Rod Runyan Named Interim Head of Purdue HTM

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — When Dr. Rodney C. Runyan steps into his new role on July 1, 2026, he will be doing so with both deep institutional knowledge and a clear sense of momentum. The White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) has named Runyan as its interim head, marking a key moment of transition for one of the nation’s leading hospitality programs.

Runyan succeeds Ceridwyn King, who will depart Purdue University to become the Dimond Family Dean of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The leadership change reflects both continuity and opportunity; continuity in Runyan’s long-standing involvement with HTM and opportunity in the school’s next chapter of growth.

“The leadership provided by Ceridwyn during the past four years sets the stage for continued excellence going forward,” Runyan stated. “We will continue that same focus on excellence at all levels of our mission: undergraduate and graduate education, research, and preparing the next generation of Experience Engineers.”   

Runyan is no newcomer to the complexities of the school. He has served as associate head of HTM since August 2021, a period marked by significant academic and organizational change. Among his most visible accomplishments is his leadership of the successful merger between the Department of Consumer Sciences (CSR) and HTM, an initiative that strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and aligned programs more closely with evolving industry needs.

Runyan brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience to the interim position. Prior to joining Purdue, he served as dean of the College of Health Sciences at Sam Houston State University, where he managed a $9.7 million annual budget and provided leadership for more than 100 faculty members across multiple academic units. His tenure there emphasized strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, and faculty development. During his time at SHSU, he secured funding for creation of a free-standing food pantry on campus to serve both at-risk students and the local community. He also oversaw the initial planning of the University’s $65M Health Professions Building.  

Before that, Runyan held the role of director of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Texas State University. In that position, he oversaw major facility expansions including the planning and funding of the University’s first and only vivarium. He successfully secured millions of dollars in external funding and corporate sponsorships – experience that translates well to the increasingly complex funding and partnership landscape of higher education today.

An accomplished scholar as well as administrator, Runyan has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles. His research explores small business orientation, entrepreneurial strategy, and retail management, topics that closely intersect hospitality innovation and corporate strategy. His contributions extend beyond campus as well; he has held national leadership roles including president of the American Collegiate Retailing Association and president of the Council of Administrators of Family and Consumer Sciences.

“The School’s majors exemplify those industries that rely greatly on the “human touch.” While much is made of AI’s emerging role across all industries, human experiences and relationships are at the core of what we do,” expressed Runyan. “Thus, it is imperative that our preparation of tomorrow’s leaders and scholars incorporate both emerging technology and the skills to build and maintain customer-centered relationships. Future leaders will excel across this continuum, and it is our responsibility to ensure Purdue HTM is at the forefront in their development.”

As interim head, Runyan’s charge is to provide leadership continuity, supporting the School’s upward trajectory. His familiarity with HTM’s faculty, students, and strategic priorities positions him to guide the school through this transition with confidence and clarity.

Details regarding the search for a permanent head of HTM are expected to be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, colleagues across the College of Health and Human Sciences are welcoming Runyan into the role, confident that his leadership will sustain the school’s momentum and support its evolving vision.