LIU Names New President

Long Island University announced Thursday its new president will be Kimberly Cline, the first female president in the University's 87-year history.

Cline, who currently serves as president of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, will assume her new post in July.

She will succeed David J. Steinberg, who leaves the position after 27 years. Cline will be the University's tenth president.

“Kimberly Cline is uniquely qualified to advance our mission of access and excellence,” said Edward Travaglianti, chairman of LIU’s board of trustees, on the University's website. “Dr. Cline is a change agent with a proven record of success in complex, multicampus institutions. I have no doubt that she will build on David Steinberg’s legacy to bring the University to new heights and make a real difference in the lives of our students.”

Cline said the sees the complexity of the school's makeup as an attribute.

“There is no institution quite like LIU,” she said. “There are great strengths and opportunities in the diversity of its campuses, students and academic programs. I look forward to capitalizing on the synergies between its urban and suburban campuses to increase the University-wide value proposition for the students, faculty and communities LIU serves.”

She brings a "rare trifecta of managerial, financial and legal expertise" to her new job, according to the website, which mentions her current presidency as well as a background as a chief financial officer for the SUNY system and as a university attorney.

Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle chairs the New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education.

"Kim Cline is a dynamic administrator with broad experience in both the public and private sectors. Her energy and creative problem solving abilities makes her the right person to lead Long Island University," he said.

For more information, visit www.liu.edu/10thpresident.