Rider University has appointed Kelly Bidle, Ph.D., as its new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. A member of the faculty since 2001, Bidle has been serving as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2019. She is described as a distinguished biologist and educator.
“Dr. Bidle has earned the admiration of her peers and students alike through her collaborative leadership, unwavering focus on student success and her energetic approach to academic innovation,” stated President Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D. He added, “I have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead our academic enterprise forward.”
During her tenure, Bidle led numerous initiatives including academic restructuring, new program development, and recruitment and retention efforts. She is recognized for her organizational skills and problem-solving approach, contributing significantly to the academic operations and student experience at Rider University.
Bidle firmly believes in the benefits of blending higher education with career development to aid social mobility. “I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Rider,” she expressed. Bidle aims to maintain efforts to provide education that groom students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship.
Her research on microbial molecular adaptations has been published widely and supported by the National Science Foundation for over two decades. Her leadership roles at Rider include chairing strategic planning committees and serving as the NCAA faculty athletics representative.
Bidle has also been recognized with awards such as the Nancy Gray Award for Campus Leadership and the Frank N. Elliott Award for Distinguished Service. Beyond her administrative duties, Bidle has mentored over 100 students in research, many of whom have received fellowships and pursued advanced studies at esteemed institutions.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Rutgers University, a doctorate in molecular and cell biology from the University of Maryland, and completed postdoctoral studies at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
