John R. Loyack is the president of Rider University. He begins his tenure this summer following the retirement of Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D., Rider’s seventh president. Loyack is a seasoned professional in higher education and business, bringing a mix of both corporate and nonprofit experience.
His passion for higher education stems from his own experience as a first-generation college student. Loyack believes in the transformative power of a college education, its ability to prepare students not only to be successful in their chosen field, but also valued, thoughtful members of their communities.
Most recently, he served as president of Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania. Known for his dedication to student success, emphasis on team-building and financial acumen, Loyack led a successful university-wide restructuring. During his tenure, he implemented a five-year, student-focused strategic plan, introduced new in-demand programs of study and attracted the three largest incoming classes. Loyack established new partnerships in the local Reading and Pottsville area, which led to economic redevelopment, expanded experiential learning opportunities for students and new community programming. He also secured the largest philanthropic gifts and government grants in Alvernia’s history, and completed a $60 million fundraising campaign in 30 months.
Prior to Alvernia, Loyack served as executive vice president for business and administration at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In this role, he helped the College turn a deficit into a surplus, while continually focusing on the institution’s growth and long-term success. His efforts led to the development of new academic programs, athletic program expansion and catalyzed urban redevelopment, expanding the college’s positive impact and footprint in the community.
In the corporate world, Loyack held a number of senior leadership positions in the energy, manufacturing and nonprofit sectors, where he held roles such as president and CEO of Optim Energy, CEO of CPG International, and senior vice president and CFO of the publicly traded utility company PNM Resources.
Loyack earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from King’s College and his MBA from Lehigh University. He is a certified public accountant and has served on the board of directors for the Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority, Luzerne Foundation, Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School, Riverfront Parks Committee of Wilkes-Barre, Berks Business Education Coalition, the Greater Pittston Historical Society, Imperium, Inc. and NYSE-listed AMCON Distributing.
A native of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Loyack will reside in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with his fiancée Theresa. He has three adult children.
Updated: July 2025