Administration

President

Dr. Susan Poser is the ninth president of Hofstra University. She assumed office on August 1, 2021.

Since her appointment, Dr. Poser has focused on strengthening academic programs, improving student recruitment and outreach, and attracting top talent to drive innovation. She has deepened Hofstra’s ties with local communities, collaborated with alumni nationwide, and guided a campus-wide initiative to gather input on the University’s identity and future direction. This effort resulted in the creation of Hofstra’s strategic plan, Hofstra 100, which was unveiled in fall 2024 and charts the University’s course toward its centennial in 2035. In May 2025, Hofstra introduced a new brand identity and logo, reflecting Hofstra’s next chapter.

During Dr. Poser’s tenure, Hofstra University has achieved record-high student retention, increased alumni fundraising, and invested significantly in innovative academic programs. In 2024, the University received a $35 million gift to support undergraduate scholarships in the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the largest gift for undergraduate education and the second largest in Hofstra’s history. In January 2025, the University was elevated to an R2 designation for high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education for its commitment to graduate education and research excellence.

In alignment with the University’s commitment to opportunity and access, Hofstra launched the Hofstra-Uniondale Pathway Program (HUPP), which offers Uniondale High School students a chance to earn college credit. Four students from the first cohort received full scholarships to attend Hofstra.

Dr. Poser plays an active role in regional development. She serves on the boards of the Long Island Association, Accelerate Long Island, and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. She is also a member of The Women’s Forum of New York and The Chicago Network.

Prior to joining Hofstra, Dr. Poser served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). There, she led the UIC’s acquisition of John Marshall Law School, the first public law school in Chicago, and developed initiatives to support faculty success and expand diversity. She previously held leadership roles at the University of Nebraska, including dean of the College of Law, where she led a campaign to raise $23 million. During her tenure as dean, the College of Law improved its U.S. News & World Report ranking by 35 places. Prior to becoming dean, Dr. Poser served as associate to the chancellor at the University of Nebraska and was a professor of law for over 15 years.

Dr. Poser grew up in New York City. She graduated with honors in ancient Greek from Swarthmore College and earned a JD from UC Berkeley School of Law and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. She clerked for the Honorable Dolores K. Sloviter, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia, and served as the Zicklin Fellow in Ethics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Her board service, past and present, includes the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, the International Women’s Forum (Chicago chapter), the Nebraska Humanities Foundation, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Space Museum (Omaha), and the American Civil Liberties Union (national board and Nebraska chapter).

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Charlie Riordan, PhD, serves as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Hofstra University.

Reporting to the president, Dr. Riordan oversees all aspects of the University’s academic enterprise, including its Schools, Colleges, academic programs, Libraries, the Museum of Art, the Saltzman Community Services Center, the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Institutional Research and Strategic Analysis.

Before joining Hofstra, Dr. Riordan held several leadership positions at the University of Delaware (UD), most recently serving as vice president of research, scholarship, and innovation. He was a member of UD’s faculty since 1997 and served as chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and vice provost for graduate and professional education. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Riordan has championed initiatives to recruit, retain, and mentor faculty, including those from underrepresented groups, while fostering a culture of belonging.

An internationally recognized chemist, Dr. Riordan’s research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. He is the recipient of a 1994 National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award (NYI). An elected fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he received the 2013 American Chemical Society Delaware Section Award for his scholarly research. Dr. Riordan was elected to Texas A&M University’s College of Science Academy of Distinguished Former Students. In 2022, he received the University of Delaware’s Medal of Distinction for his contributions to society and the University.

Dr. Riordan earned his bachelor’s degree at the College of Holy Cross, his PhD at Texas A&M University, and was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago.

Senior Vice President for Financial Affairs and Treasurer

Timothy Doyle is senior vice president for financial affairs and treasurer at Hofstra University. In this role, he oversees all fiscal operations of the University, including the development of the annual budget, financial reporting, accounts receivable and payable, investments, payroll, purchasing, auxiliary services, and risk management. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, he stewards the University’s endowment and reports Hofstra’s financial position to external agencies. He also leads Hofstra’s Division of Facilities and Operations, which provides services to the 244-acre campus community and includes the departments of Campus Operations (Custodial and Grounds), Event Management, Dining Services, Fire and Life Safety, the Print Shop and Mail Center, and Sustainability.

Prior to joining Hofstra, Doyle served as senior vice president for finance and administration at The University of Scranton. He previously held the role of president and chief operating officer of Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a global leader in type 1 diabetes research. There, he led organizational strategy, operations, and revenue growth.

