Michael A.L. Balboni ‘81, JD

As the first Adelphi alumnus–and the first Long Island native–to serve as president of the University, Balboni is intimately familiar with the transformative power of an Adelphi education. He graduated cum laude from the University in 1981, with a degree in Biology, and is the proud parent of an Adelphi alumna. His uncle, two sisters and nephew are also Adelphi alumni. Throughout his career, he has continually served his alma mater, including as an adjunct faculty member and, most recently, as a distinguished member and chair of the Board of Trustees.

President-Elect Balboni began his public-sector career in 1985 when he was appointed counsel to the New York State Senate Judiciary Committee. After that, he served as a State Assemblyman, State Senator, and Homeland Security Advisor under two governors. Later, he received a gubernatorial appointment with Senate confirmation as a Trustee of the New York Power Authority, a volunteer position. After leaving government, Balboni founded RedLand Strategies Inc., a homeland security, crisis management, government relations, and business development firm, which he operated successfully for 15 years.

Balboni emerged from a national search as the leader best positioned to secure public-private partnerships, champion the University regionally and nationally, and drive institutional growth. A defining hallmark of Balboni’s career—from public service to corporate boardrooms—has been his ability to build relationships, work with experts and forge consensus. He steps into the presidency fiercely committed to shared governance, protecting academic freedom and ensuring that the Adelphi campus remains a vibrant, inclusive environment for all students and faculty to thrive.

A Message of Gratitude From President-Elect Balboni: Looking Forward Together

Dear Adelphi Community,

I write to you today with a profound sense of gratitude, excitement and humility. It is the honor of a lifetime to be selected as the 11th president of Adelphi University. I want to extend my deepest thanks to the Adelphi University Board of Trustees, Acting Chair William Fuessler and the Presidential Search Committee for their rigorous work and their confidence in me.

Adelphi University has been a central part of my whole life. When I graduated from Garden City High School, I attended my prom at the Ruth S. Harley University Center. I received my undergraduate degree in biology from Adelphi in 1981. It was during my studies in political science that I developed my interest in government and decided to go to law school.

After graduating from law school, I won a seat in the New York State Assembly, and my district included the Adelphi campus. During my interactions with the University, I reconnected with the late Professor Regina Axelrod, PhD, who encouraged me to join the adjunct faculty in the Department of Political Science.

After serving seven years in the State Assembly, I ran for and won a special election for the State Senate, and during that time I continued to teach at Adelphi. I was teaching on the tragic morning of 9/11 and was the first person to tell my students that our nation was under attack, linking me with them in perpetuity. I went on to chair the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. My first public speech on homeland security was delivered at the Angello Alumni House at Adelphi.

My family’s roots here run deep. With a family legacy that includes my uncle, two sisters, my nephew and my daughter, Olivia (Class of 2015), I know firsthand the transformative power of an Adelphi education across generations.

It is a profound honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to help shape our University’s future. I will work tirelessly to understand the complexities of the education we provide and to engage the essential constituencies to build a consensus on how we design the University for tomorrow’s students.

I am incredibly optimistic about the future, especially because of the “dual-engine” leadership team we are building. The absolute heart of Adelphi is our academic mission and our exceptional faculty. I am thrilled to partner closely with Dr. Chris Storm in his new role as senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. His continued academic leadership will ensure that our curriculum, research and student success flourish while I focus on our external growth. I also want to personally thank Dr. Storm for his steadfast and expert guidance as interim president this past year.

Most importantly, as I prepare to officially step into this role, my immediate priority is to listen. In the coming weeks and months, I will be embarking on an outreach tour across campus to hear your insights, understand your priorities and needs, and collaborate on our shared vision. Whether you are a student, a faculty member, a staff member, a parent or an alumnus, your voice is essential to our success.

Adelphi gave me the foundation I needed to reach for new goals. I am so proud to be given the chance to give back and help lead this extraordinary community into its next chapter.

Thank you all for this incredible opportunity and for welcoming me home.

In Panther Pride,

Michael A.L. Balboni ’81, JD
President-Elect, Adelphi University