John Loyack, a veteran leader in both higher education and the corporate sector, has been named the next president at Rider University, the school announced Monday.
Loyack will assume the presidency this summer following the retirement of Gregory Dell’Omo, who has held the position since 2015.
Loyack most recently served as president of Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, from 2019-24, 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.
Prior to his tenure at Alvernia, Loyack served as executive vice president for business and administration at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His professional background also includes more than 15 years of executive experience in the energy, manufacturing and nonprofit sectors, consistently driving growth and operational excellence.
Joan Mazzotti, chair of the Rider University Board of Trustees and a 1972 graduate, praised the selection.
“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,” she said. “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.
“John’s experience in higher education and business will be instrumental in further strengthening the University and driving its strategic priorities forward.”
Loyack said he is looking forward to the opportunity.
“I am deeply honored to be joining the Rider University family,” he 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.”
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.
