Today, we are excited to announce two faculty leaders beginning new roles! Zhenghong Tang has served as program director for the Community and Regional Planning (CRP) Program for the past five years and has accepted the position of associate dean for research and innovation. Yunwoo Nam will assume the role of program director for the Community and Regional Planning Program. Both transitions begin now, as we launch spring semester. It will be an exciting beginning to 2025! We thank Professor Emeritus Rumiko Handa for her years of service as associate dean of research and professor Tang for his years of service as program director.
Zhenghong Tang assumes new role as Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

In his new role, Tang will promote a culture of innovation and collaboration within the college, celebrating diverse perspectives and emphasizing interdisciplinary design and planning research and creative initiatives. He will mentor faculty in research and creative methodologies, advance the college’s research and creative activities and develop strategic initiatives that align with the college’s vision for excellence.
Tang will work closely with faculty members and partners to foster collaboration and engagement. He aims to leverage the College of Architecture’s unique capacities to help the university accelerate impact in the key Association of American Universities (AAU) membership criteria: competitively funded federal research expenditures, recognition of faculty through national and international awards/fellowships/memberships and impactful citations and book publications.
In addition to his new administrative responsibilities, Tang will continue to advance his research agenda and teach courses in the Community and Regional Planning Program. Tang is currently leading and participating in over 15 externally funded research projects supported by agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Tang plans to continue to teach a range of topics including planning studio, capstone studio and environmental impact assessment.
Reflecting on his appointment, Tang said, “It is a huge honor to serve the College of Architecture in advancing its research and innovation profile. Our faculty team has achieved significant and impactful design, planning research and creative activities. I look forward to listening, learning, supporting and serving everyone to foster more efficient, influential and innovative work to serve the critical needs of the State of Nebraska, the nation and beyond.”
“For the past four and half years, Tang has tirelessly served as the CRP Program director, demonstrating exemplary leadership in student recruitment, research development and community engagement,” said Dean Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg. “In fact, in 2024 alone, Tang brought in approximately $3 million in external grants and funded two new post-doctoral research associates and one research assistant professor. I am excited for Dr. Tang to support our whole faculty through his expertise and experience.”
Yunwoo Nam is poised to lead the Community and Regional Planning Program.

Professor Yunwoo Nam has been with the Community and Regional Planning Program since 2005.
“Professor Nam has been an outstanding instructor and advisor for the program for nearly 20 years, building a robust network with alumni, partners and stakeholders,” Tang remarked. “We look forward to Nam’s leadership as he takes the program to new heights.”
“I’m excited about this opportunity because it allows me to contribute to the growth and evolution of a program that equips students to address pressing societal challenges,” said Nam. “As the new director, I am eager to collaborate with a talented team to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive and supportive environment where both students and faculty can excel and make meaningful contributions to the field.”
As director, Nam’s goals for the CRP Program include elevating the visibility of the program locally and nationally while fostering strong connections among students, faculty, alumni and community partners through collaborative research and service-learning. Additionally, Nam aims to expand interdisciplinary opportunities and update the curriculum to reflect emerging trends, promoting academic excellence and career development.
Nam's proven leadership skills make him an ideal choice for the director position. “Nam has advanced our GIS education within the college, building an interdisciplinary research agenda that has secured funds for various innovative projects contributing to the advancements of urban planning education,” Tang said. “His commitment to student success, mentorship and program growth have enhanced our program's visibility and reputation at both local and national levels. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with Nam and the helm.”
In addition to his new administrative duties, Nam will continue to teach and lead his research program. Nam plans to teach various GIS and planning courses including topics focused on advanced spatial analysis, active and healthy communities, spatial structure of cities and regions and environmental design. His ongoing research work explores the dynamic interactions between humans and the urban environment.