After a Decade of Leadership, Christine M. Riordan Resigns as President of Adelphi University: What This Means for the Future

Christine M. Riordan is wrapping up her time as president of Adelphi University after nearly ten years. She was the first woman to lead the school, making her departure significant for the institution, which was founded in 1896.

Michael Balboni, chair of the university’s board of trustees, thanked Riordan for her contributions and said, “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.” The details of her exit weren’t clarified, and Riordan hasn’t publicly commented yet.

Taking over as interim president is Christopher Storm Jr., who has been with Adelphi since 2007. He has held various roles, including associate provost and provost. Balboni praised Storm’s leadership, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and his work on faculty agreements.

The board is now set to search for the university’s next president. Balboni emphasized the importance of Adelphi’s mission, stating they want to continue providing strong educational opportunities for students and families.

During her time, Riordan played a major role in shaping the university’s future. She launched more than 50 new degree programs and developed the university’s strategic plan, “Momentum 2,” which involved input from over 1,400 stakeholders, including students and alumni. Under her leadership, Adelphi saw a record-high student retention rate and garnered recognition for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In 2021, reports indicated her total compensation exceeded $1 million, reflecting her role’s demands and responsibilities. Riordan holds an MBA and a PhD in organizational behavior from Georgia State University, along with a bachelor’s degree in materials science engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The ongoing search for her successor is crucial, especially as universities adapt to changing educational landscapes and student needs. As recent trends show, many institutions face challenges related to enrollment levels and funding, making strong leadership essential.

Adelphi currently has over 5,300 undergraduate students and more than 2,200 graduate students, underscoring its role as an important educational hub. The right leader will need to navigate these dynamics to continue the growth and mission of this historic university.



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