View source for Rider University

{{Short description|Private university in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, US}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Rider University
 | image                  = Rider University shield.svg
 | image_size             = 150px
 | motto                  = In Omnia Paratus ([[Latin]])
 | mottoeng               = In all things prepared
 | established            = {{start date and age|1865}}
 | type                   = [[Private university]]
 | academic_affiliations  = {{unbulleted list <!--consortiums and organizations-->
|[[Council of Independent Colleges|CIC]]<ref name="CIC">{{cite web| url=http://www.cic.org/about/membership/members.asp | title=Current Institutional, International, and Associate Members |publisher=Council of Independent Colleges University | access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref> 
|[[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]<ref name="NAICU">{{cite web| url=http://www.naicu.edu/member_center/members.asp#R| title=Member Directory| publisher=National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities| access-date=2008-03-18| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109231238/http://www.naicu.edu/member_center/members.asp#R| archive-date=2015-11-09}}</ref>
|[[National Sea Grant College Program|Sea-grant]]
}}
 | endowment              = $83.9 million (2024)<ref>As of June 30, 2024. {{cite report |url= https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2024-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-REVISED-Feb-19.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2024 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY23 to FY24 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 12, 2025 |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref>
 | president              = John R. Loyack
 | faculty                = >200 full time<ref name="Glance">{{cite web| url=http://www.rider.edu/139_55.htm | title=Rider at a Glance | publisher=Rider University | access-date=2008-03-18}}</ref>
 | students               = 3,693
 | undergrad              = 
 | postgrad               = 
 | city                   = [[Lawrenceville, New Jersey|Lawrenceville]]
 | state                  = New Jersey
 | country                = United States
 | coordinates            = {{Coord|40.280|-74.738|region:US-NJ_type:edu|display=inline,title}}
 | campus                 = [[suburban]], {{convert|303|acre|km2}}<ref name="Glance"/>
 | colors                 = Cranberry and Grey<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.rider.edu/sites/default/files/docs/news-graphic_standards_manual.pdf |title=Rider University Graphic Standards Manual and Editorial Style Guide |access-date=2016-04-16}}</ref><br/>{{color box|#981E32}}&nbsp;{{color box|#6C6F70}}
 | nickname               = [[Rider Broncs|Broncs]]
 | sporting_affiliations  = [[NCAA Division I]]<br />{{bulleted list|
|[[Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference|MAAC]] (primary)
|[[Mid-American Conference|MAC]] <small>(wrestling)</small>
}}
 | website                = {{URL|www.rider.edu}}
 | logo                   = Rider University wordmark.svg
 | logo_size              = 200px
 | former_names           = Trenton Business College (1865–1896)<br>Rider Business College (1896–1920)<br>Rider College (1920–1994)
}}

'''Rider University''' is a [[private university]] in [[Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey|Lawrence Township]], New Jersey, United States. It consists of three academic units: the Norm Brodsky College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which includes Westminster Choir College, and the College of Education and Human Services.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-22|title=Colleges & Schools|url=https://www.rider.edu/academics/colleges-schools|access-date=2020-11-18|website=Rider University|language=en}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Temperance Hall, Trenton, NJ.jpg|thumb|left|Temperance Hall, 1865, the original home of the Trenton Business College]]

The school was founded as '''Trenton Business College''' on October 1, 1865, by [[Henry Beadman Bryant]] and Henry D. Stratton, operators of the [[Bryant and Stratton]] chain of private business schools. The school was located in Temperance Hall at the corner of South Broad and Front Streets in [[Trenton, New Jersey]]. Andrew J Rider was appointed as its first president.<ref name="philadelphia.about.com">[http://philadelphia.about.com/od/colleges/p/rider_univ.htm Rider University - A Profile of Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ]. Philadelphia.about.com (2009-08-20). Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref> President Rider owned 500 acres of cranberry bogs near [[Hammonton, New Jersey]]. This is why the school colors are cranberry and white.<ref>{{Cite web|author=<!-- not stated -->|date = 2025-07-01|title=Cranberry Fest|url= https://www.rider.edu/about/events/cranberry-fest|access-date=2025-07-01|website=Rider.edu|language=en}}</ref>

The school grew and periodically moved to larger quarters. In 1896 women were admitted. In 1896 the school was renamed '''Rider Business College'''. President Rider stepped down the following year.<ref name="philadelphia.about.com"/>