Doyle spent the early part of his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. After earning an Executive MBA, he transitioned into financial services as vice president of financial operations at Fidelity Investments, where he was a member of the Fidelity Employer Services Company. He led a significant organizational redesign that migrated operations into functional alignment, expanding his leadership span to over 120 employees across transaction processing, financial operations, and audit and control. He earned Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and led enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives to develop scalable infrastructure and strengthen operational efficiency.

He later moved into higher education and scientific research leadership, serving as chief operating officer of Harvard University Press and associate dean for finance at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. There, he oversaw financial operations, facilities management, and information security, and helped lead planning for a $450 million capital campaign and a 550,000-square-foot academic and research facility. As chief operating officer at the Carnegie Institution for Science, he directed administrative operations and served as director of the Giant Magellan Telescope Organization, leading the development of one of the world’s most advanced earth-based telescopes in partnership with global institutions.

In addition to his executive roles, Doyle has served on numerous committees and advisory boards, and he is an active volunteer with Greenhouse Scholars, where he serves as a coach and mentor to recent first-generation college graduates.

Doyle holds an Executive MBA from Suffolk University and a Bachelor of Science from Boston College.

Senior Vice President for Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success

Jessica Eads is senior vice president for student enrollment, engagement, and success at Hofstra University. A proud Hofstra alumna, Eads’ journey began as a student, where her passion for higher education first took root. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hofstra University and a Master of Arts in Counseling and MSEd in Educational Administration from Columbia University Teachers College.

Eads joined Hofstra’s enrollment services team in 1999 as associate dean for MBA/EMBA recruitment. In 2002, she was appointed dean of undergraduate admission operations, and by 2006, she had assumed University-wide responsibility for undergraduate recruitment and enrollment management as vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission and financial aid.

In 2022, under Eads’ leadership, the Division of Enrollment Management merged with the Division of Student Affairs to form the Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success. The newly formed division captures the full student lifecycle, promoting student learning, growth, and success, in and out of the classroom. Eads’ commitment to student success is reflected in her hands-on leadership style. She is consistently available to meet with students, listen to their experiences, and learn how the University can better serve them. She even maintains a group chat with students where they can share their concerns, ask questions, and bring important matters to her attention.

Guided by the belief that every student should feel supported throughout their time at Hofstra, Eads focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships with students and families. Her mission is to ensure that the sense of belonging students feel when they first choose Hofstra continues to grow, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and personally, and ultimately, to leave their mark on the University community.

Eads stays closely connected to the higher education community by serving on boards and holding memberships with EAB (formerly Education Advisory Board), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the CAA Academic Alliance.

Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel

Jason King, JD, is senior vice president for legal affairs and general counsel at Hofstra University. As the University’s chief legal advisor, he is responsible for overseeing all institutional legal matters, advising on all legal issues, and serving as a collaborative strategic advisor.

King joined Hofstra in June 2025 following an impressive tenure at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was associate vice president of strategic risk management and chief legal officer. There, he advised executive leadership and helped build a culture that promoted compliance and integrity.

Previously, King spent over a decade with the University of Texas System Administration, serving in senior roles, including chief compliance and ethics officer. He was instrumental in designing a robust compliance strategy that helped safeguard a $3.5 billion research portfolio from foreign influence and regulatory risk, coordinating efforts across 14 institutions. His leadership in compliance and ethics was widely recognized across the UT System. Earlier in his legal career, King was assistant general counsel at the Texas Ethics Commission and practiced law with the Austin firm Akers & Boulware-Wells, LLP.

King holds a Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is known for his strategic, forward-looking legal approach and collaborative commitment to transparency, compliance, and institutional excellence in higher education.

Vice President and Director of Athletics

Rick Cole Jr. is in his eighth year at Hofstra in 2025-2026 and serves as vice president and director of athletics. An innovative leader with more than 30 years of experience at college sports programs across the New York metro area, Cole began his tenure at Hofstra University on May 21, 2018.

Cole, who has served as a director of athletics at three different institutions, is entering his 22^nd year as an athletic director.

Cole has transformed Hofstra with successful fundraising efforts, with membership and revenue from the Hofstra Athletics Pride Club at record levels. Since his arrival, there has been a 125% increase in annual dollars raised, a 343% increase in total donors, and a 388% increase in sponsorships. In addition, revenues from facility rentals have gone up by 57% under his watch. Cole also negotiated the department’s first-ever head-to-toe apparel and shoe deal with Nike in March 2019, which was renewed in 2024.

