Interview of Bobby Dale Moser by Raimund Goerler
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Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Ohio State University Archives
Abstract
Bobby Dale Moser describes his career at Ohio State, including his tenure as Director of the Ohio State University Extension Service, and as Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Having grown up on a farm, Moser wanted to pursue a career in agriculture, so he first earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. Moser then earned a Master's degree in Animal Science at Oklahoma State, then he headed to the University of Nebraska to earn a Ph.D. While in the program he taught classes, and was subsequently hired as a faculty member. In 1981, the University of Missouri hired him as a professor and chair of the Department of Animal Science. He remained at Missouri for roughly seven years; during the last two years he served as Director of Agricultural Extension Programs and Associate Dean of Agriculture. In 1988, Ohio State hired him as the Director its Extension Service, and he became Dean of the College of Agriculture in 1991.
Moser faced many challenges during his 21-year tenure as Dean, including budget deficits, conflicts between the Columbus and Wooster campuses, and a re-organization of the entire College, which ultimately led to a change in its name from the College of Agriculture to the College of Food and Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He describes his leadership style as a consensus builder and data gatherer, which he said helped him lead the College through various changes.
In the interview, Moser discusses various issues related to the College, including the reorganization and its outcome, its relationship to the state’s agricultural community and legislative bodies, and its expanding global reach. He also discusses his role serving as Executive Dean for the University's various colleges, and his role in overall University changes, such as the development of the University’s first-ever academic plan, and the creation of the Science and Technology Campus Corp., which aims to foster closer research ties between the University and industry.
Description
Interview conducted at The Ohio State University Archives, Columbus, Ohio.