DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN EDUCATION 2014
President Kimberly Cline
Long Island University
Dr. Kimberly R. Cline is leading Long Island University (LIU) through a transformational process focused on providing students with an exceptional education that combines a solid grounding in liberal arts and sciences with real-world, experiential learning, helping them to successfully enter careers in the global workplace. Many innovations have been achieved under Dr. Cline’s presidential leadership including the LIU Promise Initiative that provides incoming students with personal Success Coaches who serve as a single point of contact from academic counseling to financial aid, student life and career preparation, ensuring they are fully prepared to succeed with the help of a capable advocate and trusted guide, a groundbreaking, cross-disciplinary entrepreneurialism focus through multiple initiatives such as the opening of five new student-run businesses, and partnering with a Long Island venture capital company. To leverage the opportunities offered by the region’s strongest industries, Dr. Cline created a host of career-ready minors such as entrepreneurship, financial engineering, alternative investments, fashion merchandising, and equine management. To take full advantage of the international stage of New York City that sits at LIU’s door, she originated a UN Ambassador lecture series that allows students to learn directly from the most influential world leaders of our age. To assist talented high school students to find out if a career path is really right for them, the new Summer Honors Institute @ LIU that gives them a week-long, intensive, behind-the scenes view of some of the most popular careers. Recognizing the importance of athletics, an array of programs has been introduced for fall 2014. They include golf, track and field, wrestling, fencing, and swimming. To strengthen university operations, Dr. Cline has instituted a robust focus on institutional effectiveness, conducted a comprehensive strategic planning process, and integrated all major enrollment service areas. Looking to the future, Dr. Cline has made a significant commitment to increasing the university’s fundraising and advancement capacity, recognizing the power that nearly 200,000 active alumni could contribute toward long-term success. Dr. Cline previously served as president of Mercy College, as Vice Chancellor and CFO of SUNY. Dr. Cline’s degrees include a BS, an MBA, a JD, and Ed.D.#
