John A. Fry Named New President of Drexel University

By Nick Rizzuto

The Board of Trustees held a meeting today to make an official announcement as to the identity of their selection for the new President of Drexel University. The search has gone on for almost a year since the premature death of beloved President Papadakis but the University has finally named John A. Fry, currently the President of Franklin & Marshall University in Lancaster, as Drexel University’s new President.

President Fry was a prime candidate for the Presidency from the beginning as his name is well known among Drexel administration. This is because President Fry was Drexel’s neighbor for 7 years as University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer under President Judith Rodin. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Fry made a name for himself here at Peen and played an integral role in transforming the surrounding neighborhood.

President Fry apparently does not have the typical credentials for a President, but has proven himself time and time again. He has never served as a Dean or a Provost, has no doctoral degree, and has never been a teacher – yet after his success at Penn, he moved on to Franklin & Marshall and has had an eight year “tenure marked by growth, construction, and improved finances,” according to the Inquirer.

Fry will soon be bringing his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and his master’s degree from New York University, as well as his years of experience, to Drexel to continue the transformation began by President Constantine Papadakis. As most of you know, Drexel University was named a “Top 10 College to Watch” last year and, with President Fry at the helm, it may very well live up to this name.

President Papadakis was loved by students, faculty, and the city of Philadelphia and so President Fry has somewhat of legendary reputation to follow. We at The Drexelist feel, however, that President Fry will continue to move the University forward and that the Board of Trustees made an excellent decision.

However, we want to hear from you! Tell us what you think about President Fry’s appointment below! Also, we will keep you updated here for coverage of press conferences and interviews with the new president.