Rider University’s Board of Trustees formally approved the appointment of Thomas Papa as the vice president for finance, chief administrative officer, and treasurer. Papa, who officially began his permanent tenure on Nov. 30, steps into the role after successfully serving in an interim capacity since mid-September.
Papa brings more than 25 years of executive leadership and financial transformation experience across the higher education, government, and nonprofit sectors, including managing a $1.7 billion budget at the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
His confirmation signals the University’s commitment to its current restructuring effort, the March to Sustainability Plan, which seeks to stabilize Rider’s financial position and prepare for a “Reimagined Rider.”
University President John Loyack praised Papa’s swift impact. “In just two short months, Tom’s strategic insight and collaborative leadership style have helped Rider build a pathway toward reinstating the University’s financial stability as we navigate a restructuring,” Loyack said.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, Papa has been instrumental in the restructuring initiative, leading the Finance Division as it assessed Rider’s current financial standing, quantified its structural deficit, and projected cash flow based on revenues and expenditures.
In his elevated role, Papa’s responsibilities extend across several critical administrative areas of the University, including:
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Office of Information Technology
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Human Resources
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Facilities Management and University Operations
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Finance
Papa expressed his dedication to the institution, stating, “I believe in Rider University’s life-changing impact on its students and am excited to see how we collectively continue to improve upon and expand that transformative student experience.”
His background in financial stabilization and large-scale organizational management is viewed as crucial as Rider implements the necessary changes to ensure its long-term viability.
