President Riordan Named One of Top Women in Higher Education

Having Adelphi University become a model of diversity and inclusion is one of Adelphi’s strategic goals. President Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D., introduced new diversity initiatives, including appointing a vice president of diversity and inclusion, attracting and hiring greater numbers of underrepresented candidates, founding the LGBTQ Task Force, launching Adelphi International (AUI) and creating a Diversity Certificate Program for faculty and staff. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education recognized President Riordan’s efforts and just named her one of the Top 25 Women in Higher Education.

In addition, the Long Island Press named President Riordan to its 15th annual Power List. She joined fellow honorees at The Mansion at Oyster Bay in Woodbury, where more than 400 Long Islanders honored the region’s most influential business, nonprofit and political leaders. Power List-ers were each given a special crystal ball, symbolizing their ability to shape the future of Long Island. “You’ve been given power and you have responded by using your power for good. That is what the Power List is all about,” said ABC News anchor Diane Macedo, who hosted the evening’s awards ceremony.

In a third award, Dr. Riordan was named “Business Person of the Year” by the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. This award represents significant contributions to the local economy, to the advancement of the aims and objectives of the chamber of commerce and to the welfare of the Garden City community.

Dr. Riordan, the first woman to serve as president of Adelphi, is an internationally recognized expert in leadership development, team building and diversity and inclusion. Since coming on board in July 2015, Dr. Riordan has launched groundbreaking initiatives to transform the Adelphi experience, resulting in higher enrollment, increased fundraising, greater recognition and new strategies to promote student success.