Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider was named to the 2025 Central Penn Business Journal (CPBJ) Power 100 list. The honor recognizes leaders who shape the community and influence the quality of life within the region.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to be recognized amongst this group of accomplished and impactful changemakers from across our region,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “Elizabethtown College is an important part of the Central Pennsylvania community, and I am proud to be leading such an innovative and mission-focused institution.
The sixth annual list was compiled by CPBJ editorial staff and leadership team who chose prominent individuals to receive the accolade across various industries, including law, finance, education, government, health care, business, and nonprofits.
The accolade marks the latest recognition for President Rider, who was also named to City & State Pennsylvania’s Trailblazers in Higher Education list in 2024 and the Higher Education Power 100 list in 2022.
A veteran in higher education, President Rider has served various roles from faculty to administrative positions at Etown for more than 30 years. Named President of the College in January 2022, she has overseen enrollment growth each year during her tenure, including enrolling the largest incoming class in over a decade in 2023 and achieving the largest number of applications submitted to the College for the 2024-25 academic year.
President Rider restructured academic programs at Etown, formed the creation of Schools at the institution, established a new five-year program in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies, and expanded the College’s renowned Occupational Therapy (OT) program to include a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD).
She is leading the institution’s five-year Strategic Plan that prioritizes dynamic academic programming as well as strategic partnerships to continue to elevate the College.
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.
Joining President Rider in representing Etown on this year’s CPBJ Power 100 list was alumnus Ryan Unger ’01, a Board of Trustees member and President & CEO of Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.