Biography

Paul E. Jensen, PhD, was appointed Drexel University’s highest-ranking academic officer on November 1, 2019.

Jensen was previously dean and R. John Chapel, Jr., Dean’s Chair of the LeBow College of Business, a post he assumed in April 2018 following a national search. Early in his tenure, Jensen developed and won support for a new strategic plan that leverages faculty research strengths and strong industry relationships. The plan marked a transitional moment for the College, heightening the focus on developing interdisciplinary, market-driven curricula to better prepare students for success in the rapidly changing economy. 

As dean, Jensen also led two of the College’s most successful fundraising years and launched what is now the Drexel Solutions Institute — a University-level initiative that builds on Drexel’s rich history of industry partnerships. The Institute serves as the primary gateway for organizations to connect with the University’s student and faculty talent, intellectual expertise and R1 research capabilities — empowering organizations with full-scale, measurable solutions while expanding interdisciplinary research and experiential learning opportunities across the University. 

Prior to his appointment as dean, Jensen served as interim dean of LeBow and in a variety of leadership and administrative roles within and outside of the College. For eight years as associate dean, he promoted and supported substantial improvements in both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as in executive education and experiential learning. As director of the doctoral program for six years, he successfully increased both enrollment and PhD program support. He also led efforts that resulted in the creation of the Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning and, for over seven years, guided the expansion of student projects focused on solving real-world business problems. 

Jensen has had a broad impact on academic programs across the University, leading two other academic units. At the Goodwin College of Professional Studies, he led the creation of Drexel’s First-Year Exploratory Studies Program, which allows students to explore their academic options before declaring a major. The program now enrolls more than 100 students each year. While serving as interim director of the Center for Hospitality and Sports Management, Jensen led the Center’s restructuring, merging components with the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the LeBow College of Business to better support students and faculty in all three units.

Joining the Drexel economics faculty in 1997, Jensen brought research expertise in the areas of international trade and industrial organization, with a specific focus on the determinants of bilateral trade patterns and the welfare implications of various trade and industrial policies.  He has been recognized for his teaching with awards from both Drexel and Pennsylvania State University.

Prior to his academic career, Jensen worked as an engineer in the power generation division of General Electric. He received undergraduate degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Syracuse University, and holds a doctorate in economics from Pennsylvania State University.