Gregory Dell'Omo
Gregory G. Dell'Omo is the seventh president of Rider University.[1] He assumed office on August 1, 2015, succeeding Mordechai Rozanski. [2]
Biography
Dell’Omo received a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Montclair State University, a Master of Science in industrial relations from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in industrial relations/human resource management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.[1]
Dell’Omo began his academic career at Canisius College as an assistant professor. He then joined St. Joseph's University where he was a professor of management and also held a sequence of academic and administrative positions, including Dean of the Haub School of Business, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for External Affairs. Prior to assuming presidency at Rider, Dell’Omo served for ten years as the seventh president of Robert Morris University.[1][3]
Dell’Omo oversaw the controversial relocation of Westminster Choir College of Rider University from its Princeton campus to Rider’s main campus in Lawrenceville.[4] The relocation and residual interest in the Princeton campus are matters currently being litigated, with alumni, faculty, and the Princeton Theological seminary as plaintiffs.
Dell'Omo has twice been named in motions of no confidence by the university's faculty. The initial vote of no confidence in 2017 cited 'rash actions' and an authoritarian leadership style, and called for him to regain the confidence of the faculty. The second vote in February 2022 calls specifically for his removal by the board of trustees, citing that his policies "...have seriously eroded Rider’s financial position, reducing net income by $6 million, increasing non-teaching expenses by $8 million between 2015 and 2019 (pre-pandemic) while significantly increasing Rider’s debt, in a time period where peer institutions in Rider’s market experienced increased enrollment and net revenue.” [5] The full motion also references the 'near-destruction of Westminster Choir College' as well as a failure of the administration to meet "important benchmarks of the University's strategic plan as approved by the Board of Trustees", as well as other issues.[6]
In January, 2023 the Rider News printed notice that Dell'Omo would be retiring in 2024, something that Dell'Omo immediately discredited. In February the Rider News published the transcript of Dell'Omo's interview, showing he had been, at best, unclear.
The Rider University Board of Trustees extended Dell’Omo’s Presidency through 2024, despite widespread concern regarding his leadership and competence as the university weathers lowered enrollments, numerous faculty and staff departures, and expensive legal and consulting firm fees .[7][8]
In 2021, Dell’Omo was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) to represent the region that includes New Jersey, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland and New York.[9]
References
- "Gregory G. Dell'Omo". Rider University. 2020-06-25. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
- "Rider University announces Dr. Gregory G. Dell'Omo as next president". Community News. 2014-12-08. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- "RMU president gets new job at Rider University". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- "Rider welcomes the Class of 2024". Rider University. 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- "AAUP votes no-confidence against Dell'Omo". The Rider News. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- "No Confidence Vote". Rider University Chapter of the AAUP. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
- "Rider President Extended Through 2024 | Inside Higher Ed". www.insidehighered.com. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- "Rider President Extended Through 2024 | Inside Higher Ed". www.insidehighered.com. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- "Rider University president elected to NAICU board of directors". AICUNJ & ICFNJ. 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2021-03-22.