Dedicated to building champions in academics, athletics, in the community, and in life, Hofstra student-athletes have flourished in the classroom over the past seven years, setting records for department-wide grade point averages. Pride student-athletes have had a combined 3.0 GPA or higher in each semester under Cole and for 25 consecutive semesters in total. Seventeen student-athletes have been named Academic All-American, with many others earning Academic All-District and coaches association academic accolades. Cole created, in conjunction with Hofstra’s Office of the Provost, the Hofstra Athletic Director Scholars Academic Honor Roll to recognize the outstanding scholarly accomplishments of Hofstra’s student-athletes.

As a member of Hofstra President Susan Poser’s Cabinet, Cole has overseen numerous initiatives to improve the student-athlete experience. This includes the addition of the Athletic Department’s first full-time mental health specialist to assist in the health and wellness of Pride student-athletes. Cole has also placed a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including the creation of Hofstra4All and the No Locker for Discrimination Committees.

Other aspects of the student-athlete experience that have been addressed under Cole’s leadership have been the construction of a student-athlete lounge in the David S. Mack Physical Education Center and renovations to team locker rooms.

He has also put an emphasis on the Pride’s community service endeavors, with the department setting records for its service hours each year, including more than 4,400 hours in 2024-2025.

During Cole’s tenure, Hofstra teams have had a great deal of success, winning 11 CAA Championships and making 12 team NCAA appearances. Women’s soccer has won four CAA titles (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022) and advanced to the NCAA Second Round in 2019 and 2021. Men’s soccer has won four conference championships (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), earned national seeds in 2023 and 2024, and advanced to the NCAA Third Round in 2021 and 2023. Men’s basketball won the 2020 CAA Championship, while baseball earned its first-ever CAA championship and made its first appearance in the NCAA Regionals in 2022. The softball team won its first CAA title in five years in 2023 to advance to the NCAA Regionals. The women’s lacrosse team also made an NCAA appearance under Cole’s oversight, earning an at-large bid in 2021. Student-athletes on the men’s and women’s cross country and track teams have made several NCAA appearances, while Hofstra wrestling has had several NCAA Championship qualifiers over the past seven years, including a pair of EIWA championships in 2024-2025.

Since Cole’s arrival, Hofstra Athletics has produced 13 All-Americans, including four first team selections, as well as 268 All-CAA honorees and 42 CAA Players of the Year.

Other highlights of Cole’s seven years at Hofstra include facility upgrades in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex with state-of-the-art video boards, lighting, and a sound system installed, as well as new branding and other cosmetic improvements. The men’s and women’s basketball locker rooms were upgraded, while the weight room in the Mack Sports Complex was renovated and refurbished with top-of-the-line equipment via a leadership gift from the Brodlieb Family. Hofstra Soccer Stadium, which was renamed Captains Field in 2024 thanks to generous support from the Dempster and Healy families, received a state-of-the-art video board as well as new turf, European-style goals, and updated branding. The Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium was renamed Cindy Lewis Stadium in 2024 and also received a turf replacement and updated branding. University Field, the home of Hofstra baseball, had its playing surface redone in 2024 with a new turf infield and a completely resodded outfield, and the Hofstra tennis courts were completely resurfaced in 2022. The David S. Mack Physical Education Center, home of the volleyball and wrestling teams, had new bleachers installed as well as updated branding. The construction of a student-athlete lounge and team locker room renovations were also completed in the Mack Physical Education Center. In addition to the upgrades to athletic facilities, improvements were made to office space and meeting rooms for teams and administrators.

In partnership with The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Cole spearheaded the construction of a state-of-the-art broadcast production facility located in the Herbert School as well as the purchase of equipment to upgrade Hofstra Athletics’ video streaming capabilities. The facility serves as the control room for Hofstra Athletics broadcasts. He also worked with Hofstra’s Information Technology Services to install fiber optic cables at all athletic competition facilities.

Cole has served on the CAA Rebranding Committee and the CAA President’s Committee during his tenure and is also an active member of NACDA. He is chair of the CAA’s Athletic Directors Council, which is responsible for making decisions and setting policy related to athletics within the conference. The council works to ensure the success of CAA athletic programs, with a focus on competitive excellence, student-athlete well-being, and the overall sustainability of the conference.

