Hall of Fame
Dr. Robert A. Scott was appointed by the Adelphi University Board of Trustees as the ninth President in July 2000. Prior to his appointment to this position, he served as President of Ramapo College from 1985-2000 and as leader of two higher education coordinating agencies. Dr. Scott holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University (Pennsylvania) and the Ph.D. degree from Cornell University (New York). He is the only person to hold the three top positions in American higher education, head of a public institution, a state coordinating board, and a private university.
During Dr. Scott’s Presidency at Adelphi University, more than 300 new faculty have been appointed and dozens of new programs added; the first new residence hall in thirty-six years was completed to accommodate growing student demand; the new Adele and Herbert J. Klapper Center for Fine Arts for sculpture, ceramics, painting, print-making was opened; alumni contributions rose nearly 700% and annual fundraising results increased by more than 300%. Nearly 500,000 square feet of new and renovated space has been added in recent years, including the Early Learning Center, the Center for Recreation and Sports, Motamed Field, Janet L. Ficke Stadium, William J. Bonomo Field, the Performing Arts Center, and a 310-car garage below Motamed Field. Nearly 120,000 square feet received LEED certification. Another residence hall with geothermal heating and cooling was completed in June 2011.
Invested funds at Adelphi University have more than doubled. Total enrollment has increased nearly 40 percent, undergraduate enrollment increased by 66 percent and total assets of the University amount to over $400 million, up from $142 million. All measures of quality assurance, including regional and national institutional and academic accreditation, are up to date and strong. Since 2006, Adelphi has been named one of 24 “Best Buys” in private higher education by the “Fiske Guide to Colleges.”
In keeping with his vision of Adelphi as the “engaged” university, Dr. Scott has helped the University deepen its ties with the Long Island community. On-campus cultural events, ranging from timely lectures to art exhibitions and music, dance, and theater performances, attract alumni and area residents. He has also involved Adelphi faculty, students, and the broader community in addressing pressing community issues. He initiated Adelphi’s Vital Signs social health assessment project and the Adelphi Community Fellows Program, and established the University’s Long Island Center for Nonprofit Leadership.
Since joining Adelphi, he has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Long Islanders by Long Island Business News and was recognized with the 2008 Chief Executive Leadership Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II and has reserved numerous other accolades.
