Dr. Kimberly R. Cline '87, '89, '96

September 2008

What is your edge (strength)?
Building coalitions and maintaining a positive attitude.

What at Hofstra gave you your edge?
Hofstra provided the opportunity to become a higher education generalist - working in diverse areas such as legal, finance, human resources, labor, enrollment services, etc.

In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
Pride

What was your major?
JD - Law School
Ed.D - Education Administration
MBA - Marketing & Accounting

What was your favorite class?
Eugene Maccarrone's Business Law & Ronald Silverman's Real Property

What is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
Working with my colleagues Judy Nolan, now CFO at SUNY Purchase and Janet A. Lenaghan, Assistant Professor at Hofstra University - two of the most intelligent people I know.

What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
Management, Enrollment and Finance.
I was recruited by Anthony Procelli. (see below)

Whom in your field do you most admire?
John R. Ryan, Former Chancellor, State University of New York

What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned?
University Attorney and Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs at Hofstra University.
If you work hard and excel, organizations offer you opportunities to grow as a leader.

What advice would you give current Hofstra students?
To develop multi-dimensional skills that can be applied across organizations.

How do you balance work and life?
With a great husband and three wonderful children who all pitch in. We also laugh a lot.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
As Mercy College's President.
In 20 years, I see myself writing a book on the dunes of Fire Island.

What is the single most rewarding experience in your career thus far?
My current role as President, Mercy College. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with a talented faculty, dedicated staff , and remarkable students.

What altered your path, careerwise from the world of business to the world of higher education?
Anthony Procelli, Former CFO at Hofstra, recruited me to the University Attorney position with dual responsibilities in business affairs.

If you were currently a college student, what qualities would you want to see in your college president?
A humble leader who listens and inspires transformation.

Are there any experiences you had at Hofstra that you would like to emulate for your students at Mercy College?
Hofstra was a well run organization - one of the best I have been associated with as a leader. I want to provide the high level of quality student service we offered at Hofstra.