It is with deep regret that the University announced the sudden passing of Dr. Richard R. Alexander, chair of the Department of Geological, Environmental, and Marine Sciences. Dr. Alexander drowned tragically on Monday, December 11 while vacationing with his wife, Jeannie, in St. Lucia. The entire Rider community extends its heartfelt sympathy to his family and colleagues.

Alex, as he was known by most everyone on campus, had a distinguished career at Rider. He joined the geological and marine sciences faculty in 1981 as an associate professor. He rose to the rank of full professor in 1986, and served as department chair from 1983 to 1991 and again from 1993 until his death. He was named assistant dean of Science in the College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Sciences in 1997 and served in that position until the start of the 2006 fall semester. Alex continued as department chair so that he could concentrate on teaching and research, which were his passions. He was the consummate professor – demanding, yet dedicated and accessible to his students. He was instrumental in creating field courses for Rider at the Bermuda Biological Studies for Research, Shoals Marine Lab off the coast of Maine, and the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences in Honduras. He was the author of more than 100 published papers, presentations or abstracts at regional, national and international meetings. However, he took special pride in student research and over the years sponsored dozens of independent research projects. He and his students were also co-authors of numerous papers in professional journals. Recently, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey, an educational consortium that operates the Lighthouse Education Center on Barnegat Bay, a marine field station where Rider maintains facilities.

As the University traditionally does when a member of the campus community passes away, the Rider University flag in front of Moore Library will be lowered in memory of Dr. Alexander and to honor his dedicated service to Rider.

The Public Relations Office will provide information on funeral arrangements and any memorial services on campus as they become available. For information, call the office at 609-896-5192.

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