Inauguration

President Alex Sider

Inauguration of Dr. J. Alexander Sider 

Bluffton University’s 11th President 
3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2 
Yoder Recital Hall 

Seats are limited and RSVP is required.  RSVP form to come soon.
Unable to join us in person? Watch it live!


Alex SiderJ. Alexander Sider, Ph.D., was appointed interim president of Bluffton University in February 2025 and appointed as president by the Board of Trustees in July 2025. A native of Grantham, Pa., Dr. Sider earned his Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University (2004), an MTS from The Divinity School at Duke University (1998), and a B.A. in Religion (Philosophy concentration) from Messiah University (1995). He also spent time at Oxford University in England as a visiting fellow in theology at Blackfiars Hall. 

Dr. Sider has more than 20 years of experience in higher education including serving as a tenured faculty member, department chair, faculty, chair, academic dean and vice president. He came to Bluffton in 2006 and has served as Professor of Religion, The Harry and Jean Yoder Scholar in Bible and Theology, Director of Peace and Conflict Studies, Director of University Assessment Programs and ADA Coordinator. 
Learn more about President Sider


Schedule of Events
(Please check back as more events are added to the week of celebration!)

Monday, Sept. 29
Noon
Stress Free Monday, hosted by Student Engagement
The Spot, Marbeck Center
Tuesday, Sept. 30
11 a.m.
Cross Cultural Forum
Yoder Recital Hall
9:30-11:30 p.m.
Intramural Pickleball, hosted by Student Engagement
Tennis Ball Courts
Wednesday, Oct. 1
7 p.m.
Women's Soccer vs Great Lakes Christian - White Out Event
Alumni Field
Thursday, Oct. 2
11 a.m.
Chapel
Bob's Place
3-4 p.m. 
Inauguration Ceremony
Yoder Recital Hall
4-4:30 p.m.
Inauguration Receptions
Yoder Recital Hall lawn
TBD
Thursday Night Spotlight, hosted by Student Engagement
9:30-11:30 p.m.
Intramural Pickleball, hosted by Student Engagement
Tennis Ball Courts

Inauguration Committee 

Claire Kleman, chairperson, interim vice president of advancement and enrollment management
Mark Bourassa, dean of students 
Gayle Trollinger, interim vice president and dean of academic affairs 
Cara Echols, assistant director of public relations 
Noah Heiing, executive assistant to president’s cabinet 

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