Byrne came to
Oregon State University in 1960 and served until 1981, during which time he served as the school's first dean of oceanography, vice president for research and graduate studies and dean of research. Between 1972 and 1977, he was the director of the
Hatfield Marine Science Center. In 1981, Byrne was nominated by president
Ronald Reagan to serve as the third administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He held the position until 1984, when he returned to Oregon State and was appointed president, succeeding
Robert W. MacVicar. Byrne served until his retirement in 1995, when he was succeeded by
Paul G. Risser. == Personal life and death ==