Drexel University history

Originally a non-degree-granting institution, Drexel began conferring the Bachelor of Science degree in 1914, when its 18 departments were organized into four schools.

The central aspect of Drexel University's focus on career preparation, in the form of its cooperative education program, was introduced in 1919.

Alarmed that the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (RDA) earmarked all of University Redevelopment Area's Unit 1 for the University of Pennsylvania’s campus expansion, Drexel Institute of Technology’s president James Creese filed a grievance with City Council in 1957.

The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority created Unit 5 of the University Redevelopment Area in 1961, with Drexel as the designated redeveloper.

In 1983, Drexel became the first university in the United States to require all undergraduates to adopt the microcomputer for use in coursework, with over 1,800 students being provided their own Macintosh 128Ks at a time when it was cutting-edge technology.

His leadership also guided the university toward improved performance in collegiate rankings, a more selective approach to admissions, and a more rigorous academic program at all levels. It was during this period of expansion that Drexel acquired and assumed management of the former MCP Hahnemann University, creating the Drexel University College of Medicine in 2002.

The University continues to expand, in 2006 becoming the first major research university to open a new law school in 25 years and is one of just two universities operating a law school that follows a cooperative model of education.

Doctor Constantine Papadakis died of pneumonia in April 2009 while still employed as the university's president.

Under Fry's leadership, Drexel has continued its expansion, including the July 2011 acquisition of The Academy of Natural Sciences.

In 2014, Fry’s leadership team unveiled a visionary plan for a University City “Innovation Neighborhood,” which would include an eastward expansion of the Drexel campus.

One initiative was the fall 2016 opening of a public, university-assisted middle school, developed through a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia’s Science Leadership Academy (SLA). The new school was temporarily housed in Drexel’s Dornsife Center for Community Partnerships.