List of Drexel Presidents
| President | Years |
|---|---|
| James A. MacAlister | 1891–1913 |
| Hollis Godfrey | 1913–1921 |
| Kenneth G. Matheson | 1922–1931 |
| Parke R. Kolbe | 1932–1942 |
| George Peters Rea | 1942–1944 |
| James Creese | 1945–1963 |
| William W. Hagerty | 1963–1984 |
| William S. Gaither | 1984–1987 |
| Harold M. Myers (interim) | 1987–1988 |
| Richard Breslin | 1988–1994 |
| C. R. 'Chuck' Pennoni (interim) | 1994–1995 |
| Constantine Papadakis | 1995–2009 |
| C. R. 'Chuck' Pennoni (interim) | 2009–2010 |
| John A. Fry | 2010–2024 |
| Denis O'Brien (interim) | 2024–2025 |
| Antonio Merlo | 2025–present |
Transitional Leaders
Horace Churchman served as President pro tempore for six months, from President MacAlister's retirement until Hollis Godfrey took office on December 1, 1913.
After President Matheson died in office in December 1931, the Board of Trustees created an interim committee of deans, chaired by Robert Disque, to lead the Institute until President Kolbe arrived. Robert Disque, then Dean of Faculty, headed another interim executive committee after President Kolbe died in office in 1942. Dean Disque later served as Acting President after President Rea resigned in August 1944 until President Creese took office in 1945. According to standards set in 2009, only presidents who signed student diplomas are given a numerical designation.
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