Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026
New college structure allows for continued investment in academic programs
by Alix Knice
Rider University has restructured its colleges to better align with Rider’s academic strengths and the needs of today’s students. The new structure brings related disciplines together, creating more opportunities for collaboration across programs and helping students connect their studies across fields.
“It is an exciting time for Academic Affairs at Rider as we continue to focus on the future through growth and investment in new and existing academic programs, with a goal of fully embedding experiential learning into our curriculum,” says Kelly Bidle, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
The College of Education and Human Services is now the College of Humanities, Sciences & Education (CHSE). This name reflects both the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) as well as the School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STM). Dr. Jeannine Dingus-Eason will serve as the dean alongside Senior Associate Dean Brooke Hunter, Associate Dean Alex Grushow and Chief Nursing Administrator and Interim Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Administrator Judy Lewis.
The College of Arts & Sciences has been restructured to create the Westminster College of Media & Performing Arts. Housed in this college will be the Westminster Choir College (WCC) and the School of Communication, Media & Performing Arts (SCMPA). The name honors one of the nation’s most respected traditions in choral music and performing arts, while the new structure will further advance interdisciplinary programs in media, music production, game and graphic design and other creative industries. Dr. Jason Vodicka ’03, ’09, will serve as interim dean as the University searches for the College’s permanent dean.
There are no changes being made to the Norm Brodsky College of Business as part of the restructuring.
The restructuring, along with Rider’s commitment to experiential learning, allows the University to continue providing students with a strong academic foundation while better preparing them for their careers.