Drexel University Welcomes New President-Elect Antonio Merlo
Drexel University has officially announced the selection of Antonio Merlo, Ph.D., as its 16th president. The decision was made unanimously by the Board of Trustees, with Merlo set to take office on July 1, succeeding Interim President Denis P. O’Brien. This announcement was made public on January 31, 2025.
Leadership Transition
In expressing confidence in the incoming president, Interim President O’Brien praised Merlo’s ability to unite people around shared goals. “Dr. Merlo is not only a brilliant scholar but also a leader with a proven track record of motivating teams. He will invigorate the Drexel community as we advance into a promising future,” O’Brien remarked.
Academic Background and Experience
Merlo comes to Drexel with an impressive academic and professional background. He is currently the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of NYU’s Faculty of Arts & Science and holds a doctorate in economics from New York University. His career encompasses teaching roles at renowned institutions such as the University of Minnesota, Rice University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Merlo has demonstrated his commitment to student life as a head coach for club water polo teams at multiple universities, earning the Collegiate Water Polo Association’s Coach of the Year award three times.
Vision for Drexel’s Future
Richard Greenawalt, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed optimism regarding Merlo’s leadership. He highlighted Merlo’s dedication to academic entrepreneurship and collaboration among faculty, students, and industry professionals as key to addressing significant societal issues. “Dr. Merlo is the ideal leader to uphold Drexel’s values and steer the University into its next chapter,” Greenawalt stated.
Mike Lawrie, chair of the presidential search committee and a 1977 graduate of Drexel’s LeBow College of Business, echoed this sentiment, calling Merlo a “rising star in higher education.” He emphasized that the committee conducted an extensive search and concluded that Merlo is the best fit for Drexel’s community and mission.
A Personal Journey
Merlo’s journey to leadership is particularly inspiring; he is a first-generation college graduate. He completed his undergraduate studies in 1987, earning a Laurea summa cum laude in economics and social sciences from Bocconi University in Milan before relocating to the United States to further his education.
Research Contributions
In addition to his administrative roles, Merlo has made significant contributions to economic research, particularly focusing on the effects of public policy and the political sector’s organizational structure. His work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Economic and Social Research Council of England. He has published research in esteemed journals, including the American Economic Review and Econometrica, covering topics such as voting behavior, crime, and household economics.
Looking Ahead
As the presidential search concludes, Lawrie is set to take over Greenawalt’s position as chair of the Board of Trustees. Meanwhile, Merlo is eager to embark on his new role at Drexel. He expressed enthusiasm about the University’s mission and its innovative education model, stating, “I am excited to begin my journey with Drexel and to help the University realize its tremendous potential.”
Merlo’s appointment has been communicated to the Drexel community via an email from Greenawalt, marking a new chapter for the University as it prepares for future challenges and opportunities in higher education.
