Rider University President Gregory Dell’Omo on Tuesday announced he will retire on July 31, 2025, after nearly a decade in office, at the end of his contract.
Dell’Omo has served the Lawrenceville-based university since August 2015.
Prior to his appointment at Rider, he served as served as president of Robert Morris University for 10 years.
“Since my arrival back home to New Jersey nearly a decade ago, I have had the extraordinary privilege of working alongside the impressive Rider University community of scholars, educators, staff and students,” Dell’Omo said. “My decision to retire did not come easily, as this has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career, but I look forward to spending more time with my family as a new leader assumes the great honor of serving Rider into its future.”
“President Dell’Omo has been a dynamic leader: maximizing opportunities, championing diversity and steadfastly guiding our university through a rapidly changing higher education landscape — always keeping student success as our North Star. We will deeply miss his leadership, but we understand and respect his decision and are profoundly grateful for his dedicated service and many significant contributions to Rider,” Joan Mazzotti, chair of the Rider board of trustees, said.
Dell’Omo has accomplished a lot during his leadership, including:
- Introducing a new strategic plan
- Spearheading major campus renovations
- Expanding its academic portfolio with numerous new programs
- Raising millions of dollars to support campus improvements, student scholarships and grow its endowment
Additionally, he has been a champion of transformational student initiatives, including the university’s Engaged Learning Program, Lifting Barriers and the Cranberry Investment.
The board will conduct a search for a new president. Trustee Joseph F. McDougall will chair the search.
McDougall is a 1993 graduate of Rider University and has served on the board of trustees since 2022. He received his MBA from the Pennsylvania State University. His professional career includes 20 years as a human resources leader for large, multinational enterprises. For the last decade, he has managed businesses and served in a private equity leadership role.
Dell’Omo said he remains fully committed to serving Rider University throughout the remainder of his tenure. One of his top priorities is the successful completion of Rider’s current $100 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, Transforming Students — Transforming Lives.
“We have much work to do, and my dedication to our university, our students and our mission is as strong as ever. I will continue to work diligently to ensure a smooth transition and to advance the goals we have set together. With the support of our talented leadership team, faculty and staff, I am confident that we will continue to make significant strides. There is much to accomplish, and I am eager to see those efforts through.”