In 1920 the institution moved to East State Street in Trenton and officially became known as '''Rider College'''. In 1922 the [[New Jersey Board of Education]] granted Rider College permission to confer the degrees of Bachelor of Accounts and Bachelor of Commercial Science. In 1957 Rider Business College introduced liberal studies leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.<ref name="philadelphia.about.com"/>

In 1959 Rider College moved its campus to a {{convert|283|acre|adj=on}} suburban tract on Route 206 in Lawrence Township, N.J. On November 15, 1961, President Franklin F. Moore (a 1927 alumnus of the college) announced the gradual reorganization of the college into five separate schools, each headed by a dean who would report to the provost. The changes took effect with the 1962–63 academic year. The five schools included a new School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rider.edu/news/2011/11/17/golden-plan | work= rider.edu | title=A Golden Plan | date=2011-11-17 | access-date=2012-02-20 | first1=Sean | last1=Ramsden}}</ref>

[[File:Williamson Hall.jpg|thumb|Williamson Hall at [[Westminster Choir College]]]]

Rider College merged with nearby [[Westminster Choir College]] (WCC), located in [[Princeton, New Jersey]], in 1991–92. On April 13, 1994, the college became Rider University.<ref>[http://www.rider.edu/about About Rider | Rider University]. rider.edu. Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref>

In 2005 Rider completed its {{convert|63000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} Student Recreation Center (SRC), a 186-bed residence hall, and three-story additions to Ziegler and Hill Residence Halls. The SRC contains locker rooms, a {{convert|3600|sqft|m2|adj=on}} fitness room and various athletic facilities.<ref>[http://www.rider.edu/athletics/directions-facilities/student-recreation-center/facilities Facilities | Rider University]. rider.edu. Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref>

Rider University's bonds have been rated as junk since 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heyboer |first1=Kelly |title=N.J. university's 'junk' bond status downgraded again as money concerns grow |url=https://www.nj.com/education/2021/07/nj-universitys-junk-bond-status-downgraded-again-as-money-concerns-grow.html |website=NJ.com |access-date=14 December 2023}}</ref> As of 2023, the school has experienced financial difficulties and a loss of a fifth of its student body due to declining enrollment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Querolo |first=Nic |last2=Moran |first2=Danielle |last3=Patino |first3=Marie |date=2023-12-14 |title=The Economics of Small US Colleges Are Faltering |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2023-us-higher-education-analysis/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |language=en}}</ref> In November 2025, the school announced layoffs of faculty members, salary cuts and other measures to deal with financial problems.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Rob |title=N.J. university in financial crisis will lay off 40 professors, cut everyone's pay |url=https://www.nj.com/education/2025/11/nj-university-in-financial-crisis-will-lay-off-40-professors-cut-everyones-pay.html |website=NJ.com |access-date=12 November 2025}}</ref>

===Presidents===
Rider has had eight presidents:
#Andrew Jackson Rider (1866–1898)
#Franklin Benjamin Moore (1898–1934)
#Franklin Frazee Moore (1934–1969)
#Frank Nelson Elliott (1969–1990)
#J. Barton Luedeke (1990–2003)
#[[Mordechai Rozanski]] (2003–2015)
#[[Gregory Dell'Omo]] (2015–2025)
#[[John R. Loyack]] (2025–present)

==Campus==
[[File:Centennial Lake at Rider University.jpg|thumb|left|Centennial Lake]]

The {{convert|280|acre|km2|adj=on}} Lawrenceville campus is in a suburban area three miles (5&nbsp;km) north of [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]] and five miles (8&nbsp;km) south of [[Princeton, New Jersey|Princeton]].

===Academic buildings===
Classes are held in Birenbaum Fisher Hall, The Mike and Patti Hennessy Science and Technology Center, the Fine Arts Center, Anne Brossman Sweigart Hall and Lynch Adler Hall. Built in 2011, Lynch Adler Hall is a [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]] silver certified, {{convert|21250|sqft|m2|adj=on}} building.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theridernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/100209_optimized.pdf | work=The Rider News | title= Rider University breaks new ground | date=2009-10-02 | access-date=2015-04-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2011/09/editorial_rider_university_con.html | work=The Times of Trenton | title=Editorial: Rider University construction projects elevate college to larger stage | date=2011-09-18 | access-date=2012-02-20}}</ref>

==Libraries==
[[File:Franklin F. Moore Library.jpg|thumb|The Franklin Moore Library]]

The Franklin F. Moore Library supports the academic programs with a collection of more than 481,000 volumes, 2,000 periodical titles, 650,000 microforms, 134 online databases, electronic access to 42,000 journals, and an audiovisual collection. Westminster Choir College's Talbott Library has specialized music resources including 75,000 books, music scores and periodicals, a choral music reference collection of more than 80,000 titles and more than 31,000 sound and video recordings.

