'We're exactly where we need to be': President Merlo reflects on his first year

Sept. 11, 2026

As the fall quarter begins, so does the second year of Antonio Merlo's tenure as Drexel University's 16th president. Merlo assumed his position at a monumental time for the university, as academic transformation is fully underway while new challenges face students and faculty alike. In an exclusive interview with The Triangle, Merlo reflects on Drexel's enrollment rebound, the implementation of new college mergers, and his priorities for the year ahead.

Despite a year of significant institutional change, Merlo maintains that the University’s long-term vision and goals have remained constant.

“I would say the goals have not changed because the destination was very clear,” he said. “As more information comes in and results start occurring, that’s when one can refine specifics, but, in terms of overall vision, it remains unchanged.” He reiterated that his primary objective is to position Drexel as a student-centered university and a global leader in experiential education, calling this goal the institution’s “North Star.”

Furthermore, while the ongoing academic transformation predates his presidency, Merlo told The Triangle that the university has entered what he believes is its most exciting phase. “This is work that began, you know, 3 to 4 years ago, and it is great that we are now in a position where instead of having to plan and design, we are really at the stage where we can implement so many major milestones.”

Although some final details remain unhashed, Merlo credited “Team Drexel” with remaining on track, emphasizing that every student will complete the path they are on, especially as individual plans of study are further developed. Among some landmark milestones, he highlighted the publication of Drexel’s new semester-based calendar, the Howley College of Engineering and Computing, and the redesigned curricula for many different programs.

“I think we are really now seeing all of the fruits of the hard work that faculty, staff, and students have all put in,” he continued. “It is a great feeling.”

Merlo continued by elaborating on student-centered leadership through his monthly open office hours and ensuring that every concern receives a response, even when he cannot immediately provide an answer. “I cannot promise that every time somebody says, ‘You should do that,’ that it’s done right away, but at the same time, I think it's very important that everybody feels like their voice was heard, and [that] their opinion was accounted for.”

Conversations focused on academic transformation and the uncertainty surrounding degree requirements, co-op schedules, and graduation timelines, but, Merlo said, Drexel's commitment has and will stay consistent.

He dedicates this success to all the faculty and staff at Drexel, saying, “Higher education is a team sport, and my number one job is to be the head coach.” When asked to reflect on achievements in the past year, he pointed out the increase in enrollment rates.

Prior to Merlo’s arrival, Drexel had experienced multiple years of enrollment decline. He said this year's incoming class represents an important turning point. “The community has really come together to say, ‘Let’s communicate openly. Let’s understand what the issues are. I think our message is resonating powerfully.”

Another success for Drexel and Merlo was the university receiving a philanthropic gift from the Howley Foundation, which established the new Howley College of Engineering and Computing. This combines the former College of Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, and the College of Computing and Informatics.

This merger is designed to create more flexibility for students while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, Merlo said. "If you have a student who's interested in computers, you don't have to decide which flavor before you walk through the door.”

Merlo emphasized that the gift is significant for Drexel’s reputation. "When you typically read a newspaper article, and somebody tells you somebody gave over $100 million to a university, people think of Ivy League schools," Merlo said. "Well, now it's a Drexel article.”

Among the projects, the president highlighted new teaching laboratories and makerspace innovation hubs that will occupy the former Firestone auto repair shop and be available to students across all departments. He also commented that it will be great for students to have hands-on experience, since Drexel remains at the forefront of new technology.

This emphasis on technology carried into another major initiative: ChatGPT’s collaboration with Drexel and the launch of the new AI major. Although opinions vary greatly, Drexel intentionally chose to embrace technology so that graduates can enter the workforce with an understanding of AI’s capabilities and implications. Faculty are also being encouraged to integrate AI while helping students critically evaluate this tool.

“We want our students to be AI literate,” he said, in reference to employers increasingly valuing students who understand how industries are being reshaped.

Beyond preparing students for the future workforce, Merlo said the university is also focused on ensuring a Drexel education remains financially accessible. As federal financial aid policies continue to evolve, including changes introduced through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, he said Drexel has intentionally slowed tuition growth compared with peer institutions while making financial aid packages more transparent for prospective students.

“We have capped the rate of growth of tuition, whereas other universities are continually escalating it."

Merlo believes that clearer financial aid policies have contributed to increased enrollment and emphasized that the value of a Drexel education extends well beyond its price tag. "Our graduates don't just graduate with a diploma. They graduate with a resume," he said, pointing to the university's strong employment rates, above-average starting salaries and long-term career outcomes.

Looking ahead, Merlo said Drexel’s next chapter will center on strengthening collaboration across disciplines while continuing to prioritize student well-being. He pointed to the planned relocation of medical school researchers to University City as an opportunity to expand undergraduate research and interdisciplinary partnerships, reinforcing his belief that Drexel’s strength comes from operating as one community.

While he declined to comment specifically on the recent death of a Drexel student, Merlo emphasized that student well-being remains his highest priority and that meaningful change can begin with everyday interactions. “Small things actually may end up having big effects,” he said, describing his efforts to stop and speak with students while walking around campus.

As Drexel enters another year of institutional change, Merlo remains optimistic about the university’s direction, emphasizing that its overarching vision remains unchanged. “The destination has not changed,” he said. “We’re exactly where we need to be.”

3 Comments

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Reader discussion

DM
Dusti MortonSep 15, 2026
I find the stance of 'we're exactly where we need to be' fascinating when part of that plan includes closing the historic and significant Academy of Natural Sciences. How exactly does that put Drexel where it needs to be?
CC
Cassidy ClaytonSep 24, 2026
Crazy that you're not mentioning anything about the highly controversial, disrespectful, and ill-considered decision to close the historic Academy of Natural Sciences. May your tenure end in shame– "Small things may actually have big effects" indeed.
EH
Ed Hreplied to Cassidy ClaytonSep 25, 2026
Seconded. A slap in face for our city. He doesn't care how much that place means to us. It's so shortsighted. Not everything valuable has a price tag.

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