First Day Greetings from Drexel President Antonio Merlo

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

On my first day as the 16th president of Drexel University, I am profoundly honored to begin my tenure at this distinguished institution and to join such a remarkable community. I am deeply inspired by the University’s legacy of excellence and look forward to working alongside each of you — faculty, professional staff, students, alumni and partners — as we advance our shared mission in the years to come.

I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to Denis O’Brien who has served admirably as interim president. His supportive and collaborative leadership has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and thoughtful presidential transition.

Since being named president in January, I have had the pleasure of engaging with many of you and am deeply grateful for the insights and reflections you have offered. Each new conversation has been both energizing and inspiring, as I share your enthusiasm for propelling Drexel forward as a model institution for the next century.

The landscape of higher education continues to shift in significant ways. Amid these unprecedented times, one constant endures: Drexel’s resolute commitment to innovation, adaptability and experiential learning — and to fostering an environment where students of all backgrounds are empowered to succeed. These foundational values have guided the University since its inception in 1891 and will continue to inspire our collective path forward.

For institutions like Drexel — universities that are bold, forward-thinking and deeply rooted in a mission of pioneering discovery and meaningful change — within these shifts lie incredible possibilities. To have the opportunity to help shape the next chapter in this University’s proud and storied history is a responsibility I fully embrace.

I commend the foresight of Drexel’s leadership and faculty in recognizing the need to transform the University’s academic structure to meet the evolving demands of the world. The phenomenal work that has preceded my tenure enables a strong foundation for us to more fully align our distinctive strengths in experiential education with our mission. In doing so, we affirm our dedication to delivering an education and upholding a research enterprise of the highest quality — one that prepares our students to lead and thrive in a rapidly changing global society. While many universities are considering new directions, Drexel has distinguished itself by doing the hard work and moving decisively into the implementation phase of this transformative initiative centered on the betterment of our community of learners, educators, scholars, thinkers and doers. I feel truly privileged to lead an institution so deeply committed to progress and collaboration that not only envisions change, but also delivers it.

I grew up in a working-class family just outside of Milan, and when I received a scholarship to pursue my doctoral degree in the U.S., it changed everything. I know Drexel has had a similar impact on countless students and families. That is why the education and experience our students receive are of utmost importance to me. Everything we do begins with one guiding principle: ensuring our students thrive and succeed. I look forward to meeting with as many students as possible in the months ahead and to welcoming our newest class to campus in September.

I am especially pleased to extend a warm welcome to Salus University students who will soon become part of the Drexel community. Once we receive the expected approval from the U.S. Department of Education, our two institutions will be fully integrated. This is an exciting milestone that brings together new opportunities for collaboration in the health sciences that will enhance the Drexel experience for all.

I am deeply committed to maintaining a campus culture where every individual feels valued, respected and supported — while also having the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in all that Drexel has to offer. As a higher education administrator and an athletics coach, I have long understood the power of an engaged, motivated and unified team. As a professor and scholar, I also value new ways of thinking and encourage creative solutions. I will listen with openness, engage with respect, and work to understand the perspectives that shape our University. Strengthening connections across students, faculty, professional staff, alumni, parents and friends is essential to continuing to advance our mission and to building a vibrant Drexel community.

I look forward to entering this new chapter together and meeting many of you in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Antonio Merlo, PhD
President