Rider Libraries are the official depository for records created by the New Jersey Business Teachers Association and the Eastern Business Teachers Association. In special collections, there is a microfilm collection of Civil War Era diplomatic correspondence between the United States, France and Great Britain. It also holds a major collection of Delaware Valley newspapers reaching back to the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1970 |title=Rider College |url=https://archive.org/details/ERIC_ED038097/page/n113/mode/2up?q=%22rider+college+library+is%22 |journal=Goals for Higher Education in New Jersey. New Jersey Master Plan for Higher Education |issue=1 |pages=109 |via=archive.org}}</ref>

==Publications and media==
;''The Shadow Yearbook'': First published in 1923 two years after the institution officially changed its name to Rider College. 
;''[[The Rider News]]'': The school's student newspaper, founded in 1930, is now published weekly on Wednesdays between September and May.
;[[WRRC]]-FM 107.7 The Bronc<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1077thebronc.com|title=107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM|access-date=29 May 2015}}</ref>: Student-run radio station, founded in 1962.
;''Venture'': The literary magazine welcomes submissions from students’ art and literature focusing on any topic
;The Rider University Network (R.U.N.): The student organization produces television programs in the campus studio. Programs are broadcast on campus and online, founded in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://comm.rider.edu/RUNetwork/|title=Rider University Network|access-date=29 May 2015}}</ref>

==Student life==
Rider offers more than 150 student clubs and organizations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-22 |title=Student Life |url=https://www.rider.edu/student-life |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Rider University |language=en}}</ref> There are also more than a dozen Greek organizations. In addition to social Greek organizations, there are professional and honorary fraternities.<ref>[http://www.rider.edu/student-life/activities-organizations/fraternities-sororities Fraternities & Sororities], Rider University. accessed December 06, 2013</ref>

[[File:University House at Rider University.jpg|thumb|University House, one of the dorms devoted to Greek life]]

On March 30, 2007, 18-year-old student Gary DeVercelly died of alcohol poisoning after heavy drinking at a [[Phi Kappa Tau]] fraternity house.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/story/rider-university-freshman-dies-after-excessive-drinking-at-fraternity-house Rider University Freshman Dies After Excessive Drinking at Fraternity House]. Fox News. Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref> The incident was tied to a longstanding hazing tradition involving dangerous quantities of alcohol.<ref>[http://schoolviolencelaw.com/node/36 New Jersey: University Hazing Death]. School Violence Law (2012-02-05). Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref> Two Rider University officials, including the dean of students, and three students were indicted for aggravated hazing;<ref>[https://archive.today/20130119051507/http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-3133396.html Indictments In N.J. Campus Hazing Death]. CBS News (2009-02-11). Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref> the charges were dismissed for lack of evidence.<ref>Hester, Tom. (2007-08-28) [https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-08-28-3957140900_x.htm Judge dismisses Rider U. hazing charges]. Usatoday.Com. Retrieved on 2013-09-04.</ref> Settlement of the civil lawsuit resulted in major policy concessions by the university.

==Athletics==
{{Main|Rider Broncs}}
{{See also|Rider University Athletics Hall of fame|List of college athletic programs in New Jersey, USA#Division I}}
Athletic teams are nicknamed the Broncs. The school competes in the [[NCAA Division I]] [[Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference]]. As the MAAC is a non-wrestling conference, Rider's wrestling team competes as a member of the [[Mid-American Conference]].

The intercollegiate sports program at Rider was started by coach [[Clair Bee]] in the 1920s. Two of the school's most famous athletic alumni are former [[University of Notre Dame|Notre Dame]] basketball coach and [[ESPN]] sportscaster [[Digger Phelps]], who played basketball at Rider from 1959 to 1963, and [[Jason Thompson (basketball)|Jason Thompson]], who played basketball at Rider from 2004 to 2008 and was drafted by the [[Sacramento Kings]].

The university competed in [[American football|football]] until 1951, when the football team was disbanded.

