Keith Richardson has been named as
Rider University‘s new vice president of university advancement, effective immediately.
In his new role, Richardson, a member of the classes of 1999 and 2009, will oversee all fundraising for Rider, including the completion of its successful
“Transforming Students — Transforming Lives” campaign, and advancement initiatives for development and alumni relations.
Richardson brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, development and donor cultivation. Most recently, he served as vice president of university advancement for Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania, where he led his team to a number of historic achievements, such as leading the university to its best consecutive fundraising years, including its best-ever with $13.8 million raised and the highest number of cash gifts in a year.
He also launched Gwynedd Mercy’s Mercy in Motion campaign, aligned with the university’s 75th anniversary celebration. His team exceeded the campaign’s $19 million quiet-phase goal with a total of $23.5 million raised since January 2022. Additionally, the university secured a historic eight-figure gift and four seven-figure commitments since the launch of the campaign.
“In addition to Keith’s impressive fundraising track record, his strong ability to connect with and cultivate donors, and inspire his teams to surpass their goals, makes him the perfect fit for the role,” Rider President Gregory Dell’Omo said.
A proud double alumnus, Richardson earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a major in marketing and his Master of Arts in organizational leadership with a concentration in higher education from Rider.
Previously, Richardson served as vice president of external affairs at Delaware Valley University, where he led the university to its second-best fundraising year, while securing several seven-figure commitments. Prior to DelVal, Richardson served as the assistant vice president of leadership programs at Monmouth University, as the director of athletic development, major gifts, at the Rutgers University Foundation, and as the director and associate director of major gifts at Rider University. Throughout these experiences, Richardson provided strategic direction for fundraising, growing a culture of philanthropic giving, alumni engagement, marketing and communications.
A resident of Lawrenceville, Richardson also serves as a board member of the Capital Area YMCA and a volunteer with the Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association.
