View from Main

I write this message from my new office inside the stunning, storied Main Building. Today, the hallways of this space bustle with students headed to class, eager for their next lecture, exam or lab.

Since becoming Drexel’s 16th president on July 1, I feel a similar sense of energy. I am relishing every opportunity to meet one-on-one and in small groups with alumni as well as faculty, professional staff and students. My days are automatically boosted by hearing your fundamental drives, motivations and passions. Hearing about your journeys and the way this institution has shaped your lives inspires me and reinforces the enduring strength of our community across generations.

I have been fortunate to join an institution amid exceptional change. Over the summer, we successfully merged with Salus University, welcoming a new community of brilliant learners, educators, researchers, practitioners and alumni, and this fall we entered the implementation phase of Academic Transformation, ushering in a new era for Drexel. Academic Transformation aligns our distinguishing strengths, academic structure and calendar with our mission to deliver an experiential education of the highest quality. Our top priority remains clear: to ensure our students receive an education that is as enriching as it is future-focused.

We are proud to have climbed to No. 80 in the U.S. News & World Report “U.S. News Best Colleges” rankings and to be recognized for value, innovation, social mobility and support for veterans. This year, we also launched a new AI and Machine Learning major, placing Drexel among the first to offer a dedicated AI degree, and unveiled an experiential education hub to connect students with real-world learning from day one.

Higher education is in flux, shaped by shifting demographics, evolving federal policies and new economic realities. These forces bring challenges, but we also view them as opportunities. And it’s because of you — our alumni, our foundation — that Drexel is poised not just to adapt, but to lead with purpose and vision for generations to come.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of you who continue to engage with this great University, especially through times of change. Your warmth and dedication have made my first few months on campus truly meaningful. Drexel and Philadelphia are gearing up for a vibrant and busy season — one that promises plenty of opportunities for us to come together as a community. If we haven’t met yet, I hope we will soon.

Antonio Merlo, PhD
President