Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider was named to the Central Penn Business Journal’s CPBJ 300, which honors the most accomplished and influential business leaders across Central Pennsylvania.
Recognized in the Education category, President Rider was honored for driving enrollment growth, advancing academic innovation, strengthening partnerships with community and industry leaders, and demonstrating a deep commitment to Etown and the Central Pennsylvania community. During her five years as president, Rider has drawn on 38 years of higher education experience as a psychology professor and academic administrator to guide the College’s continued growth and success.
“I’m honored to be recognized alongside such accomplished leaders who are making a meaningful impact across our region,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “This recognition reflects the exceptional work happening every day across our campus. It has been a privilege to work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners whose commitment continues to move the College forward and prepare our students for lives of purpose.”
Compiled by the CPBJ editorial staff, the list recognizes 300 exceptional professionals across 29 diverse categories who have demonstrated sustained success, adaptability in the face of economic change, and a deep commitment to their industries and communities.
President Rider’s visionary leadership continues to earn regional and statewide recognition, having also been named to the City & State Pennsylvania Trailblazers in Higher Education list in 2024 and the Central Penn Business Journal Power 100 list in 2025.
Recently, the College successfully concluded its five-year Strategic Plan under Rider’s leadership and, this fall, is launching Strategic Plan 2030, a new five-year roadmap. President Rider also oversaw the launch of the College’s $40 million Build Brighter Futures campaign, designed to expand access to Etown’s distinctive educational experience through scholarship support and create opportunities for future generations of students.
A graduate of Gettysburg College, President Rider went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from Vanderbilt University and has also completed Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management.
In May, the College announced that President Rider will retire effective June 30, 2027.
Joining President Rider in representing Etown on this year’s CPBJ 300 list were Karl Brummer, Adjunct Faculty, School of Graduate and Professional Studies and President and CEO of Messiah Lifeways; Ryan Heishman ’00, CEO of Allen Distribution; Diane McNaughton ’84, Founder and Principal of McNaughton Strategies; Michael Mitchell ’84, Executive Director of The High Center; Ezra Rothman M’19, President of EDC Lancaster County; John Snader ’87, President and CEO of Brethren Village; and Ryan Unger ’01, a Board of Trustees member and President & CEO of Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.