Christine M. Riordan

Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D., President of Adelphi University, is an internationally recognized expert in leadership development, team building, diversity and inclusion. She is renowned for her groundbreaking initiatives to personalize and transform the higher education experience. Dr. Riordan is the first woman to serve as president in the history of Adelphi University, an institution more than 120 years old.

Since her appointment as Adelphi University’s 10th president in 2015, Dr. Riordan has demonstrated true leadership, launching a remarkable turnaround strategy that has led to a boost in enrollment, increased fundraising, greater recognition and new strategies to promote student success, diversity and inclusion. This fall, Adelphi enrolled the largest and most diverse freshman class in its history. Adelphi climbed seven places in the U.S. News & World Report rankings during the first year of her presidency. In addition, Adelphi has been cited for excellence by USA Today, Forbes and Washington Monthly, and has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Under Dr. Riordan, alumni giving is at an all-time high.

Dr. Riordan has published more than 60 academic and business press articles, is authoring a book on leadership, and is a frequent speaker on leadership and overcoming challenges, including her TEDx talk, “Dare to Be Extraordinary.” Dr. Riordan serves on the board of directors of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RMAX). She is also on the board of directors of the National Chorale, New York’s premier professional choral company, and the Long Island Association, a leading business organization on Long Island. Additionally, she is a member of the Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education – all while raising two teenagers.

A true advocate for women’s issues, Dr. Riordan has placed women in key roles throughout the University. She created the Leadership Fellows Program, where three diverse women faculty members are studying university administration. Dr. Riordan is also a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, a pioneering group of women philanthropists.