Oklahoma State University is advancing education and research in biological sciences with the merger of the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution. On July 1, the two units officially became a single entity: the OSU Department of Biology. “This merger reflects our dedication to evolving with the needs of our students and the scientific community,” said Dr. Melinda Cro, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “By bringing together these two strong departments, we are enhancing our ability to train future scientists and health care professionals, solve pressing biological challenges and elevate OSU’s impact in the life sciences.” The unification bolsters OSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, providing students with a more comprehensive and streamlined academic experience. “We have always shared much of our curriculum, and this opportunity further allows our faculty to work closely together to improve course sequencing and content to prepare our students for their future careers,” said Dr. Jason Belden, former Department of Integrative Biology head. “Our merged department will help foster continued research collaboration, especially in areas of joint interest like environmental protection, genetics and evolution.” While the department’s name has changed, the existing major options are staying the same. These include bachelor’s degrees in biology, physiology, plant biology and zoology, and graduate degrees in integrative biology and plant biology. “We are maintaining the unique training and opportunities of each of those degrees,” Belden said, who is now the interim head of the new Department of Biology. Dr. Mark Fishbein, Regents Professor and former Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution head, added that the excellence of both departments will be further enhanced by combining resources and expertise. “We’re looking forward to better coordination of shared responsibilities for courses in our undergraduate programs, including more regular offerings of specialized courses,” Fishbein said. “I’m personally looking forward to bringing plant biology and research involving plants further to the forefront across the life sciences.” With the Department of Biology merger having been in the works since August 2024, faculty and administrative teams used the spring and summer of 2025 to ensure a final transition in time for fall courses. “Faculty and staff are excited about coming together to tackle new challenges,” Belden said. “By further developing our undergraduate programs, we’re continuing to provide outstanding training and collaborative hands-on research opportunities for current and future OSU students.” Looking ahead, the Department of Biology will be involved with the proposed life sciences facility that received $80 million in state funding in 2024. The building — which also requires $80 million from private donations to be built — will allow the Department of Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences to further improve STEM and pre-health offerings. “We take seriously our responsibility to give students the foundations they need to become part of a strong workforce,” Cro said. “Along with our dedicated faculty and staff, the new life sciences building is critical to attracting the brightest minds to Oklahoma State and giving them the experience they need to improve their communities and solve society’s problems.” From left: Drs. Mark Fishbein and Jason Belden The newly formed Department of Biology provides expanded resources and opportunities for OSU students. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 11
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