Advancing railway management through education, research, and innovation.
The Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) at Michigan State University is North America’s leading academic institution dedicated to advancing railway management through cutting-edge research and education. CRRE takes a holistic approach to the railway industry, viewing it as an integrated system that drives economic growth, sustainability, and innovation.
Mission Statement
To equip industry leaders with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the evolving railway landscape. Through research, education, and collaboration, CRRE fosters innovation that strengthens the industry’s role in global transportation and economic development.
Vision Statement
To be the premier hub for railway management education and research, shaping the future of sustainable, efficient, and interconnected rail systems worldwide
Education & Research at CRRE
Shaping the future of railway management through learning and innovation
The Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) at Michigan State University is dedicated to advancing railway management through strategic education and applied research. By integrating expertise from the Broad College of Business and the College of Engineering, CRRE equips industry professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of railway operations, leadership, and technology.
Railway Education Programs
Our programs address the evolving needs of the railway industry and include:
- Half-day subject matter workshops tailored to specific railway topics
- Customized courses designed for individual clients
- Railway Management Certificate Program, which has prepared more than 300 future senior managers and leaders since its inception in 2007
Multidisciplinary Approach
CRRE takes a holistic view of the railway sector, combining expertise in:
- Strategic railway management, covering operations, marketing, asset management, and stakeholder interaction
- Engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and communication systems essential to railway infrastructure
- Supply chain integration, ensuring an interconnected approach to railway logistics and network optimization
Industry Scope & Research Focus
CRRE’s education and research span all aspects of railways, including:
- Freight railroads of all sizes
- Long-distance passenger rail
- Urban transit systems, including metro and light rail
Driving Innovation Through Research
CRRE collaborates with industry partners to develop impactful solutions addressing real-world challenges. Key research areas include:
- Railway Systems & Sustainability – Investigating solutions that support economic growth while promoting environmental stewardship.
- Freight & Passenger Mobility – Enhancing railway operations to improve efficiency and accessibility for businesses and travelers.
- Technology & Infrastructure Innovation – Advancing railway optimization and maintenance strategies, including:
- Hybrid Multi-Modal Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Sensing for in-motion detection of rolling contact fatigue damage in rails.
- Data collection on railway performance and safety.
- Rail optimization strategies to improve network efficiency and asset utilization.
2026 Railway Management Certificate Program
Michigan State University’s Railway Management Certificate Program is the only North American program that covers the breadth and depth of the very complex railway industry ecosystem from both a conceptual and practical business perspective.
The program is aimed at individuals in the rail industry with the potential to become senior managers and leaders in their organizations. Content is applicable to the whole rail industry – freight and passenger railroads, transit authorities, industry & regulatory agencies, suppliers, and shippers. Critical and topical subjects are covered in a classroom setting with interactive discussions. Site visits are included to aid learning. These include railroad facilities, customers, suppliers, associations, and agencies. Group project work applies learning and develops teamwork skills.
The program was developed by MSU Railway Management Program staff, evaluated and improved by a curriculum committee of railroad industry leaders. Subject matter experts for the program include distinguished railroaders, transportation industry leaders and experienced MSU faculty.
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Railway Management Certificate Program Series
Four individual weeks of classroom and site visits link to online support with assigned instructors responsible for mentoring the learning experience. A Certificate in Railway Management will be awarded on completion of the program. Each week starts Monday at 8 a.m. and runs through Friday noon. Hotel accommodations are provided Sunday through Thursday nights.
Module 1 – Railway Business Administration, Strategy and Leadership
MSU Campus, East Lansing, MIModule 2 – Railway Regulation, Safety and the Rail Industry
Washington, DC & Newark, NJModule 3 – Railway Technology, Research and Development
Fort Worth, TX & Pueblo, COModule 4 – Railway Operations
Indianapolis, IN & Chicago, ILSave $2,500 when you purchase the series as a bundle. Pay now and register for the offerings that fit your schedule.
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RMCP 01 | Railway Business Administration, Strategy, and Leadership
April 27 – May 1, 2026 | East Lansing, MI
A stand-alone module of our established and highly respected Railway Management Certificate Program, this residential five-day program in East Lansing, MI, covers the essentials of business administration, strategy, and leadership for both freight and passenger railways. We combine classroom presentation of concepts by MSU faculty experts with discussions led by rail industry experts, and with site visits to see topics in context. Railway Business Administration, Strategy and Leadership brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
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RMCP 02 | Railway Regulation, Safety and the Rail Industry
June 15-19, 2026 | Washington DC • Newark, NJ
A stand-alone module of the established and highly respected Railway Management Certificate Program, this residential five-day program in Washington, D.C. and Newark, NJ, covers the critical topics of safety and regulation. We visit Washington, D.C. to meet with AAR, ASLRRA, CRC, STB, FRA, NTSB and several other organizations to learn how they set and oversee rules, standards. We also travel to Newark, NJ to see vital aspects of railway operations such as port integration and intensive passenger service management.
