UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Russell "Russ" Rang will join the Office of Physical Plant at Penn State as the new assistant vice president of operations, effective Aug. 23. Rang’s position has strategic leadership duties and day-to-day oversight of the operations and maintenance of the University’s physical plant.
“I am honored to join the Office of Physical Plant team at University Park. As an alumnus of Penn State, I now have the opportunity to give back and serve the ‘best of class’ organization that has given me so much,” said Rang.
Rang joins Penn State after serving in the United States Navy within the Civil Engineer Corps and Seabees for 26 years. His most recent post was as the director of facilities and regional engineer for the Marine Corps, where he oversaw the maintenance and construction at three air stations, four training bases and a logistics base, along with maintaining facilities budgets supporting eight Marine Corps installations on the West Coast. Rang’s prior roles include being the director of staff for the Naval Construction Group One, as well as the commanding officer at Camp David, the Presidential Retreat, among other leadership positions.
“Russ’ extensive experiences, coupled with his ability to lead well, are just a couple of the many reasons we are thrilled to have him join the OPP team,” said Bill Sitzabee, vice president of facilities management and planning and Penn State’s chief facilities officer.
Rang earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Penn State, as well as a master’s degree in construction engineering and management from Virginia Tech.