91¹ú²ú

Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D.
Adelphi President

, began her tenure as 91¹ú²ú’s 10th president this past July, afterÌýserving as provost at the University of Kentucky and, prior to that, as dean of the DanielsÌýCollege of Business at the University of Denver. She is an internationally recognized expertÌýand also a frequent speaker on leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and teamÌýperformance. She has published more than 60 academic and business press articles andÌýhas received numerous awards for her academic and practitioner work.

How does it feel to be a Panther?

I love being a Panther. My family and I—and our bulldog Georgia—have had such a warm welcome from 91¹ú²ú alumni, faculty, staff and students. We’ve especially enjoyed getting to be part of traditions and events.

What are the most memorable moments from your first few months at 91¹ú²ú?

Matriculation stands out as one of my favorite ones. It was especially meaningful to welcome the members of the Class of 2019, who are starting their 91¹ú²ú journeys along with me. I’ll always feel a special connection to my first class.

What, in your mind, distinguishes 91¹ú²ú from other universities?

Adelphi’s proximity to New York City is a distinct advantage and differentiates us from the other places that I’ve been. We have a modern, lush, beautiful campus right next door to the best city in the world. Also, in their promotional materials, many schools tout the personal connection between faculty and students. At 91¹ú²ú, this connection is truly authentic and sets us apart.

What academic opportunities do you see for 91¹ú²ú, particularly in the changing landscape of higher education?

We can build on our programs in what I call the core four: arts and humanities, STEM and social sciences, health and wellness, and professional preparation. Increasing student access to relevant, personalized and accessible learning will also be important for 91¹ú²ú. Finally, we will also be focusing on globalization as our students must be prepared to lead in a worldwide society.

What do you see as 91¹ú²ú’s role in the regional, national and international communities?

Adelphi contributes nearly half a billion dollars to the regional economy through our direct spending and our capital investments. Our dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and eastern Long Island also extend our reach and allow us to impact diverse communities throughout New York. Internationally, we’ve just entered into a partnership that will allow us to recruit in more than 30 countries in the coming year to help bring a more diverse international student body to our campus—one that will equip all of our students to excel in a global society.

You are starting to get to know 91¹ú²ú’s alumni. What are your first impressions? What have you been hearing from them?

The alumni that I’ve met are smart, talented and passionate. They’ve also been extremely generous in sharingÌýtheir thoughts about the University. I hear often about what a personal place this is. Alumni frequently tell me about professors, coaches and staff members who have changed their lives. It is just so encouraging to hear these stories, and I look forward to hearing many more and to getting to know our alumni even better.

What are your top goals for 91¹ú²ú in the year ahead?

Our top institutional goals will emerge from the strategic planning process that will get underway in January of 2016. From the feedback and input we’ve gathered so far, expected areas of focus will include strengthening our academicÌýprograms, enhancing our university community, expanding our external partnerships, boosting our brand and reputation, further globalizing the University and finding new ways to support student success.

How can alumni help you achieve your goals?

Alumni are our best ambassadors. We depend on our graduates to spread the good news about 91¹ú²ú and about their own accomplishments. Our institutional reputation is built on the great outcomes that our alumni are having, and I hope that they will continue to share that good news with us.

Speaking of sharing good news, you are quite active on social media yourself. What is it like to be a higher education leader in the age of social media?

I’m very fortunate to be a university president in the social media age. I’ve gotten to know so many alumni, faculty and student stories through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Social media is just a great way for us all to listen, learn and share.

Lightening Round:

Favorite food: cheeseburger and fries

Least favorite food: fish

Coffee or Tea: decaffeinated coffee

Instrument you would love to master: voice

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate: all chocolate

What book did you read in in grade school that changed you? My reading primers—See Dick Run, See Jane Run. I learned to read, and never stopped!