6. Stuart Rabinowitz

Following the landmark announcement of plans to build a new medical school and Hofstra’s hosting of the final 2008 presidential debate between Sen. John McCain and now-President Barack Obama, the past year has tested both Rabinowitz and Hofstra as an institution. Having weathered numerous PR headaches, including the DWI arrest of the school’s newly hired men’s basketball coach and the discontinuation of its decades-old football program, Rabinowitz—now in his 10th year as president—has persevered as a unwavering beacon of strength and stewardship for not only this venerable university but its legions of students and alumni. He continues to guide Hofstra as one of Long Island’s premier learning institutions and solidify its prominence.