Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Restoration and Remediation Industry NewsRestoration Training/Education

Purdue Polytechnic Names Randy Rapp Professor of Disaster Restoration and Reconstruction

randy rapp purdue
March 15, 2021

Randy Rapp, associate professor of construction management technology, has been appointed the Professor of Restoration and Reconstruction. The professorship was funded by industry restoration and reconstruction professionals, including the late Robert “Bob” Bonwell, owner of Advanced Restoration Supply in Indianapolis, to promote disaster restoration. The professorship recipient is expected to provide leadership in discovery, learning and engagement related to building restoration and reconstruction.

Rapp, who has taught in higher education since 1995 and has been with Purdue since 2008, has brought a wealth of experience and information to campus, thanks to his long and varied military and civilian careers in construction, engineering, and building restoration and reconstruction. His specialties include disaster recovery management, geotechnical engineering, construction equipment management, explosives engineering, instructional program management, economic and cost analysis, and engineered construction inspection.

Rapp served in active U.S. Army engineer troop unit leadership roles, including in an Iraq combat zone. He even interviewed for his Purdue professorship by phone while sheltering under a conference room table during a rocket attack. He served in management and technical disaster recovery contractor positions during Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. Rapp also is a prolific author and researcher.

“Disaster restoration and reconstruction (DRR) is an emerging academic field that has been studied only sporadically and with a limited research scope and output,” said Željko “Z” Torbica, professor and head of the School of Construction Management Technology. “It is important to emphasize that the impetus for incorporating the DRR focus in Purdue’s construction management curriculum and research portfolio came directly from the industry in response to the growing need for both filling management positions and advancing trans-disciplinary learning, engagement and use-inspired research, all of which are critical components of Purdue Polytechnic’s mission.

“Hiring Dr. Rapp was an important milestone in that he has either initiated or has been involved in a robust array of activities, collectively uncommon anywhere else,” continued Torbica. “This has placed us on the trajectory of becoming a global center of excellence for DRR education and research, therefore making a tangible contribution to Purdue’s reputation of being one of the most innovative universities in the world.”

“I am very thankful for this designation,” said Rapp. “It is the culmination of why I came to Purdue, for what I considered to be a very worthy purpose to devote my later professional years: To help better prepare construction contractors to restore and reconstruct the built environment and infrastructure after a disaster.

“This is not an end-point but a rededication to serving the purpose and people for which Bob Bonwell and many other industry giants generously funded this professorship,” Rapp continued. “It will now be with the School of Construction Management Technology long into the future. This should help keep attention on the big, essential role of construction contractors in disaster recovery.”

You can read Rapp's work in R&R, including a study on burnout in the restoration industry, by clicking here!

KEYWORDS: appointments disaster restoration

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Cleaning and Sanitation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Pop Art Female Superhero Punches a Masked Villain

TPAs vs. Independence: The Restoration Industry’s Own Version of the Cola Wars

RIA Carrier Advocate Mark Springer

Turning the Page: A New Era of Trust and Collaboration in Restoration

Paul Davis Restoration Leadership Team

Justin Graham Expands Paul Davis Restoration’s Reach with Acquisition of Greater Seattle Franchise

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • Workload management

    Burnout in the Restoration Industry: Effective Workload Management | Part 3

    See More
  • Project Estimator in Restoration

    Project Estimators in Restoration: Managing Cynicism

    See More
  • Restoration employee burnout

    Burnout in the Restoration Industry | Part 1

    See More

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • June 25, 2024

    R&R 360 Industry Outlook: Your Complete Guide to Restoration, Remediation, and Cleaning Trends

    On Demand This webinar unveils the Restoration & Remediation report, R&R 360! Discover industry trends and gain valuable insights to drive your business forward. We've included insights from homeowners, providing a comprehensive view of the market landscape. 
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing