Paul Langley: An exciting career path from the navy to the university

White man with glasses and a grey shirt stands in front of pipes (inside the central power station)

Paul Langley

Associate Director of Utilities Operations

Where do you work within the VPFA portfolio?

I work in Campus Planning and Facilities Management – Utilities and Energy.

What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?

I am the Associate Director for the Utility Plant with a focus on the operations and maintenance of thermal systems. 

What has been your career path; how did you end up in your current position?

I spent 6 years in the Navy with 2 years attending specialized schools learning about the utility and propulsion systems of Navy ships. I did 3 deployments to the Persian Gulf. After my enlistment ended, I was employed as a technician for Sony Electronics making computer monitors and Sony Music making CD’s. After the plant shut down, I found a position that fit my experience from the Navy as a Plant Operator here at the University in 2003. In 2015, I became the lead Operator and in 2016, I became the Operations Superintendent. After the Director left in 2020,  I became the Interim Co-Director and held that position until this past year.

Share a little about yourself personally: How did you end up in Eugene?

  • I am originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego where I met my wife while my ship was visiting the Rose Festival. We lived in San Diego for 5 years before we decided to move to Eugene in 1997.
  • Family: I have been married to my wife Danielle for 32 years and have two kids, Mya and Kyle.  Mya is a senior at Oregon State and will be graduating soon. My son Kyle just graduated high school early and will be attending Lane Community College this spring.
  • Favorite food: I enjoy all southern cooking and anything Italian.
  • Recent hobbies: In my off time, I enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.

(April 2024)