Adelphi University Names First Female President in 118-Year History

For the first time in its 118-year history, Adelphi University will have a woman at the helm.

Dr. Christine Riordan was announced as Adelphi’s 10th university president Tuesday.

“Already on an exciting path, with its rich legacy and reputation, combination of academic programs, deep sense of community and dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, Adelphi is poised for launch onto the grand stage as a model metropolitan university,” Riordan said, adding she was “honored and humbled” to be given the opportunity.

Riordan will head to Adelphi from the University of Kentucky where she served as provost beginning in 2013. At UK, Riordan helped launch the expansion of residential “live and learn” programs, refined the financial system, encouraged new admissions marketing techniques, and focused on retention and graduation of the school’s more than 30,000 students.

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“Chris is a leading scholar, researcher and author, and a nationally recognized leader in higher education,” said Dr. N. Gerry House of the university’s search committee. He added the committee “was impressed” by her emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and on innovative experiential learning.

“She promotes a culture of academic excellence and leads by example. We look forward to working with Chris as she forges an exciting path for both the undergraduate and graduate students at Adelphi University,” House said of Riordan.

While the school is excited to welcome Riordan, it is saying goodbye to current president Dr. Robert Scott.

“Serving as Adelphi’s president has been a great joy and an unparalleled privilege,” Scott said. “I love this place and its people and I congratulate the board on selecting an outstanding leader for this remarkable institution. I look forward to working with Dr. Riordan in the months ahead to ensure a successful transition. Carole and I also extend a warm welcome to Chris, Bob and their children to the Adelphi family.”

During a press conference Tuesday, Riordan commended Scott’s legacy that created a prosperous student body, a substantial increase in enrollment and endowment, and alumni engagement, and said she was “very impressed” with the university’s growth.

“We believe that Chris will continue to build on the outstanding accomplishments of President Scott, a truly transformative and widely admired leader,” Adelphi Board Chairman Robert Willumstad said. “On behalf of the board of trustees, I extend our deepest appreciation for his extraordinary service and profound contributions to Adelphi.”

Riordan will begin her chapter at Adelphi on July 1.

Photo credit: Adelphi University