Biography
Dr. Kris Elliott is currently serving as interim vice provost for Extension and engagement and interim director of the Oregon State University Extension Service.
In this role, he provides university-wide leadership for community-engaged teaching, research and service and strategic and operational direction for statewide OSU Extension Service, which has employees and offices in every county in the state and on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reservation. Dr. Elliott actively collaborates with other university leaders and external stakeholders to ensure division activities help advance the goals set forth in OSU's Prosperity Widely Shared strategic plan and that OSU's Extension and engagement programs deliver excellent outcomes and create positive impact in Oregon and beyond.
Dr. Elliott also serves as principal investigator for a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to serve as coordinator of USDA-funded projects that aim to cultivate the next generation of research, education and Extension professionals in food and agricultural sciences. Together for Innovating Youth in Agriculture, housed at OSU and designating OSU Extension as a National Center of Excellence for Youth Development, will emphasize support, collaboration and technology to ensure the success of projects that promote positive youth development in agriculture, both regionally and nationally.
Dr. Elliott previously served as associate vice provost for Extension and engagement and associate director of OSU Extension, providing leadership for division and OSU Extension operations, strategic plan implementation, budget, human resources, evaluation, reporting and sponsored programs. Before that, Dr. Elliott led development and operation of the statewide Outdoor School Program, which served over 117,000 students in the first 4 years of operation. The program successfully secured over $46 million in state funding over the last legislative biennium and launched major equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
Dr. Elliott earned his Ph.D. in Science Education from Oregon State University in 2014 and received his M.S. and B.S. degrees in Agricultural Sciences from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo. Prior to his graduate studies at OSU, Kris served as a high school agricultural science instructor for nine years. Upon graduating from OSU with his doctorate, Kris served as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education at the University of Georgia, with an extension appointment in urban agriculture. Kris has also served in public school administration, serving as the Director of STEM for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.
As a Gallup Certified Strengths Finder Coach, Kris helps individuals, teams, and organizations approach their work through positive psychology. Kris is an expert facilitator and works with administrators, leaders, educators, and youth across the nation on educational design and engaging teaching and learning strategies, particularly in science education, career and technical education, and leadership.
