Rider University in Lawrenceville has announced that Thomas S. Papa has been appointed vice president for finance, chief administrative officer and treasurer. He began his tenure on Nov. 30, 2025. The appointment is upon approval from the Rider board of trustees.
Papa, who has been serving as interim vice president for finance and chief administrative officer since Sept. 15, will oversee the Office of Information Technology, Human Resources, Facilities Management and University Operations, and Finance.
“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 and look toward a vibrant, thriving, reimagined Rider,” said John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA, president of Rider University.
As a member of Loyack’s senior leadership team, Papa has played a key role in informing the March to Sustainability Plan, a restructuring initiative that seeks to reestablish Rider’s financial stability and prepare for a stronger, sustainable university.
He has led the Finance Division as it assessed Rider’s current financial position, quantified its level of structural deficit and projected its cash position based on available revenues and projected expenditures.
“I have not been a Bronc long, but it has been an honor to join this passionate and dedicated community,” said Papa. “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.”
With more than 25 years of C-suite and executive leadership experience across higher education, government and the nonprofit sector, Papa is widely recognized for his ability to lead financial transformation and stabilization.
His career includes senior roles at several large organizations as well as the New Jersey Department of Human Services, where he managed a $1.7 billion budget and oversaw more than 8,000 employees.
