OSU Athletic Director retires; Ridgeview softball returns

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- New developments out of Corvallis, as Scott Barnes has announced his retirement from Oregon State University athletics.

Barnes will remain in his current role as athletic director through August 31 before transitioning into a senior advisor position for Beaver Athletics, a role he is expected to hold through August 31, 2027.

Barnes has led Oregon State’s athletic department for the past decade, overseeing a period of significant change and growth. During his tenure, he guided the university through the collapse of the old Pac-12 Conference and its transition into a restructured conference landscape. He also played a key role in major fundraising efforts, including projects like the west-side renovation of Reser Stadium.

In recent years, the athletic department has been raising approximately $27.5 million annually over the last three years. Barnes also made key leadership hires, bringing in new head coaches for both the football and men’s basketball programs, and helped finalize a new Pac-12 media rights deal.

However, his tenure has not been without controversy. Some fans had called for his resignation following Oregon State’s partnership with Blueprint Sports, a name, image, and likeness (NIL) company. The agreement included a reported $280,000 annual fee along with a significant profit-sharing component.

The fallout from that deal led to the firing of executive deputy athletic director Brent Baylock, and the partnership with Blueprint Sports was terminated in December.

Barnes now prepares to step away from his role, closing a decade-long chapter that shaped Oregon State athletics through both progress and challenges.