Rider University recently celebrated the life of its former president—OHIO alum Dr. Frank N. Elliott, who passed away on Sept. 23 at the age of 89.
Dr. Frank N. Elliott
Elliott earned an M.A. in History from Ohio University in 1950.
Emily Kelley of the Rider News wrote in a Dec. 1 article:
One Christmas morning, a foreign exchange student from Germany attending Rider College showed up at Dr. Frank N. Elliott’s door. He had nowhere to go for the holiday. Immediately, Elliott opened up his home and invited the student in for dinner with his family, exhibiting his unending love and support for the Rider community.
On Sept. 23, Frank N. Elliott, the fourth president of Rider, serving from 1969 to 1990, passed away at the age of 89. An open memorial service was held at The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville on Nov. 23 to remember and celebrate his life….
During Elliott’s 21 years as president, he worked to help the college attain university status, something that did not happen until 1994. Since 1969, Elliott and his wife opened their doors to the Rider community, showing kindness and welcoming students. He would dedicate 70 hours each week to the campus….
Before working at Rider, Elliott enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his military experience, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree at Alfred University, a master’s degree at Ohio University and a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin.
Under Elliott’s presidency, the number of faculty holding a doctoral degree increased from 32 percent to 90 percent, Rider’s School of Education received national recognition and the number of volumes in Moore Library doubled.
Each year, Rider gives the annual Frank N. Elliott award to a university faculty, administration and staff member who exhibit extraordinary service to Rider. This award continues to honor the legacy he left.
Read Kelley’s story, “Rider Celebrates Elliott’s Life.”
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