November 6, 2025

After five years of dedicated service and impactful leadership, Dean Jason Schupbach will be stepping down from his role as Dean of the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design to become the next President of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. He will begin his new appointment in January.

Since joining Drexel in 2020, Jason has been a visionary advocate for the creative disciplines and a champion of interdisciplinary collaboration. Under his leadership, the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design has seen the development and execution of a new strategic plan, and growth in fundraising, national rankings, research, and student and faculty support. His commitment to connecting creativity with social justice, technology, and community engagement has strengthened the College’s identity as a nationally recognized hub for innovation in media arts and design.

We are proud to see Jason take on this prestigious new role at FIT, where he will undoubtedly continue to inspire and lead with distinction. While we will miss his presence and leadership at Drexel Westphal, we celebrate this exciting next chapter in his career.

We are also pleased to announce that Debra Ruben will serve as interim dean beginning January 1, 2026. Debra, currently academic associate dean and associate professor of Interior Design, has been a valued member of the Westphal community for 25 years. Prior to her current role, Debra was the program director for the undergraduate Interior Design and graduate Interior Architecture & Design programs, both of which have Council for Interior Design (CIDA) accreditations and top rankings. Debra has received numerous foundation grants to fund projects that serve communities in West Philadelphia. She was a designer and project manager at the architecture and interior design firm Phase 2 Designs for 10 years, is an NCIDQ certificate holder and LEED accredited professional, and continues to maintain a small design practice. As a devoted advocate for students, staff, and faculty at Westphal, she is poised to lead our College expertly amid the search for a permanent dean.

Please join us in thanking Jason for his outstanding service to Drexel and in congratulating him on this next chapter, as well as welcoming Debra into her new role.