Drexel History

Drexel University opened its doors in 1892 as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry. Founded by financier Anthony Joseph Drexel, the institute was established to improve employment opportunities for both men and women by providing higher education that emphasized technical and vocational training. Drexel did not offer degree granting programs like a traditional school of higher learning until 1915, when the institute first awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. The first graduate degrees were offered in 1931 in the School of Home Economics. The school name was officially shortened to the Drexel Institute of Technology in 1936. In 1969, school officials requested university status from the state of Pennsylvania. In 1970, Drexel Institute became Drexel University.

The following links include more details about the history of Drexel:

• Timeline of Drexel History, 1889-1984
  • Timeline covering the first six presidents of Drexel, 1891-1963
• Drexel buildings, 1891-2007
• List of Drexel presidents, 1891-present
  • Exhibit of Drexel presidents, 1891-1963
• Drexel colleges and schools, 1891-present
• Bibliography of Drexel history - published works about Drexel University
• Bibliography of the Drexel family - sources about Drexel’s founding family
• Themes in Drexel History - selected collections for researching popular topics in Drexel history

The following links to historical information on other Drexel web pages may also be of interest:

• “A University with a Difference: The Unique Vision of Anthony J. Drexel,”  by Dr. Constantine Papadakis
• An Architectural History of the Main Building