A Message from the Chairman of the Drexel Board of Trustees

The following message was sent by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to the Drexel community.

Dear Drexel Community Members,

As President John Fry announced in his recent message, he will be stepping down as president of Drexel University to assume the presidency of Temple University. John has committed to transitioning the university’s leadership until the Board of Trustees has appointed a new leader.

We have been fortunate to have John as our president since 2010. During his tenure, he has implemented a dynamic vision for how an urban university can attract and inspire excellent students, conduct innovative research, and serve our communities.

John was a guarantor of Anthony J. Drexel’s founding vision for the university to evolve with the times. Today, as we begin the next chapter in our university’s rich history, we look forward to welcoming a dynamic new leader who will propel Drexel forward in its mission to produce the ideas, innovators and leaders who will help solve society’s greatest challenges.

In the coming weeks, we will form a search committee to recruit the 15th president in Drexel’s 132-year history. I will keep you updated on the results of the search as details become available.

Any transition is accompanied by uncertainty and concern. Please be assured that we have prepared a plan that prioritizes stability and continuity during this time. Provost Paul Jensen will lead the implementation of the recommendations of the University Advisory Committee on Academic Structure and other academic tasks while Helen Bowman, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer, will oversee the progress of the University’s ongoing administrative and financial work, as well as other administrative tasks. John will focus on the transition of philanthropic and government relationships and the closing of any significant business transactions. Our University has thrived and will continue to thrive with the guidance and foresight of its experienced leaders, dedicated faculty and professional staff.

On behalf of the Drexel Board of Trustees, I want to thank John for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors. And I want to thank all of you for making Drexel the special place it is and will continue to be as we enter an exciting new era.

Sincerely,

Richard Greenawalt
Drexel University Chair