Drexel U. Will Name John Fry as New President, Newspaper Reports

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today that John A. Fry, president of Franklin & Marshall College, would be named president of Drexel University on Wednesday. Mr. Fry, who previously worked in Philadelphia as an executive vice president at the University of Pennsylvania, will reportedly meet with staff members and key university officials tomorrow afternoon.

Mr. Fry’s tenure at Franklin & Marshall has been marked by his ambition and his interest in shaping the campus and city around it. He led an effort to acquire and redevelop an old manufacturing plant and rail line for new sports fields and hospital facilities.

Mr. Fry’s selection at Drexel would not come as unexpected news. One rumor circulating on the F&M campus in recent months held that Mr. Fry would leave for Drexel after deals in the redevelopment projects had been wrapped up. In late February, a Drexel board member confirmed that Mr. Fry was a finalist for the job.