Drexel University has announced the appointment of Antonio Merlo, PhD, a distinguished political economist, as its 16th president. The decision was made by a unanimous vote from the Board of Trustees, marking a significant milestone in the university’s 133-year history. Merlo, who currently serves as the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of New York University’s Faculty of Arts & Science, will officially take office on July 1, 2025, succeeding Interim President Denis P. O’Brien.
Leadership Vision and Institutional Growth
Richard Greenawalt, chair of Drexel’s Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Merlo’s ability to lead the institution into its next phase. “Dr. Merlo is the ideal leader to uphold Drexel’s values and guide the University into its next chapter,” he stated. He emphasized Merlo’s dedication to academic entrepreneurship and his success in uniting faculty, students, and industry professionals to tackle pressing societal issues—a vital asset as Drexel embarks on strategic initiatives and aims to enhance its financial sustainability.
Academic Background and Achievements
Dr. Merlo earned his PhD in economics from New York University and has been at the helm of NYU Arts & Science since 2019, overseeing the university’s largest academic unit, which includes multiple schools and numerous departments. Under his leadership, the faculty of 1,100 has supported over 16,000 students, contributing to a robust academic environment.
Among his notable achievements, Merlo has been instrumental in establishing five new research centers that foster interdisciplinary collaboration. He also initiated the Arts & Science Office of Research, significantly boosting the unit’s externally funded research from approximately $300 million in 2018 to around $450 million in 2023. His tenure has also seen the hiring of 120 tenure-line faculty members and the construction of a new academic facility dedicated to integrated science.
Fundraising and Community Engagement
Merlo has demonstrated a strong commitment to fundraising and strategic outreach, leading NYU Arts & Science to its most successful fundraising year in history in 2024. Interim President O’Brien praised Merlo’s ability to inspire collaboration and shared goals among diverse groups, stating, “He is the type of president that will energize the Drexel community as he guides us onward.”
A Rich Academic Journey
Merlo’s academic career began at the University of Minnesota, where he arrived as an assistant professor in 1992. He later progressed to an associate professor role before joining NYU. He also held a position at Rice University as the George A. Peterkin Professor of Economics, where he further honed his leadership skills and developed strong fundraising initiatives that led to significant advancements in the institution’s facilities and programs.
Connections to Philadelphia
Merlo has strong ties to the Philadelphia academic community, having spent 14 years at the University of Pennsylvania. During his tenure there, he was recognized for his contributions to research and teaching, earning prestigious awards for his educational efforts. His leadership roles included chairing the Economics Department and directing the Penn Institute for Economic Research. Merlo has also facilitated international collaborations and conferences aimed at addressing critical economic issues.
Scholarship and Research Contributions
As a scholar, Dr. Merlo specializes in political economy, public economics, and empirical microeconomics. His research has garnered funding from notable institutions, including the National Science Foundation. He has published extensively in leading academic journals and authored a widely-used textbook on political economy. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous accolades, including election as a Fellow of the Econometric Society.
Commitment to Student Life
Beyond his academic and administrative roles, Merlo has been an active supporter of student life, coaching club water polo teams at each institution he has served. His dedication to fostering a vibrant campus community is evident in his engagement with students, faculty, and staff.
Looking Ahead
Upon his appointment, Merlo expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating his belief in Drexel’s potential to adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape of higher education. He conveyed gratitude for his experiences at NYU while eagerly anticipating the opportunity to contribute to Drexel’s mission and vision.
Merlo’s selection comes after a thorough search process led by Trustee Mike Lawrie, who emphasized that the committee was focused on finding a leader who embodies Drexel’s values and can effectively guide the institution into the future. As Greenawalt prepares to retire from his role as chair of the Board of Trustees, the leadership transition signals an exciting new chapter for Drexel University.