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RMCP 03 | Railway Engineering and Technology
September 28 – October 2, 2026 | Fort Worth, TX • Pueblo, CO
A stand-alone module of our established and highly respected Railway Management Certificate Program, this residential five-day program in Fort Worth, TX and Pueblo, CO, covers the essentials of network operations, railway engineering and technology from a managerial perspective. We combine classroom presentation of concepts with discussions led by rail industry subject matter experts, and site visits to see railroad engineering in action. Railway Technology, Research and Development brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
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RMCP 04 | Railway Operations
November 2-6, 2026 |Indianapolis, IN • Chicago, IL
A stand-alone module of our established and highly respected Railway Management Certificate Program, this five-day program in Indianapolis, IN and Chicago, IL, covers the strategy and management of railway operations for both freight and passenger railways. We combine classroom presentation of concepts with discussions led by rail industry subject matter experts, with site visits to see these topics in context. Railway Operations brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
CRRE Media
On Track: Peter A. Gilbertson of Anacostia Rail Holdings Company
Val Kucherenko, director of the Center for Railway Research & Education sits down with Peter A. Gilbertson, President & CEO of Anacostia Rail Holdings Company to discuss their involvement with the Railway Management Certificate Program at Broad College of Business, Michigan State University.
On Track: Tyler White of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC
Val Kucherenko, director of the Center for Railway Research & Education chats with Tyler White, Vice President, Government Affairs of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC about his experience completing the Railway Management Certificate Program at Broad College of Business, Michigan State University.
Better and stronger together
At the Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) at MSU, we are proud to collaborate with leading partners across both industry and academia. Through lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships, we drive innovation and progress, strengthening the railway industry for the future.
CRRE Advisory Board
The Center for Railway Research and Education is supported by an endowment fund established by prominent rail industry owner and executive Edward A. Burkhardt.
The center is governed by an experienced benefactors (founders) committee, comprised of significant donors, MSU leaders and railway research and education personnel. The board provides invaluable guidance, ensuring that our educational curricula and research are topical and relevant to the railway industry today.
For more information, contact Val Kucherenko, Director of Railway Education at the Center For Railway Research and Education.
Get on the right track.
If you are interested in engaging with the Center for Railway Research and Education at MSU, please fill out our information request form.
MSU Broad and Railway News
The Grand Awards are among the highest distinctions MSU bestows upon its alums
Dean Souder announces three new academic leaders, strengthening Broad College’s team for the 2025–26 academic year.
Audio
Valerii Kucherenko joins Broad Matters to discuss CRRE’s role in rail education and industry leadership.
RMCP Hall of Fame
Honoring Graduates of the Railway Management Certificate Program. The individuals listed below are proud RMCP graduates, recognized for their commitment to excellence in railway management.
Each has completed the program and shown dedication to professional growth and leadership in the rail sector. This Hall of Fame celebrates their achievements and contributions.
Note: Graduates may request to have their name/company updated. Contact: crre@broad.msu.edu
Last updated: October 2025
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2025
Brandon Boyd
Mississippi Export Railroad
Jeffrey Chalich
Northern Plains Rail Services
Brian Colburn
Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad (Anacostia)
Mark Conrad
Amtrak
Kathryn Dueber
Alaska Railroad
Chad Ellerbrock
Amsted Rail
James Fetterman II
Alaska Railroad
Jeremiah Fletcher
Louisville and Indiana Railroad (Anacostia)
Brent E. Keeler
Lake State Railway
Michael Knapp
NJ Transit
Justin Knox
Iowa Interstate Railroad
Amy Louk
New York & Atlantic Railway
Rachel Maddy
Alaska Railroad
Sean Neef
US Army Transportation Command
Joaquin Ochoa
Metra
Matthew Peagler
Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
AJ Pirkl
Iowa Interstate Railroad
Darrin Pock
Rail Pros
Michael Reed
Alaska Railroad
Edwin Remley
Alaska Railroad
Steven J. Samolinski
Amtrak
Ben Skeens
R. J. Corman Railroad
Amr Anwar Soliman
Knorr Bremse Rail North America
Andrew Supan
Trinity Industries
Richard J. Thomas
Metra
Michael L. Weisel
North Carolina Railroad
Tyler White
R. J. Corman Railroad
Daniel Windle
Trinity Rail
Daniel G. Zedack
US Army Transportation Command
Corey Zeh
Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroads
Contact Information
- Center for Railway Research and Education
- Henry Center for Executive Development
- 3535 Forest Rd
- Lansing, MI 48910
- Follow CRRE on Linkedin!
- Director, Railway Education
- Val Kucherenko
- 3535 Forest Rd Rm C34
- Kucheren@msu.edu
- Phone: (517) 353-5667
- View Profile