Dr. Tom DeLuca

Dean of the College of Forestry, Oregon State University

Dr. Tom (Thomas H.) DeLuca is dean of the Oregon State University College of Forestry and director of the Oregon Forest Research Laboratory. A forest soils scientist and ecosystem ecologist, DeLuca earned his Ph.D. in soil science from Iowa State University and has held leadership roles at Bangor University (UK, NERC Research Chair), the University of Washington (School Director), and the University of Montana (College Dean). Since joining OSU in 2020, DeLuca has led the college through record enrollment growth, expanded access through new online academic programs, and overseen the growth of OSU’s research forest network to 18,000 acres. He has prioritized the advancement of interdisciplinary work in wildfire science, robotics and AI in forestry, climate resilience and mass timber innovation, while also deepening Tribal partnerships, supporting student access, and increasing transparency and public engagement in the management of the university’s research forests. He has consistently strived to build a culture of collegiality and shared sense of purpose in advancing a more sustainable approach to land and resource management.