Ex-Pa. Governor Joins Rider As Executive In Residence

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker has been appointed executive in residence to Rider University’s Department of Political Science, the university announced. Schweiker will share his considerable emergency management, crisis response and counter-terrorism experience to support the University’s homeland security program.

He was the only U.S. governor to assume his role as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He was the lieutenant governor when then-governor Tom Ridge was appointed by then-President George W. Bush to become the first head of the Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 5, 2001.

As governor, Schweiker ramped up Pennsylvania’s safety and security. Upon becoming governor, he hired an additional 100,000 state troopers.He is also responsible for the creation of the state’s Office of Homeland Security.

His administration also increased the security of state government facilities and its internet network, public venues, airports and nuclear power plants. He gained worldwide recognition in 2002 for leading a successful rescue of nine miners trapped in Quecreek, Somerset County. Schweiker was on site to oversee all emergency operations and handle communications with an international press corps.

When he was lieutenant governor, he oversaw the state’s emergency response platform. He earned a Master’s Degree in management from Rider in 1983. The school also awarded him with an honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2004.

“Rider understands the important dimensions of graduating qualified and spirited people who want to protect our nation,” Schweiker said. “The strength of Rider’s Homeland Security program is unmatched, which is important because there are critical homelands assets near the University. Rider has a significant role to play in helping keep America and our region safe, and I’m motivated to apply my experience to help refine and elevate the program.”

Rider’s 36-credit Master of Arts in Homeland Security prepares professionals for leadership roles in protecting the U.S., its interests and its allies from terrorist attacks, as well as responding to natural disasters and other threats to the safety and welfare of communities, the state and the nation.

“As our homeland security program continues to grow, we are privileged that Gov. Schweiker has agreed to dedicate his time and energy and share his experience, knowledge and expertise with our students,” Rider University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs DonnaJean A. Fredeen said. “His wide network throughout the world and industry will also surely benefit them and the entire Rider community.”

Schweiker currently serves as the senior vice president and corporate development officer of Renmatix, Inc., a sustainable alternatives company making clean bioproducts for food ingredients, personal care and other select industrial applications.

“We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Gov. Schweiker,” Fredeen said. “The world saw his deft crisis communications and emergency management skills during the Quecreek Mine rescue. Having someone with his unique and decisive governing experience will be a critical asset in preparing the next generation of homeland security professionals.”

The attached image of Mark Schweiker was provided by Rider University