July 5, 2022

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

I am writing with an update on the leadership transition within the Department of Public Safety. Effective July 1, Drexel Police Captain of Investigations Robert Lis has assumed the role of interim vice president and chief of police while the University conducts a nationwide search to fill this role permanently.

Bob Lis came to Drexel in 2005 as a police investigator and rose through the ranks to become police captain of investigations in 2018. Prior to his time with the University, Bob spent nearly 35 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, serving in various roles including patrol, plain clothes policing, juvenile aid and special victims, and as a detective from 1991 to 2005.

In his 17 years with Drexel, Bob has served through the establishment of the Drexel Police Department, the achievement of accreditation and re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, and the most recent changes being implemented as part of the University’s anti-racism work and reimagining of campus public safety. He has established strong and effective relationships with the Public Safety team, the University community, and partner organizations throughout the city and region.

Senior Vice President for Student Success Subir Sahu will chair the search committee for a new vice president of public safety and chief of police who will continue the progress we’ve made, guided by our shared values, to foster a university community where everyone feels safe, supported and welcome. An external search firm and an internal search committee are currently being selected/assembled.

I want to thank Bob Lis for stepping into this critical interim leadership role with Drexel Public Safety, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the team in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

Sincerely,

Helen Y. Bowman
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer