:KHQ 'U -RKQ 2DGHV ńUVW DUULYHG DW 2UHJRQ State University in 1964 as an undergraduate, he began a path that would shape both agricultural education and the global wheat industry. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1968, John spent ńYH \HDUV WHDFKLQJ KLJK VFKRRO DJULFXOWXUH EHIRUH returning to OSU for a master’s in education. He later completed his Ph.D. at Colorado State University and returned to OSU as a faculty member, serving as department head from 1979 to 1982. “I felt like I got a really good education at OSU. I grew up on a ranch and hadn't developed much socially, and I think [my education] helped me in that respect. It also taught me about networking, and how networks can be so valuable to us in our work. If we can learn that skill in college and develop it, it really stands out in our future work experience,” he said. John then began a 30-year career with U.S. Wheat Associates (USWA), where his leadership elevated American wheat on the world stage. $V 'LUHFWRU RI WKH :HVW &RDVW RņFH LQ 3RUWODQG he traveled to more than 90 countries, hosted hundreds of trade delegations, and built relationships that expanded U.S. exports. His pivotal role allowed for modernization of quality standards, and persuasion of growers, buyers, and H[SRUWHUV WR DGRSW FOHDQHU ZKHDW VSHFLńFDWLRQV that secured vital markets in Asia. His impact was recognized with the Oregon Agri-Business Council’s Voice of the Industry Award and the Oregon Wheat Growers League Distinguished Service Award. In recent years, John has turned his focus back to education. In 2021, he co-founded the Future Agricultural Educators Endowment, which has already grown to more than $280,000 to support OSU students preparing to teach agriculture in Oregon schools. A trusted advisor and advocate, he continues to strengthen connections between industry and education, leaving a legacy that spans from Oregon classrooms to international markets. One area of particular satisfaction all through my career has been working with young people to help them get a leg up in life and in their career. I encourage people that I work with to work hard and always show up. John Oades CAS Alumni Legacy Award 14 PROGRESS | FALL 2025
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