Two years ago I wrote here that Philadelphia University was at the threshold of positive transformation and I encouraged us to seize the moment. I could never have imagined then that we would come so far—indeed that any college or University could advance so rapidly by boldly dedicating itself to positive change built on a solid foundation of history and tradition. 

Our extraordinary faculty joined with staff and administration to create a platform for a new kind of university. We collectively re-imagined our future and implemented a visionary model of three new colleges, designed from the ground up, to spur academic excellence, creative invention, and cross-disciplinary opportunity.

The last year held many significant accomplishments.  We broke ground this summer on the stunning building that embodies the curriculum of our new College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, moved into the new LEED-certified SEED Center, established the MAG Composites Institute, received national recognition for our health science programs, and collaborated with industries around the world on projects from solar energy and mobile health clinics to designing clothing for autistic children.  We graduated our first class from the new majors of Environmental Sustainability, Law and Society, and Professional Communications.  We also began a series of important summits for the campus community during which national luminaries sparked faculty discussions on envisioning new paradigms for aligning general education and professional programs.

The year ahead also holds much promise.  This fall, we are launching a new branding campaign for the University, as well as a new curriculum for C-DEC.  We are also fortunate to have many new people in key leadership positions to help the new organization achieve its potential.

I am very proud to be a member of this forward-looking institution. During the next year, the Provost’s Office will continue to facilitate the kinds of deep and collegial collaborations that are helping to distinguish us as one of the most progressive and innovative forces in American higher education.

Best regards,

Randy Swearer
Provost and Dean of the Faculty