John R. Loyack To serve As Next President Of Rider University

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - The Rider University Board of Trustees unanimously appointed John R. Loyack as the institution’s next president.

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.

Loyack will officially assume office on July 7, 2025.

“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.”

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 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.

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 coming months as part of the presidential transition.

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