The Leadership Balancing Act: People, Priorities and Progress in a Time of Change
Goodwin Great Talks
October 14, 2025
In today's dynamic university landscape, leaders are tasked with balancing vision and compassion, decisions and transparency. This engaging panel features Drexel’s senior leaders as they explore how to lead with clarity and purpose while keeping people at the center. The conversation offered reflections, lessons learned and forward-thinking insights on how to lead effectively, support your team, and remain grounded in your values during institutional shifts. This session is ideal for anyone seeking to sharpen their leadership instincts during times of transformation.
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Meet the Panelists
Nadine Ezzat
Nadine Ezzat is the Vice President of Marketing at Drexel University, where she leads strategic initiatives to drive enrollment growth through innovative, research-driven campaigns. With over 20 years of experience in higher education marketing, Nadine began her career at the University of Central Florida before joining Drexel, where she has played a key role in promoting academic programs in a highly competitive landscape. She is passionate about leveraging data insights and audience intelligence to enhance the visibility of Drexel’s offerings and connect right-fit students with transformative educational opportunities.
Hillen Grason
Hillen Grason Jr. is Vice President of Enrollment Management – Admissions & Outreach at Drexel University, where he leads strategic efforts to enhance student recruitment across all populations. Prior to this role, he served as Dean of Admission at Franklin & Marshall College, where he advanced holistic admissions practices and expanded access for underrepresented students. Grason is also a past President of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC), reflecting his deep commitment to professional leadership and advocacy in the field. Known for his data-informed, student-centered approach, he brings a wealth of experience in aligning institutional mission with market realities. Grason’s insights are grounded in years of cross-functional collaboration and innovation in higher education.
Vibhas Madan
Vibhas Madan, PhD, Professor of Economics, was appointed dean of Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business and R. John Chapel, Jr. Dean's Chair in December 2020.
He joined the Dean’s Office in July 2018 as senior associate dean for academic programs and was appointed interim dean in November 2019. Prior to that, he served as the head of the Economics Department and then as the founding director of the School of Economics, which was launched as a new school within the college in 2013.
Vibhas Madan joined Drexel in 1989, after completing his doctorate in economics at Michigan State University. He also holds a masters and an undergraduate degree in economics from Delhi University. With a research focus on international trade theory as it impacts policy and multinational firms, his work has been widely published in academic journals, including the Canadian Journal of Economics, International Trade Journal, Journal of Quantitative Economics, Journal of Economic Integration and the Review of International Economics. He has received several teaching awards, including the College of Business Teaching Award and the Executive MBA Teaching Award. He also serves on the board of the Global Interdependence Center.
Angela Montgomery
Angela Montgomery has spent her nearly 30 year career working in all levels of education in many different types of public and private institutions. A first-generation college graduate and a passionate student advocate, Angela has served in a wide variety of administrative and academic roles including assistant professor, program director, enrollment manager, academic advisor, student services director, alumni engagement volunteer, and professional development coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Millikin University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from American University, and a PhD from Penn State University in educational leadership, with concentrations in decision making, ethics, and school law. Previous to her time at Drexel, Angela worked at Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, Penn State University, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. For the last seven years, Angela has served as the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Admissions at Drexel University. She lives outside of Philadelphia and enjoys live music, strong coffee, and time outdoors with her husband James, their two children Eleanore and Liam, and the family pup, Waffles.
Subir Sahu
Subir Sahu serves as the senior vice president for Student Success at Drexel and is currently the Interim Senior Vice President on Enrollment Management. In his role, Subir oversees multiple areas related to student engagement on campus including: Athletics, Business Services, Student Counseling and Health, Student Life, and the Steinbright Career Development Center. Prior to this position, Subir served in multiple roles at Drexel, initially joining the Residential Living Office in 2006. Subir ultimately moved into the director of Residential Living role, before becoming an associate dean of students, where he assisted with major division-wide initiatives and projects within Student Life. Subir's last role was as vice president & dean of Student Life, where he served as the chief student life officer (he continues to hold the role of chief student life officer for the university in his SVP position).
Subir holds a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. After spending several years working as an engineer, Subir decided to follow his passion for working with and counseling college students. He left the field of engineering and obtained a Master of Education degree in Student Life practice in higher education from the University of Delaware. In 2012, Subir obtained his PhD in Urban Education from Temple University. His dissertation topic centered on the engagement and involvement of Asian students at American colleges and universities. His research background gives him a unique understanding of how Philadelphia's urban environment uniquely impacts and affects the Drexel community and student body. Subir also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Drexel University College of Education and Pennoni Honors College.