Oliver Matthews (1892-1979), dendrologist and self-described "botanical tramp", traveled all parts of Oregon for more than 40 years in pursuit of trees, particularly the biggest of each species. Matthews graduated from Willamette University in 1913 and later received teacher training as a post-graduate at Oregon College of Education, but had no formal training as a botanist.
Ida Callahan was an alumni and faculty member of OAC. She graduated as part of the class of 1881. She then joined the OAC faculty for 42 uninterrupted years, mostly teaching english.
Ava B. Milam came to OAC in 1911 and was appointed the Dean of the School of Home Economics in 1917, serving for 33 years. She was primarily interested in the study of home economics within Asian cultures. During WWI she was appointed as the Home Economics director for Oregon.
Joining the OSU English Department in 1972 as an Assistant Professor, Peter Copek helped to found the Humanities Development Program in 1975 and wrote the NEH Grant that established the Center for the Humanities in 1984. Copek served as Director of the Humanities Development Program and, later, also headed the Center when the mission and framework of the Program was absorbed by that of the newly formed Center. Specializing in the study of British literature and film, Copek also created and managed the International Film Series as Center Director. He died in 2001.
Clara Waldo served on the State board of Regents in both Oregon and California. She became the first woman in America to be named on the board of Regents in a state instution of higher learning. In 1911 she worked as the Dean of Extension in Domestic Science at OAC with no compensation and received an honoary Doctorate of Science from OAC in 1923.