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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Scott Ashford, head of the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University, was today appointed dean of OSU's College of Engineering.

The appointment of Ashford, who is the Kearney Professor of Engineering at OSU, is effective immediately. He previously served as interim dean of the college in 2011-12. Ashford succeeds Sandra Woods, who will remain a tenured OSU professor.

Sabah Randhawa, OSU provost and executive vice president, announced the leadership transition on Friday.

"Oregon State University is fully committed to the success of the College of Engineering, its faculty, staff and students, and to building upon the excellent teaching, research and industry collaborations for which the college has long been recognized," Randhawa said.

"I am confident that Scott Ashford will provide the leadership needed to advance the strategic direction and priorities of the college," Randhawa added. "Going forward, it is essential to build a leadership team within the college that shares a sense of direction and purpose."

Ashford, who is an alumnus of OSU, joined the engineering faculty in 2007. His research focus has been on enhancing public safety and reducing economic loss from earthquakes, tsunamis and coastal hazards. He helped create the Cascadia Lifeline Program to help Oregon businesses, governments and utilities prepare for a major earthquake and possible tsunami.

After working in private industry for seven years - mostly with CH2M-HILL - Ashford earned his Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley. He was on the faculties of the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand for two years, and the University of California-San Diego for 11 years, before returning to OSU.