Prior to coming to Hofstra, Cole was vice president for athletics administration at Iona for five years. During his tenure at Iona, the Gaels programs set records in athletics, academics, community service, and revenue. Iona earned 18 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships, including three straight MAAC tournament championships and NCAA Tournament appearances for men’s basketball, and the first-ever MAAC tournament and NCAA appearance for women’s basketball in 2015-2016. The number of student-athletes named to the MAAC academic honor roll increased annually, reaching the highest levels in program history, while revenue and fundraising also hit new peaks. He established the program’s first corporate sponsorship program.

At Iona, Cole helped to establish new community service programs for student-athletes and led efforts to transform athletic facilities with a series of capital projects, including the renovation of Hynes Athletic Center and the installation of jumbo state-of-the-art scoreboards. He also rebranded the athletics marks and website, negotiated an apparel and shoe deal with Adidas, launched Iona’s ESPN3 School Productions program, and increased academic support services for student-athletes.

Before his stint at Iona, Cole served as vice president of athletics and athletic director at Dowling College, senior associate athletic director for external affairs at St. John’s University, and associate athletic director for external affairs and advancement at Stony Brook University. While at Dowling, he served on the NCAA Division II Management Council.

Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in higher education, both from the University at Buffalo. He resides in Oakdale, New York, with his wife, Brooke. The Coles have three children: Taylor, Mackenzie, and Trey. Each played collegiate volleyball – Taylor at Iona and Duke, Mackenzie at Duke and UCLA, and Trey at Pepperdine.

Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Terry Coniglio is vice president for marketing and communications at Hofstra University, where she leads brand strategy, creative direction, and public relations.

Since joining Hofstra in 2023, Coniglio has guided the relaunch of Hofstra Magazine, a reimagined and redesigned publication celebrating the people and accomplishments that define the University. She also directed the restyling of Hofstra’s beloved Kate and Willie mascots, giving the iconic lions a bold, fit, and modern look that reflects the University’s enduring pride, spirit, and energy.

In May 2025, Coniglio and her team introduced a refreshed brand identity for the University, including a new institutional and athletics logo. The brand refresh aligns with Hofstra 100, the strategic plan guiding Hofstra toward its centennial in 2035, and Hofstra’s mission and goals.

Under Coniglio’s leadership, the Division of Marketing and Communications has received multiple awards for excellence. Highlights include MarCom Awards (platinum) for Hofstra Magazine and the #FindKW social media campaign and EduAd Awards (gold) for the Hofstra 100 strategic plan launch giveaway and the #FindKW campaign, as well as recognition from the Telly Awards, PR News Digital Awards, and CASE.

Coniglio was a member of the 11th cohort of the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership, a program hosted by Arizona State University and Georgetown University that develops leaders to strengthen institutions and lead change in higher education.

Prior to joining Hofstra University, Coniglio spent over a decade at Georgia State University, where she rose from social media coordinator to director of content strategy. She implemented systems and initiatives that helped Georgia State gain national recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the most innovative universities in the country. Prior to her time at Georgia State, she lived in London, where she worked for Duke Corporate Education, a joint venture between Duke University and The London School of Economics and Political Science that provides customized executive education for Fortune 500 companies. She then taught English in Osaka, Japan, for a year and a half before returning stateside as Cornell University’s marketing assistant in the Department of Theatre, Film and Dance, ultimately helping the University establish its social media policies.

Coniglio holds an MBA from Georgia State University and a BS from Ithaca College. She uses her education and experience to build relationships, elevate Hofstra’s national reputation, and share stories of student engagement and success.

Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Cornell Craig, EdD, is vice president for equity and inclusion at Hofstra University, where he provides vision and leadership in the institution’s strategic efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all facets of campus life. With over two decades of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Craig brings a student-centered, data-informed, and justice-driven approach to fostering an inclusive academic community. He oversees the University’s key equity initiatives, including inclusive excellence planning with the Hofstra Equity Council, cultural awareness education, campus climate assessments, and community engagement efforts.

Prior to joining Hofstra, Dr. Craig held leadership roles in student affairs, international student services, multicultural affairs, and institutional equity at numerous institutions where he created and fostered innovative programs that support underrepresented students and faculty, developing inclusive leadership pipelines and closing equity gaps. He holds an EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Hofstra University, with research interests in organizational equity, student success for marginalized populations, and anti-racist leadership education.

Widely respected as a thought leader and collaborator, Dr. Craig is committed to cultivating an inclusive and vibrant academic community at Hofstra – one that empowers every student, faculty, and staff member to contribute fully to the University’s inclusive educational and research mission.

Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer

Denise Cunningham is vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer at Hofstra University, where she brings more than two decades of leadership experience in strategic human capital management. She joined Hofstra in 2017 as chief human resources officer and was appointed vice president in 2022.

