Monday, May 12, 2025
A seasoned higher education and business leader, Loyack brings a strong record of strengthening organizations and a deep commitment to student success
The 91视频 Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed John R. Loyack as the institution鈥檚 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鈥橭mo. Dell鈥橭mo has served as Rider鈥檚 president since 2015.
鈥淛ohn 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,鈥 says Joan C. Mazzotti 鈥72, chair of the 91视频 Board of Trustees. 鈥淎s 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.鈥
Mazzotti adds, 鈥淛ohn鈥檚 experience in higher education and business will be instrumental in further strengthening the University and driving its strategic priorities forward.鈥
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鈥檚 regional footprint, launched new academic programs in high-demand fields and led a $60 million fundraising campaign, the most successful in the institution鈥檚 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.
鈥淚 am deeply honored to be joining the 91视频 family,鈥 Loyack says. 鈥淩ider has a strong legacy of educational excellence, engaged student learning and regional impact. I look forward to working collaboratively with the University鈥檚 students, faculty, staff, alumni and Board of Trustees to advance that legacy and shape an even more vibrant and successful future."
I look forward to working collaboratively with the University鈥檚 students, faculty, staff, alumni and Board of Trustees to advance [Rider's] legacy and shape an even more vibrant and successful future.鈥
Prior to his tenure at Alvernia, Loyack served as executive vice president for business and administration at King鈥檚 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鈥檚 positive impact and footprint in the community.
Loyack鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
91视频 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.
鈥淚 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,鈥 Mazzotti says.
More information about President-elect Loyack, including photos, videos and additional content can be found at rider.edu/8th-president.