems, agroecology, and environmental sociology. His research explores the complex coupled human-environment systems that shape the world in which we live. His work continues to focus specifically at food system design, community food insecurity, and the relationships between food policy and health. His research is driven by community and/or regional problem-solving.

He earned his BA in plant ecology from Truman State University, his MS in environmental science from Oregon State University, and his PhD in interdisciplinary environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining academia, Smith worked in non-profit management, agriculture, and environmental education.