Inauguration
Inauguration of Dr. J. Alexander Sider
Bluffton University’s 11th President
3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2
Yoder Recital Hall
All are invited to attend President Sider's Inauguration, but seats are limited and RSVP is required. Unable to join us in person? Watch it live!
J. 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 |
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| Noon Stress Free Monday, hosted by Student Engagement The Spot, Marbeck Center |
Tuesday, Sept. 30 |
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| 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 |
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| 7 p.m. Women's Soccer vs Great Lakes Christian - White Out Event Alumni Field |
Thursday, Oct. 2 |
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| 9-10 a.m. Coffee with Cabinet Musselman Library, Reading Room |
| 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
Merv Shrock, technology center
Steven Heinze, buildings and grounds operations manager