Rider University names John R. Loyack as next president

The Rider University Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed John R. Loyack as the institution’s next president after a comprehensive, national search. Loyack, a seasoned leader in both higher education and the corporate sector, will assume the presidency this summer following the retirement of Dr. Gregory G. Dell’Omo. Dell’Omo has served as Rider’s president since 2015.

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“John Loyack is a transformative, mission-driven leader with a record of innovation, strategic growth and unwavering dedication to student success, making him the ideal choice to lead Rider into its next chapter,” said Joan C. Mazzotti ’72, chair of the Rider University Board of Trustees. “As higher education is facing profound challenges today, we believe that his proven ability to navigate complexity, inspire community and champion innovation will guide Rider forward, ensuring its ability to thrive.”

Mazzotti added, “John’s experience in higher education and business will be instrumental in further strengthening the University and driving its strategic priorities forward.”

Loyack most recently served as president of Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, from 2019 to 2024, where he led a university-wide transformation, expanded the university’s regional footprint, launched new academic programs in high-demand fields and led a $60 million fundraising campaign, the most successful in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, Alvernia achieved its first top national ranking and saw record-setting incoming student enrollment. His profound belief in the transformative power of a college education led to the development of increased experiential learning opportunities for students and new community partnerships.

“I am deeply honored to be joining the Rider University family,” Loyack said. “Rider has a strong legacy of educational excellence, engaged student learning and regional impact. I look forward to working collaboratively with the University’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and Board of Trustees to advance that legacy and shape an even more vibrant and successful future.”

Prior to his tenure at Alvernia, Loyack served as executive vice president for business and administration at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In that role, he successfully implemented financial and strategic reforms that returned the institution to solvency. He also took essential steps to grow the institution by developing new academic programs and catalyzing urban redevelopment in Wilkes-Barre that expanded the college’s positive impact and footprint in the community.

Loyack’s professional background also includes more than 15 years of executive experience in the energy, manufacturing and nonprofit sectors, consistently driving growth and operational excellence.

A native of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Loyack holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from King’s College and an MBA from Lehigh University. He is a certified public accountant and an advocate for community engagement, having served on numerous nonprofit and educational boards throughout his career.

Rider University will host a series of welcome events and listening sessions in the months ahead as part of the presidential transition. Loyack will officially assume office on July 7, 2025.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to the Presidential Search Committee, whose diligent work and thoughtful deliberations helped us arrive at this extraordinary result. We are also grateful to the many faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees who contributed their perspectives throughout this important process,” Mazzotti said.

More information about President-elect Loyack, including photos, videos and additional content can be found at rider.edu/8th-president.

About Rider University

Founded in 1865, Rider University is a private, coeducational university located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Rider offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including business, liberal arts, education, science and the performing arts. With a commitment to engaged learning, leadership development and inclusive excellence, Rider prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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