Richard DiEugenio, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the President for Governmental Affairs
rxd2@psu.edu
117 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-6563 - Fax: (814) 863-8476
Dr. DiEugenio joined the staff of Penn State's Office of Government Affairs in 1986 and in 1996 he took over the helm of the Office of Governmental Affairs as Special Assistant to the President for Governmental Affairs. Rich oversees all state and federal relations at Penn State University. Among some of the activities of the Office of Governmental Affairs, is the responsibility to monitor legislative developments and direct attempts to influence the outcome of legislative proposals. Also, Governmental Affairs generates the appropriate political support for various Penn State initiatives involving competition for state and federal dollars. In addition, the office attempts to facilitate the University's response to inquiries from legislative offices which can range from policy questions, informational items, or constituent concerns. Rich also represents Penn State on a number of state and federal relations councils. Rich reports directly to the President of Penn State University and is a member of the President's Council.
He is a Chester County native. Rich earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Ursinus College, a Master's Degree from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Georgetown University where he studied under former U. N. Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick.
Rich began his professional career in Washington, DC working in various legislative positions with the PA Department of Education, Congressional Offices and the U. S. House Committee on Education and Labor. He then returned to his home state to join Penn State's Governmental Affairs team in 1986. He joined the Office of Governmental Affairs as Director of Legislative Affairs and was responsible for federal relations. In 1992, he took over the role of Penn State's Director of Governmental Relations with primary responsibility for state relations before being promoted by Graham B. Spanier to head the Office of Governmental Affairs as Special Assistant to the President.
As a former freshman high school football coach, Rich is known for his passion for Penn State football. He resides in Boalsburg with his wife, Janet Stafford. They have five sons: Nicholas, Patrick, Christopher, Andrew and Kip.