Adelphi University names alumnus Michael A.L. Balboni as its 11th president

By AI, Created 4:32 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Adelphi University has named Michael A.L. Balboni ’81, JD, its 11th president, effective June 1, 2026. The appointment puts a former state senator, trustee chair and first alumnus to lead the university in charge as Adelphi expands its campus footprint and looks to deepen regional growth.

Why it matters: - Adelphi is handing leadership to an alumnus with experience in government, public safety and business as the university looks to grow public-private partnerships and expand its regional profile. - The move keeps leadership close to the institution’s history: Balboni is the first Adelphi alumnus and first Long Island native to serve as president. - The university is pairing the transition with a new academic leadership structure designed to separate internal academic oversight from external and operational responsibilities.

What happened: - The Adelphi University Board of Trustees appointed Michael A.L. Balboni ’81, JD, as the university’s 11th president. - Balboni will take office June 1, 2026. - Adelphi also named Christopher K. Storm Jr., PhD, to the new role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. - Storm has served as interim president since last June.

The details: - Balboni graduated cum laude from Adelphi in 1981 with a biology degree. - Balboni is also a parent of an Adelphi alumna. - He has served the university as an adjunct faculty member and as a trustee, including as chair of the board. - Adelphi said Balboni emerged from a national search as the strongest fit to secure partnerships, represent the university externally and support growth. - Balboni’s background includes service in the New York State Senate and roles in corporate boardrooms. - Adelphi said his career has centered on relationship-building, expert collaboration and consensus-building. - The university said Balboni is committed to shared governance, academic freedom and maintaining an inclusive campus environment. - The new provost role will focus on teaching, research and student outcomes. - The presidency will focus on operations and external engagement. - Acting board chair and Presidential Search Committee chair William Fuessler ’79 said Adelphi needs a president who can serve as a strong external advocate and executive. - Balboni said returning to Adelphi is a “full-circle moment” and that he plans to work with Storm and the campus community to advance the university. - Storm said he is proud of his 20-year Adelphi career and looks forward to working with Balboni on a new direction for the university.

Between the lines: - Adelphi is signaling stability and continuity during the transition, while also pushing a more externally focused growth strategy. - The university is using the leadership change to reinforce strengths in academics, fundraising, enrollment and campus safety. - Balboni’s mix of political, civic and board experience suggests Adelphi wants a president comfortable with outside partnerships and public-facing advocacy.

What’s next: - Balboni’s presidency begins June 1, 2026. - Adelphi will continue its infrastructure initiative aimed at supporting student and faculty success. - The university is expanding through the Manhattan Center, which offers graduate programs in artificial intelligence, business, nursing, social work, psychology and education. - Adelphi will also keep building toward its $100 million fundraising campaign goal. - The university expects the new leadership structure to help sustain academic momentum while Balboni handles broader operational and external priorities.

The bottom line: - Adelphi is elevating a longtime insider and alumnus at a moment of financial strength and institutional expansion, betting that familiarity, external reach and internal continuity can drive its next phase of growth.