THE BLUEPRINT:
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Christine Riordan steps down after 10 years as Adelphi’s first female president
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Over 50 new academic programs launched during her tenure
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Major campus improvements include Nexus building and University Center
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Interim president Christopher Storm appointed as national search begins
Christine Riordan, the 10th president of Adelphi University, is stepping down from her role after 10 years of service.
When tapped to lead Adelphi in 2015, Riordan was the first woman to hold the role in the university’s 128-year history. And while the university did not provide details as to why Riordan was leaving, it did underscore her achievements.
“During her tenure, Adelphi has been elevated to become a nationally recognized, modern metropolitan university,” Michael Balboni, Adelphi Board of Trustees chair, said in a letter to the university’s community.
Adelphi Provost and Executive Vice President Christopher Storm, Jr., was appointed by the board to serve as interim president, effective immediately.
Riordan is credited with leading the university’s development of strategic plans and goals, generating input from thousands of students, alumni, faculty and staff. “Results included the launch of more than 50 new academic degree programs, completion of the major renovation of the Ruth S. Harley University Center, and the opening of the Nexus academic building,” which houses Adelphi’s nursing school, Balboni said.
Adelphi went on to score “record-high student retention rate and was repeatedly recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, student social mobility and alumni outcomes, with Adelphi graduates earning salaries that are 39 percent higher than the national average,” Balboni said.
The university saw a “surge in philanthropic support,” Balboni said. The university also landed an A– credit rating with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s, including this spring.
“We recognize Dr. Riordan’s leadership and commitment to the Adelphi community,” Balboni said. “We thank her for her service and lasting contributions, and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Storm, the interim president, will serve in this role as the board begins its national search for the university’s 11th president. He first joined Adelphi in 2007 as an assistant professor of mathematics, became part of the Provost’s Office in 2016 as an associate provost and was appointed provost in 2021.
