Ball State University has appointed Rodney Nassiri as associate vice president for facilities, planning, and management, effective March 31.
Mr. Nassiri brings more than 20 years of experience in facilities and operations management, capital planning, and strategic leadership. He most recently served as senior director of facilities and construction management at Universal Studios Hollywood, where he oversaw large-scale infrastructure projects and maintenance operations.
In his new role, Mr. Nassiri will provide strategic leadership for Ball State’s campus planning, maintenance, and facilities operations. He will oversee the University’s 788-acre campus—widely recognized for its beauty and sustainability—which includes more than 90 buildings and several ongoing capital projects. His work will include advancing key initiatives such as the Village Revitalization Project and major renovations on the north side of campus. He will also collaborate with the University’s Chief Sustainability Officer to further Ball State’s leadership in environmentally responsible campus management.
“We are pleased to welcome Rodney to Ball State to lead our facilities planning and management operations,” said Dr. Sue Hodges Moore, Ball State’s interim vice president for business affairs and treasurer. “As we look ahead, Rodney and his team will be instrumental in advancing key campus initiatives, maintaining and enhancing our physical spaces, and ensuring our facilities support student success, faculty innovation, and community engagement.”
Mr. Nassiri has spent his career leading large-scale facilities planning and management efforts. Prior to his time at Universal Studios Hollywood, he served as senior manager of planning and asset management at The Walt Disney Company, where he developed long-term facilities strategies and implemented operational efficiencies. He also held leadership roles at Parsons Brinckerhoff, managing major capital improvement projects for educational institutions.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Ball State University and contribute to its vibrant campus environment,” Mr. Nassiri said. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community to ensure our facilities support the University’s long-term goals.”
Mr. Nassiri earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Services from California State University, Northridge, graduating summa cum laude. He later earned a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University School of Law, where he ranked in the top five percent of his class, and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
In addition to announcing Mr. Nassiri’s hiring, Dr. Hodges Moore thanked Larry Blake for his service as interim associate vice president for facilities planning and management. This position was previously held by Jim Lowe, who retired June 30, 2024, after 37 years of dedicated service in shaping Ball State’s campus and facilities.