Christine Riordan, president of Adelphi University, has been named to two new leadership roles in New York educational organizations: vice-chair of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities and treasurer of the Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education.
Founded in 1956 by a small group of private, not-for-profit college and university presidents, CICU now represents 100-plus independent campuses across New York State. Although not a government agency, CICU is an educational corporation formed under the New York State Regents. Its mission is to develop consensus among a diverse membership and to advance higher education public policy.
“I am grateful to President Riordan for accepting this role and I know she will be a tremendous asset as vice-chair,” said Mary Beth Labate, CICU president. “She has proven herself to be a bold and steady leader and I look forward to her bringing those attributes to this role.”
In addition to being named treasurer/secretary of LIRACHE, Riordan also serves on the council’s board of trustees and steering committee.
The Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education – a consortium of 15 colleges and universities that collectively represents more than 33,000 employees, 178,000 students and annual operating budgets near $5 billion – is dedicated to improving educational effectiveness through inter-institutional cooperation.
Along with providing information to guidance counselors, students, and parents on admissions, athletics, disabilities services, career services and financial aid, LIRACHE partners with area school superintendents to foster a seamless transition from primary and secondary education to college, focusing on skill sets for math, science, writing and comprehension.
“We’re pleased that Dr. Riordan agreed to join the LIRACHE Executive Council and serve with colleagues in this capacity,” said the organization’s executive director, Heather Shivokevich. “The consortium of Long Island colleges and universities continues to improve the quality of and access to higher education, and collectively works with our many partners to raise student attainment rates in the region.”
