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7/21/2023
Former Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald Batory will join Michigan State University’s Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) to provide leadership, vision, strategy and direction to its programming, the university announced yesterday.
Housed in MSU's Broad College of Business, the center offers research and education in management specifically geared to the rail industry. In his new role, Batory will provide expertise and leadership as the CRRE develops new and improved educational programs, said Nick Little, the center’s director, in a press release. Batory will help fulfill the vision of the center’s benefactor Ed Burkhardt, whose gift established the Burkhardt Professor in Railway Management, Little said.
"Expanding the center’s relationships with key rail industry leaders will provide students and staff with valuable information and opportunities," he added.
Batory’s rail experience spans more than 52 years in the public and private sectors. Most recently, he led the FRA during President Donald Trump’s administration. Prior to that position, Batory was president and chief operating officer of Conrail. He also previously served as president of The Belt Railway Co. of Chicago and spent more than 20 years working for Class Is.
The new CRRE role represents a homecoming of sorts for Batory, who served on the center’s advisory group that established the Railway Management Certificate Program in 2007.
"Contributing through an academic venue is a unique opportunity to collaborate with growing rail transportation talent and passion residing in our logistics system," Batory said.