Dr. Christine M. Riordan, the first woman to hold the presidential role at Adelphi University, is concluding her tenure after nearly a decade of leadership. The announcement was made by university officials on Friday, with Michael Balboni, chair of the college's board of trustees, stating, "After 10 years leading the university, Dr. Christine M. Riordan is concluding her service as the 10th president of Adelphi University." Balboni expressed gratitude for her leadership and lasting contributions, wishing her well in future endeavors, though specific circumstances surrounding her departure were not elaborated upon, and Riordan herself could not be reached for comment.

Effective immediately, Christopher Storm Jr., who previously served as provost and executive vice president, has been appointed interim president. Storm joined the Garden City university in 2007, progressing from assistant professor of mathematics to associate provost, and then to provost in 2021. Balboni highlighted Storm's leadership during various challenges, including ensuring seamless academic offerings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, leading negotiations for the faculty collective bargaining agreement, and expanding the prioritization of scholarship and creative works within the Provost’s Office.

The board of trustees will now initiate a national search for Adelphi University's 11th president. Balboni assured that the board would collaborate closely with Interim President Storm and the administration to support the community throughout this transition, emphasizing the critical mission of the university to strengthen Adelphi and provide extraordinary educational opportunities for students and families.

Dr. Riordan, who was appointed president in 2015, succeeded Robert A. Scott. Her significant achievements during her leadership include spearheading the development of the university’s strategic plan for 2022-2027, known as Momentum 2. This plan featured increasingly innovative goals, informed by input from over 1,400 students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Under her guidance, the university launched more than 50 new and innovative academic degree programs. Adelphi also achieved a record-high student retention rate and received repeated recognition for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, student social mobility, and alumni outcomes.

In terms of compensation, Newsday reported in 2023 that Riordan earned over $1 million in total compensation in 2021, including her base salary, a bonus, and other related compensation. Her current salary details were not immediately available. Dr. Riordan holds an MBA and PhD in organizational behavior from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering (now materials science engineering) from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to her role at Adelphi, she served as dean of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver from 2008 to 2013, and as provost of the University of Kentucky.

Founded in 1896, Adelphi University reported an enrollment of more than 5,300 full-time and part-time undergraduate students and over 2,200 graduate students as of Fall 2024.