Alumni stories
College of Health
With more than 29,000 alumni across the globe, the College of Health carries out its vision of ensuring the lifelong health and well-being of every person, every family and every community in Oregon and beyond through its most important asset — you!
Alum Dakota Witzel, human development and family sciences PhD ’22, was named a 2026 Outstanding Researcher by South Dakota State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences.
HDFS alumna Haley Thomas produced a Nike Super Bowl commercial that aired to millions of viewers nationwide.
OSU alum Dennis Godby completes Walk USA for Health Equity, a nationwide effort to spotlight preventable health disparities.
Ken Cameron, ’93, received the NATA Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research, recognizing his sustained contributions to the field.
MPH alumnus Chris McFarland was featured in The Corvallis Advocate for his work as a certified counselor with Benton County Behavioral Health and his impactful journey to community mental health service.
William "Ropes" Robertson (1915-1980) was OSU's first athletic trainer and co-creator of the athletic training education program now in the College of Health. A WWII veteran with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, he spent 34 years caring for Beaver athletes and became a legendary figure in OSU athletics history.
Katie Walsh Flanagan, MS, EdD, LAT, ATC, Oregon State University alumna and 1980 Physical Education graduate, has been inducted into the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Hall of Fame. Her 43-year career in athletic training began with a chance injury during her time at OSU, leading her from pre-veterinary studies to becoming a leader in the athletic training profession.
Congratulations to Nikolaus Anderson, a 2022 kinesiology graduate, who was recently accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at OSU-Cascades.
Congratulations to kinesiology alumna Dr. Bethany Sloane, associate professor of pediatrics. She received a prestigious NIH K23 career award, which supports patient-oriented research for early-career, clinically trained professionals.
Spokane Zephyr soccer player Hailey Coll earned a Humanitarian of the Year nomination while pursuing her MPH and volunteering 20 hours weekly with River City Youth. From leading bike programs to running food banks, she proves public health impact happens everywhere.
Lexi Geampa's journey from homelessness to OSU graduation shows how one caring mentor can change a life. Now she's using her HDFS degree to help others.
Fatemah Al Jafar found community and purpose in Oregon State's nutrition program.