John Vincent Byrne (May 9, 1928 – January 11, 2024) was an American marine geologist and academic.

Born in Hempstead, New York, Byrne attended Hamilton College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in marine geology in 1951.

[1] 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.

[3] 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.