15 FOCUS - SPRING 2026 making they’ll encounter right after graduation,” said Kevin Lyons, the Wes Lematta Professor of Forest Engineering and director of the Mechanized Harvesting Laboratory. “It’s about building confidence and competence before they step into leadership roles in the field.” The microcredential was developed with support from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to help address workforce needs in Oregon’s forest sector. By aligning academic training with industry demand for technically skilled managers, the program aims to strengthen the talent pipeline while ensuring students are prepared to work safely, efficiently and sustainably in an evolving, technologydriven field. Learn more: beav.es/S3G A new digital home for the College of Forestry The College of Forestry has launched a new website designed to improve accessibility, align with Oregon State University’s broader digital experience and make it easier for current and prospective students to find what they need. This launch marks the first phase of the redesign, with additional refinements and updates planned as the site continues to evolve. The redesigned site also features an enhanced newsroom, strengthening our ability to share stories of the College of Forestry’s impact — from innovative research and hands-on learning to the people and partnerships shaping the future of forests, including our extraordinary alumni. Read the latest news at beav.es/ COFNews and sign up to receive monthly updates through our FOCUS e-newsletter at beav.es/S3p. IN MEMORIAM: Dr. Abdullah Emin Akay M.S., Forest Engineering, 1998 Ph.D., Forest Engineering, 2003 Prior to his passing in January 2026, College of Forestry alumnus Abdullah Emin Akay earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in forest engineering at Oregon State University. Throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to the university, carrying its values and academic spirit into his work around the world. One of the most influential figures in Turkish forestry over the past quartercentury, Akay was widely recognized for his scholarly contributions and his dedication to students and colleagues alike. He played a pivotal role in strengthening collaborations between Oregon State University and the Turkish forestry community, serving as a key architect of recent partnerships and visiting scholar exchanges that brought many researchers to OSU. His efforts built enduring bridges between institutions and cultures, fostering shared learning and mutual respect. Known for his close mentorship of students and his commitment to academic excellence, Akay’s passing leaves a profound void in the scientific community. Beyond his international research contributions, he consistently represented the values of Oregon State University with professionalism, generosity and integrity. His impact on students, researchers and institutions will be deeply missed.
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