President’s Welcome

A Message from Our President on Adelphi’s Strategic Progress

Dear Adelphi community, friends and supporters,

Christine M. Riordan, PhD

Since Adelphi’s founding as the first coeducational university on Long Island in 1896, our story has been one of transformation, innovation, and resilience. Our legacy is rich with pioneering achievements that address the ever-changing landscape of higher education, inspire our community members, and transform our students’ lives.

We were the first private university on Long Island to admit women and the first in the world to launch a university-based professional school of clinical psychology. We opened one of the first nursing schools on Long Island and one of the first academic programs in America for college students with learning differences.

Our community continued to innovate and grow during the first phase of Momentum: the strategic plan for Adelphi University from 2015-2021. Our many advancements included 52 new academic programs, a first-ever sensory room on our main campus, a thriving Innovation Center to increase experiential learning opportunities, and much more.

It was an exceptional experience to collaborate again with our community to plan, document and launch the second phase of our vision with Momentum 2: 2022-2027. More than 1,400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and leaders contributed to developing the plan. Through the first half of M2, Adelphi welcomed its largest and most diverse first-year classes ever, increased scholarship funding to offer support to 100 percent of incoming students, closed the achievement gap between white students and students of color, and expanded online, graduate and certificate programs to improve access and equip students with skills that meet job market needs.

Momentum 2 prioritizes three University-wide goals that focus on our mission, our people, and our resources. We are leaning into opportunity, staying nimble and resourceful, and welcoming our students, faculty, staff and friends with openness and a commitment to their success.

I am confident in our momentum and proud of this extraordinary University community.

Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D.
President