In 2007, the university redesigned its athletic logo.<ref>Caputo, Mike. [http://comm.rider.edu/ridernews/html/sections/2006_2007/15_02_23_07/news/03_newsstory.html "University plans to revamp Bronc logo"], ''The Rider News'', Rider University, 23 February 2007.</ref>

==Notable alumni==
{{Main|List of Rider University people}}

* [[File:RuPaul with All Stars 7 Contestants at LA DragCon 2022 by dvsross (cropped - Monet X Change) (cropped).jpg|thumb|141x141px|[[Monét X Change]], drag queen and winner of [[RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 4)|''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4'']]]]In entertainment: Rider graduates include: [[Monét X Change]], drag queen and winner of the fourth season of ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 4)|RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Behind the love of Drag with Monet X Change – The Official Black Magazine |url=https://www.theofficialblackmagazine.com/monet-x-change/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>''
* In government: Rider graduates include: [[Nathaniel Barnes]], Liberian Ambassador to the United Nations;<ref>[https://www.interdependence.org/programs-speaker/h-e-m-nathaniel-barnes/ Ambassador Nathaniel Barnes], [[Global Interdependence Center]]. Accessed March 29, 2022. "He briefly studied at the University of Liberia and worked as an intern in Liberia’s banking system before eventually going to the United States for college. He entered Rider University (then Rider College) in Lawrenceville, New Jersey in 1975 where he majored in finance."</ref> [[Craig Carpenito]], former [[United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey]];<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-appoints-craig-carpenito-interim-united-states-attorney "Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Craig Carpenito As Interim United States Attorney, District Of New Jersey"], [[United States Department of Justice]], January 3, 2018. Accessed March 29, 2022. "He received his B.A. from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark."</ref> [[Frederick W. Donnelly]], former mayor of Trenton, New Jersey; and [[Mark S. Schweiker]], MA, [[List of Governors of Pennsylvania|44th Governor]] of [[Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grybowski |first=Adam|url=https://www.rider.edu/about/news/2018/08/03/former-pennsylvania-gov-mark-schweiker-joins-rider-executive-residence|title=Pennsylvania's 44th governor to share unique, proven experience with University's Homeland Security program|date=August 1, 2018|access-date=March 27, 2025|website=Rider.edu}}</ref>
* In sports: Rider graduates include: [[Florian Valot]], professional soccer player for [[FC Cincinnati]];<ref>[https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/florian-valot/ Florian Valot], [[Major League Soccer]]. Accessed March 28, 2022. "Played two seasons at Rider University where he made 34 appearances, scoring 13 goals and recording six assists."</ref> [[Jack Armstrong (baseball player)|Jack Armstrong]], 1990 Major League Baseball all-star and world champion;<ref>Coffey, Wayne. [https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/all-star-jack-armstrong-hoping-set-record-straight-steroid-era-article-1.273725 "Former All-Star Jack Armstrong hoping to set record straight on steroid era"], ''[[New York Daily News]]'', December 8, 2007. Accessed March 29, 2022. "Jack Armstrong was born in Englewood, raised in Neptune, N.J. and schooled at Rider College and the University of Oklahoma, where he became a No. 1 draft choice."</ref>[[Al Downing (baseball)|Al Downing]], 1967 MLB All-Star and strikeout champion and 1971 MLB Comeback Player of the Year;<ref>Richards, Charlene. [https://www.trentondaily.com/al-downing-first-african-american-pitcher-in-yankees-history/ "Al Downing: First African American Pitcher In Yankees History"], Trenton Daily, July 8, 2020. Accessed March 29, 2022. "After receiving advice from Philadelphia Phillies scout Bill Yancey, another great opportunity led him to attend Rider University."</ref> [[Stella Johnson (basketball)|Stella Johnson]], professional basketball player in [[WNBA]] and all-time leading Bronc scorer;<ref>[https://www.wnba.com/player/stella-johnson/ Stella Johnson], [[WNBA]]. Accessed March 29, 2022.</ref> [[Jeff Kunkel]], professional baseball player; [[Caroline Lind]], MBA, Olympic Gold Medal rower at the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in Beijing; [[Digger Phelps]], ESPN college basketball analyst and former [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish]] basketball coach; [[Bobby Smith (American soccer)|Bobby Smith]], National Soccer Hall of Fame member; and [[Jason Thompson (basketball)|Jason Thompson]], basketball player in the [[NBA]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{ccat}}
* {{Oweb}}
* [https://gobroncs.com/ Athletics website]

{{Rider University}}
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{{Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey}}
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[[Category:Rider University| ]]
[[Category:1865 establishments in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Mercer County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1865]]