A Pivotal Step Forward in Drexel's Academic Transformation

This message was shared with all faculty and staff on May 7th, 2025.

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in Drexel’s future, as Faculty Senate representatives held the final vote to support integrating schools and colleges as part of the Academic Transformation. Specifically, the Senate voted on integrating the School of Education within the College of Arts and Sciences, and unifying the College of Engineering, the College of Computing & Informatics, and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems into a single college with three schools. These endorsements reflect the open dialogue and shared leadership of our deans, faculty, and professional staff — and our collective commitment to strengthening Drexel.

These changes build upon the substantial progress already made in reimagining Drexel's academic structure, including the integrations of the First-Year Exploratory Studies program into the College of Arts and Sciences; the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship within the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business; and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute within the Dornsife School of Public Health.

Academic Transformation is a bold, strategic effort to reimagine how we structure and deliver education. By reducing internal competition and fostering collaboration, we are creating the space and conditions for innovation — enhancing the student experience, simplifying pathways, and expanding interdisciplinary teaching and learning. At the same time, this work must sharpen Drexel’s identity, attract prospective students, and fuel growth through distinctive, cross-cutting programs.

This progress is only possible through the extraordinary engagement and leadership of our faculty and professional staff. We especially want to thank Co-Sponsor on Academic Transformation, Senate Chair Kevin Owens, for his leadership and partnership.

In the months ahead, we will continue working across colleges and schools to build shared priorities, support a smooth path forward, and sustain momentum as we begin to realize the full potential of these changes for our community.

Thank you for your continued engagement and collaboration as we shape the future of Drexel together.

Denis P. O’Brien
Interim President

Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost
Academic Transformation Co-Sponsor