Rodney S. Ridley Sr.
Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation
Alvernia University
Ridley is tasked with putting into action the CollegeTowne Strategy and Alvernia Advantage Strategic Plan. This includes redesigning and running the O’Pake Institute; being the founding dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM); teaching and mentoring students; and developing new partnerships and programs.
Ridley said he enjoys “the chance to simultaneously change how a regional institution of higher education operates and grows and … be a catalyst for positive economic development, entrepreneurship and community development. I get a chance to be a part of positively changing a university, a city and a community.”
At his core, Ridley said, “my most important mentor is God. God has shown me, with him, all things are possible.”
Don’t be deterred from your dreams and embrace things that make you different, he said. “The words ‘you can’t’ should inspire you to prove them wrong. Embrace the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ ”
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This profile is part of Lehigh Valley Business' Higher Education Power 30 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at lvb.com or in our digital edition. |
