By Troy Cofie

Adelphi University hosted community input sessions in order for faculty, staff and students to provide thoughts and visions for the next president.  The forums were held on September 8th and 9th in the University Center and on Zoom. 

These forums were facilitated by DSG Storbeck, an executive search company that finds leaders for higher education institutions. Susan VanGilder, Carly Rose DiGiovanni and Danielle Merbert of DSG Storbeck led the forums asking participants what qualities they are looking for in the next president and what the next president should focus on. Students who participated advocated for various causes that the next president should focus on such as accommodating for the large commuter population at Adelphi and how social engagement can be strengthened on campus. 

Three-time alumnus of Adelphi University Danielle Merbert expressed her desire to help Adelphi University’s presidential selection because of what the school gave her. “I’m passionate about this work and, even more so, this search. This is where I got my start. I owe all my success to Adelphi, especially the Honors College and the English department,” she said. 

Danielle Merbert, EdD is a managing associate at DSG Storbeck and a three time alumni of Adelphi University. Photo courtesy of Dr. Merbert.

Senior political science major and president of Student Government Hussein Rifath attended the student forum and stressed how hard-working Adelphi students are. He offered that this should be highlighted more by the next president. This was seconded by other students who participated in the event. 

Attendees were pleased with the opportunity for input. Junior neuroscience Errah Fawad said, “I thought the event was necessary because it allowed students to exercise their civic rights and directly express their administrative concerns without intermediate relaying.” 

She added, “It also gave an enriching insight into how academic frameworks approach presidential candidacy. However, I was disappointed by the turnout and the lack of student interest. The university could have promoted this better by highlighting the weightage of student opinions.”  

Senior computer science student Timothy Kravets agreed about the low turnout.. “It was very helpful, but it could have been marketed better,” he said. 

Senior political science student Noah Barclay felt that it was a missed opportunity for many students who didn’t attend. “It was a good opportunity, but wasn’t well broadcasted to students. I was fortunate to hear about this event from other people that it was happening as I feel it was an invaluable opportunity that most students missed out on.”  

Despite the  disappointment about the lack of engagement from more students, those who participated greatly appreciated this forum.