Ford Chair in Integrative Forestry and Manufacturing

In early 2022, a $6 million commitment from Allyn C. Ford and Cheryl Ramberg Ford created an endowment for a faculty position in advanced wood manufacturing and a faculty position in integrative forestry and manufacturing. Previously the couple created an endowment supporting the college's dean. 

The Ford Professor in Integrative Forestry and Manufacturing will advance research and teaching focusing on revolutionizing end-to-end wood supply practices through forest digitalization, automation, real-time data sharing, analytics and decision-making across the entire wood supply network. The role will enhance interdisciplinary knowledge in forestry, advanced manufacturing and transportation systems ranging from forest floor to mill floor.

Allyn Ford became president and CEO of Roseburg Forest Products in 1997. The company was founded by his father, Ken Ford, in 1936 and became one of the largest family-held wood products corporations in the nation. A strong partner of the College of Forestry, Roseburg Forest Products was a lead donor for construction of the Oregon Forest Science Complex. 

The Ford family has a long history with Oregon State University. Allyn's sister, Carmen Ford Phillips, is an OSU alumna who has been actively engaged with her alma mater for many years. A gift from Allyn's and Carmen's late mother made possible the construction of the Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, named in her honor. Allyn and Cheryl Ford both have been highly involved with The Ford Family Foundation, which helps to fund OSU programs and outreach in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The foundation also provides scholarship support for hundreds of students in Oregon post-secondary schools.

Current Faculty Holder

Heesung Woo