Thursday, Sep 24, 2015
Dr. Elliott served as the University’s fourth president for 21 years
It is with deep sadness that Rider University announces the passing of Dr. Frank N. Elliott, the university’s fourth president. Dr. Elliott, 89, died today after a lengthy illness.
Dr. Elliott was appointed president of Rider in 1969. During his presidency, Rider’s School of Education received national accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teachers (NCATE) in 1974, and efforts were increased to attract underrepresented students with the expansion of the Educational Opportunity Program. Dr. Elliott’s tenure also saw the number of faculty holding doctoral degrees increase from 32 percent to more than 90 percent, and the number of bound volumes in the Franklin F. Moore Library double. Also, during his tenure, the School of Business Administration building was constructed and opened in 1989.
When Dr. Elliott retired in 1990 after 21 years as president, a decision was made by the University’s Board of Trustees that the best way to honor his legacy would be to recognize Rider employees who exemplify the same spirit of dedication he embodied. Thus established, the Frank N. Elliott Award was first presented in 1991, and today is bestowed annually to a recipient from faculty, administration and support staff in recognition of their extraordinary service to Rider.
Born in Dunkirk, New York, Dr. Elliott earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to coming to Rider, he served as curator of history and an assistant professor of history at Michigan State University; associate dean of the School of General Studies at Columbia University; director of the Division of Arts and Sciences at SUNY-Cortland; and a vice president at Hofstra University.
In his book, Full of Promise, the Story of Rider College, 1865-1994, dean emeritus Dr. Walter A. Brower, wrote, “Throughout his 21 years as president of Rider, President Elliott seized every opportunity to remind everyone at the college that Rider’s only reason for being was to make available to its students the best learning experience it is in its power to provide. It is to the fulfillment of that goal that he, with his boundless energy, vision and conviction, directed his efforts.”
On behalf of the entire Rider community, we extend our sincerest condolences to Dr. Elliott’s wife, Mary Elizabeth (Betta), and his daughters, Susan Marie and Ann Neish. He was predeceased by his son, Robert Frank.
Information regarding arrangements and memorial service will be forthcoming.
