Dr. Christie held several posts in higher education, including assistant president of Hofstra University, prior to his appointment at Millersville. He actively promoted the liberal arts and oversaw the start of the development of the east campus and other areas of the college grounds including Ganser Library, McComsey Hall, Breidenstine Hall, Biemesderfer Stadium, Gordinier Dining Hall, dormitory complex, and other buildings. He resigned under pressure from the Board of Trustees and became vice-president of the University of Bridgeport, CT. He and his family were killed in a plane crash in Central America. Dr. Christie and Dr. Stoddard were the only principals/presidents having no prior association with Millersville before assuming the chief executive office.
