Adelphi University Rated A "Best Buy"

For the fourth consecutive year, Adelphi University has been rated a "Best Buy" in higher education by the Fiske Guide to Colleges. It is the only Long Island university listed, and is one of 44 institutions, 20 public and 24 private, to be recognized by the best-selling college guide.

According to the publisher, to be qualified as a "Best Buy" institution, Edward B. Fiske takes into account many qualities such as: "four- or five-star academic ratings, inexpensive or moderate price category, and quality of student life on campus."

"Adelphi University is committed to providing an affordable, first-rate education where student success is a priority," said Adelphi President Robert A. Scott. "We are proud that the Fiske Guide has recognized us yet again for our focus on outstanding teaching, our challenging yet supportive environment, and our commitment to enriching the lives of more than 8,500 students."

Adelphi University attempts to motivate students to excel within and beyond the classroom. Faculty members serve as mentors, and are invested in making sure students are supported in small classes and through nearly 700 internship opportunities and 80 student-led clubs and organizations.

The revised and updated 2010 edition of Fiske Guide to Colleges features 44 of the "Best Buy" schools. These institutions are based on the quality of academic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance. To determine this list, Fiske researchers combined the cost data with academic and other life-style information about each college and university to determine what institutions offer really remarkable educational opportunities at a relatively modest cost.

The Fiske Guide to Colleges is entirely independent. It offers no advertising nor collects fees from any of the colleges it covers. The guide's only goal is to help future students select the best colleges to reach their own goals in a price range that is manageable for their personal circumstances.

Garden City Mayor Robert J. Rothschild was pleased to hear the news. "I could not be happier for Dr. Scott and all his colleagues at Adelphi," he said. "It is wonderful, but not a surprise to me, that Adelphi is receiving the well-deserved accolades from those outside the Garden City community. Dr. Scott has done an outstanding job putting Adelphi University on the map as one of the great universities in New York and the country. We are proud to have Adelphi as a part of our Garden City family. The Board of Trustees congratulates Adelphi on this great honor and as a Board, we will continue to support Adelphi in any way we can."

Dr. Scott was appointed by the Adelphi University Board of Trustees as the ninth president and professor of anthropology and sociology in July 2000. In nine years, under Dr. Scott's leadership, Adelphi has increased student enrollment, addressed societal needs, expanded its campus, increased alumni participation and earned national and regional accolades, according to Kali Chan, Adelphi's media relations director.

Under his leadership, Adelphi has embarked on historic efforts to add faculty, academic programs, student services and facilities. The latest projects have added centers for recreation, sports, performing arts and early childhood education to the Garden City campus. Young people and area residents have already benefitted from these recreational and cultural facilities, said Chan.

Adelphi made the commitment to "go green" with its construction in 2003 by installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in the new residence hall. With the success of the residence hall, Adelphi continued its commitment to the environment with the new Center for Recreation and Sports as well as the Performing Arts Center, which earned Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified status. In his tenure, he also brought the Adele and Herbert J. Klapper Center for Fine Arts to the campus, the first academic building added to the campus in more than 30 years. He has built on Adelphi's traditions in undergraduate and graduate education, and continues to link the liberal arts and sciences with professional programs.

In keeping with his vision of Adelphi as the "engaged" university, Dr. Scott has helped Adelphi deepen its ties with the Long Island community. Cultural events, ranging from lectures to art exhibitions and music, dance, and theater performances, bring alumni and area residents to the campus.

He also has involved Adelphi faculty, students and the broader community in addressing pressing community issues. In 2003, Adelphi was approved as a non-governmental organization, or NGO, in recognition of the university's commitment to bringing "global awareness of international issues and the United Nations to the university community and the public." He initiated Adelphi's Vital Signs social health indicators project, The Center for Social Innovation, and its Long Island Center for Nonprofit Leadership.

Dr. Scott has been an advocate for innovative alumni programming and outreach. He brought alumni from every school and college back to campus, and sought their input in crafting a new vision for Adelphi.

This institutional strength and Dr. Scott's success at forging closer ties with alumni and community members have been instrumental in reviving Adelphi's reputation and attracting greater support, ultimately allowing Adelphi to launch its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. The university received a $600,000 challenge grant for The Campaign for Adelphi University from the Kresge Foundation, which is considered one of the most selective and prestigious foundations in the United States.

As Adelphi grows, the academic programs are evolving to reflect the needs and interests of the student population from 41 states and 63 foreign countries. Recent program additions include a B.F.A. in studio art, as well as new and updated bachelor's programs in criminal justice administration, computer management and information sciences. New degrees such as M.F.A. in creative writing, Ph.D. in nursing, and Ph.D. in social work have also been launched.