Welcome Back: Looking Ahead in 2026

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

I hope you enjoyed a restful break. As we begin 2026 and return to campus, we step into a new quarter together with renewed energy ready to deepen our learning, advance our research and strengthen the work that defines us as a community.

We carry forward tremendous momentum from 2025, a year marked by bold progress and shared achievement. We entered the full implementation phase of our Academic Transformation, completed our merger with Salus University, launched new and innovative initiatives in artificial intelligence and experiential education, expanded our commitment to student success, and accomplished so much more. It has been an honor to join this exceptional community, and to get to know so many of you.

The months ahead promise hard work, but also excitement, celebration and opportunity. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and thoughtful commitment of our faculty, who, in the spirit of Academic Transformation, continue to redesign and re-envision programs and courses to better serve our students and prepare them to meet the evolving needs of society. And as we continue to see tangible results this quarter, I also want to extend my sincere thanks to our professional staff whose efforts are critical to ensuring the success of Academic Transformation. This marks the moment when we, as one team, move together toward the finish line of an initiative years in the making.

Soon, we will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., come together for Homecoming, and proudly cheer on our men’s and women’s basketball teams during Coastal Athletic Association league play. We also look forward to participating in activities surrounding the nation’s 250th anniversary, and welcoming the FIFA World Cup to our beloved city.

I hope you will plan to join me for my investiture ceremony on April 16, and the week’s surrounding inauguration activities, including academic and community service programs. This spring, we will also celebrate our incredible alumni with a digitally revamped 40 Under 40 edition of Drexel Magazine. And before we know it, we will also gather at the iconic Citizens Bank Park for Commencement, a milestone I am thrilled to share with you.

As Drexel enters a new era, it is key that we continue to build a strong leadership team equipped to guide the University through both opportunity and complexity. I am pleased to share two appointments that recognize proven leaders and further strengthen our administration. Subir Sahu has been named Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, and David Wilson has been named Senior Vice President of the Office of Government and Community Relations. Throughout the past few months, both Subir and Dave have served superbly in interim roles providing consistent and collaborative leadership. Each has spent more than 20 years at Drexel, with Subir maintaining a focused commitment on enhancing the student experience, and Dave working tirelessly to strengthen the University’s relationships with city, state and federal officials.

Finally, as we embrace this season of big change, new projects and busy events, it is equally important to focus on what sustains us: our well-being. I encourage you to lean into your networks on and off campus for support and connection. Our students have access to a wide range of resources, including the McGonigal Academic Resource Center; Steinbright Career Development Center; International Students and Scholars Services; Center for Military and Veteran Services; Office of Spiritual and Religious Life; Academic Advising and, of course, our Student Life, Student Health, Counseling and Disability Resource centers. For our faculty and professional staff, I recommend exploring our Employee Assistance Program and other offerings through Human Resources to support your well-being.

Our collective strength depends on the health of each individual. By taking time to restore, reflect and seek support when needed, we ensure that our community remains resilient and engaged to meet the opportunities ahead. Together, let’s make this a year of progress, connection and pride. Thank you for all you do to make Drexel a place where innovation thrives and Dragons soar.

Welcome back, our best days lie ahead.

Sincerely,

Antonio Merlo, PhD
President