Dr. Mordechai Rozanski Named President
of Rider University
Dr. Mordechai Rozanki, Rider University president-elect,
called Rider an “outstanding institution positioned to take
another step forward in its important progress” at a press conference
yesterday (Feb. 25) in Rider’s Sweigart Hall Auditorium.
“I believe that the next step
in Rider’s progress is the development of a new, participatory
strategic plan that will affirm Rider’s vision,” said
Dr. Rozanski, president of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
He will step down from his post at the University of Guelph on July
15 and assume the presidency of Rider August 1. “A shared vision
with the community will guide the continued enhancement of its academic
excellence, expand its financial resources and solidify Rider’s
reputation as a top-tier University.”
After being introduced by Tony
Dickson, vice chair of Rider’s Board of Trustees and a member
of the Rider University Presidential Search Committee, Rozanski welcomed
the opportunity to serve Rider.
“I have rarely seen a group (of
faculty and staff) that is so dedicated to student success, that is
so dedicated to the quality of what we do,” said Rozanski. “I
am delighted, honored and somewhat humbled to have been given this
opportunity to lead Rider University. I stand on the shoulders of
giants when I speak about president Bart Luedeke and others
who have preceded him. I know that it will be a very large job to
follow in his footsteps.”
Rozanski commented on a number developments
achieved during outgoing president Luedeke’s tenure, which have
included the delivery of a budget “in the black,” the
rise of enrollment, the merger of internationally-acclaimed Westminster
Choir College with Rider, and the near conclusion of Rider’s
successful first capital campaign. He maintained he is equally impressed
with Rider’s caring and supportive environment.
“The most important things a university
can do is to create a successor generation -- the talent pool of the
future -- and to create and disseminate scholarship. It’s a
moral mission, a social responsibility. Ultimately, it’s all
about our students. I am excited and very enthusiastic about Rider’s
future.”
