Bokil was selected for her outstanding accomplishments in three different arenas, all of which she has made huge contributions in: as interim dean, as a tireless advocate for inclusive excellence, and as the extraordinary leader of the college’s research support and promotion enterprise.
As interim dean over the last year, Bokil steered the College forward in implementing the new strategic plan, recruiting and hiring new leaders, researchers and educations handling myriad challenges with wisdom and respect for her colleagues. University leadership and provost saw how she handled these challenges and selected her to lead the university’s task force on AI, one of the most critical areas campus will be evolving over the next few months and years.
Her commitment to equity and justice are reflected in a host of examples within the college, the university and beyond Oregon State. She led the College’s Diversity, Equity, Justice and Inclusion Working Group which led to the Diversity Action Plan—making the College of Science the first at OSU to create such a plan.
“Most striking to me is how Vrushali does what I think is the most important way for a leader to advance equity and justice, which is to ask at every single table, in every single conversation, ‘How does this affect equity and justice?’ She goes one step further, and asks ‘How can we do better?’ And she asks these questions every single time, which I appreciate so much when I get busy and forget to slow down and ask myself,” said Dean Eleanor Feingold.
Throughout her career, she consistently has exhibited a strong work ethic, fostered collaborations for scientific advancement and improved the delivery of exceptional, accessible science education and literacy at the university and beyond. Her vision and guidance contribute immeasurably to the growth and success of the academic community in the College of Science.