Cunningham leads Hofstra’s Human Resources team, which is responsible for providing a full spectrum of human resources services for a diverse workforce of approximately 2,500 faculty and staff. Her portfolio includes organizational development, employee and labor relations, compensation strategy, benefits administration, talent acquisition and development, and human resources information systems. She also serves as Hofstra’s equal rights and opportunity officer and Title IX coordinator for employee matters, ensuring compliance and advocacy.

A passionate educator and mentor, Cunningham is an adjunct associate professor in Hofstra’s Department of Psychology, where she shares her expertise in change leadership, organizational dynamics, and workplace culture with graduate students preparing for careers in human resources and management.

Prior to joining Hofstra, Cunningham held senior HR leadership roles at Columbia University, most recently as executive director of talent services. There, she led strategic HR support for the Columbia University Information Technology Division, focusing on workforce planning, talent management, and organizational effectiveness. Her earlier career spans leadership positions within the publishing industry, where she guided organizations through periods of significant change and growth.

Cunningham holds a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology with a specialization in change leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University.

Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff; Interim Vice President for Alumni Affairs

Jean Peden Christodoulou, EdD, is vice president for administration and chief of staff at Hofstra University, providing leadership and operational oversight in support of the president’s strategic agenda. An advisor and liaison across all areas of the University, she advances institutional priorities, leads University-wide initiatives, provides operational support to the Board of Trustees, and ensures the effective implementation of the Hofstra 100 strategic plan.

Dr. Peden Christodoulou joined Hofstra University’s Division of Student Affairs in 2014 and was most recently senior associate vice president. She had oversight of the Center for University Advising, the Center for Academic Excellence, the Center for Career Design and Development, International Student Affairs, Student Access Services, and Student Affairs Operations. In addition, Dr. Peden Christodoulou led the University’s student-related COVID-19 response.

Prior to joining Hofstra, Dr. Peden Christodoulou held a variety of roles in academic affairs and student affairs at Stony Brook University. She holds an EdD in Educational and Policy Leadership from Hofstra University and a BA and MA from Stony Brook University.

Associate to the President for Government & Community Affairs

Chanda J. Washington is associate to the president for government and community affairs at Hofstra University. In this role, she directs comprehensive engagement strategies to strengthen institutional partnerships, influence public policy, and position the University as a proactive community leader.

She has played a key role in cultivating community engagement, one of the pillars of the Hofstra 100 strategic plan. Under Washington’s guidance, Hofstra became Long Island’s only college campus to serve as an early voting site ahead of the 2024 general election. For her commitment to innovation and public service, she was recognized as a Trailblazer in Higher Education by City & State New York.

Before joining Hofstra, Washington was the communications officer for the Office of the City Administrator for D.C. Government, where she led messaging efforts for public safety, the city’s budget, and gun violence prevention. Previously, as director of communications for D.C.’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, she advised senior leadership, helped shape the city’s economic narrative, and managed multimedia campaigns that elevated major policy initiatives.

Between her roles in D.C. Government, Washington served as public affairs and marketing division chief at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, where she oversaw a $3 million budget, led a 30-person team, and launched an award-winning mental health awareness campaign.

Washington began her career as a journalist, spending over 15 years in editorial and management roles at The Washington Post, where she developed expertise in news reporting, editing, and newsroom leadership.

Chanda Washington holds an Executive MBA from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Arkansas State University. She is known for her ability to bridge sectors, build trust, and advance bold institutional goals through thoughtful strategy and authentic engagement.

Chief Information Officer

Jesse Webster is chief information officer at Hofstra University. He provides strategic leadership to guide the development and implementation of innovative technology initiatives that support Hofstra’s mission and goals. He leads the Information Technology Services (ITS) division, comprising digital infrastructure, enterprise systems, information security, IT financial operations, and support teams, and serves as co-chair of the University’s permanent committee on organizational agility.

Over the course of his more than 20-year career in information technology, Webster has held a number of user-focused leadership positions, including at Hofstra, where he was previously responsible for IT client support operations.

In 2015, Webster co-founded Natoma Consulting, where he led client services and operations for the agile-focused business and technology consulting firm. At Natoma, he served organizations in the advertising, energy, financial technology (fintech), and human resources technology (HRIS) spaces, and established strategic partnerships with cloud technology providers such as Atlassian and Contegix and pro-business groups, including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

Webster returned to Hofstra University as associate CIO in October 2019 and was appointed CIO in January 2023. He holds a BA in Video and Television from The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University.