Vice President KyuJung Whang bound for Princeton

KyuJung Whang
Whang

KyuJung Whang, vice president for infrastructure, properties and planning (IPP), has accepted the position of vice president for facilities at Princeton University. His last day at Cornell will be Jan. 20, 2017.

Whang began his Cornell career in 2006. In the 10 years since, he has overseen Cornell’s conversion from coal heating to natural gas, reorganized his division to better meet the needs of the changing university, furthered university initiatives in diversity and sustainability, and led IPP initiatives in leadership development, staff training and recognition.

Under Whang’s leadership, the Ithaca campus saw significant growth and development enhancing the quality of campus aesthetics, including several designs by world-renowned architects. Whang was instrumental during the competition and development phases of the Cornell Tech campus, and led the development of the Cornell Tech master plan now being implemented.

Energy conservation and sustainability also have been a priority. During his tenure Cornell completed 19 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings, four of which are platinum, and completed a climate action plan and a subsequent acceleration plan.

In addition, Whang has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations in the Ithaca area and nationally, and as chair of the Cornell United Way campaign.

“Kyu will be missed by IPP, the university and most certainly by me,” said Joanne DeStefano, Cornell’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “He is an extraordinary and competent leader who fosters a culture of cooperative inclusiveness. Internal and external colleagues admire his knowledge, openness and valuable service, and I know that he will bring those assets to Princeton.”

At Princeton, Whang will oversee planning, architecture, development, operation and maintenance of the Princeton campus, as well as real estate services, utilities and sustainability.

“I am so proud to have served as Cornell’s vice president the past 10 years and leave with so many wonderful memories and a profound sense of accomplishment. I would like to thank everyone who I have had the honor of working with and wish for nothing but the very best for Cornell.”

An interim vice president will be assigned while a national search for Whang’s replacement is conducted.

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John Carberry