Drexel University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Drexel University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, communications, and student leadership.

Committed to experiential learning and applied research, Drexel University advances academic excellence through a unique cooperative education model that bridges the gap between rigorous classroom instruction and professional industry practice.

Leadership Roles at Drexel University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Vikram Janardhan
  • IFC President - Jake Vandenherik
  • Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group - Gustave Gottlieb
  • President - Mary McGeoch
  • President - Mushfiqul Islam
  • Co-President & Group Ir Interest Doctor - Zhuorui Li
  • President - Kanya Srithong
  • Chief of Staff - Cerys Richter
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Jacquelyn Bailey
  • Chief Communications Officer - Linda Roth
  • Vikram Janardhan - Chief Executive Officer

    Vikram Janardhan, the Chief Executive Officer at Drexel University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the organization. Overseeing the integration of academic programs with professional work experiences, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the university maintains its competitive edge in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves managing complex partnerships with industry and government entities to foster applied research initiatives. By aligning institutional resources with long-term educational goals, Vikram Janardhan drives the expansion of the university's footprint across North American markets. The Chief Executive Officer also coordinates with the Board to secure financial stability and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Janardhan sustains the university's reputation for innovation and excellence in comprehensive research and professional development.

    Jake Vandenherik - IFC President

    Jake Vandenherik, the IFC President at Drexel University, leads the governance and development of the Interfraternity Council. Overseeing the coordination of student organizations, the IFC President ensures that fraternity life aligns with the university's core values of academic excellence and community service. This role involves facilitating dialogue between student leaders and university administration to foster a safe and inclusive campus environment. By promoting leadership development and professional networking opportunities, Jake Vandenherik supports the university's mission of preparing students for successful careers. The IFC President also manages the implementation of policies that govern student conduct and organizational activities. Through active engagement with the student body, Vandenherik drives initiatives that enhance the overall student experience, ensuring that the fraternity community contributes positively to the university's vibrant and diverse campus culture.

    Gustave Gottlieb - Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group

    Gustave Gottlieb, the Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group at Drexel University, directs the academic and research activities of this specialized student organization. Overseeing the exploration of public health challenges, the Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group ensures that members engage with current medical research and clinical practices. This role involves organizing seminars and collaborative projects that connect students with experts in the field of medicine and public health. By fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, Gustave Gottlieb supports the university's commitment to applied research and interdisciplinary study. The Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group also coordinates with faculty advisors to align group activities with the university's broader health sciences curriculum. Through these efforts, Gottlieb prepares students for future contributions to the medical community and global health initiatives.

    Mary McGeoch - President

    Mary McGeoch, the President at Drexel University, oversees the strategic management of specific student-led academic initiatives. Focusing on the development of undergraduate research programs, the President ensures that students gain hands-on experience in their respective fields of study. This role involves coordinating with faculty to provide mentorship and resources for student-driven projects that align with the university's experiential learning model. By fostering a culture of inquiry, Mary McGeoch supports the university's mission to produce graduates capable of solving complex real-world problems. The President also facilitates partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with professional exposure and networking opportunities. Through the diligent oversight of these academic programs, McGeoch enhances the university's reputation for excellence in undergraduate education and applied research, ensuring that students remain at the forefront of their chosen disciplines.

    Mushfiqul Islam - President

    Mushfiqul Islam, the President at Drexel University, directs the operational activities of specialized student organizations focused on engineering and technology. Overseeing the implementation of technical workshops and collaborative design projects, the President ensures that students apply theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges. This role involves managing the allocation of resources for student-led research and innovation labs. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Mushfiqul Islam supports the university's mission of integrating professional work experiences into the academic curriculum. The President also facilitates connections between student engineers and industry partners to enhance career readiness. Through the strategic leadership of these technical groups, Islam drives the development of practical skills among the student body, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address the evolving demands of the engineering and technology sectors.

    Zhuorui Li - Co-President & Group Ir Interest Doctor

    Zhuorui Li, the Co-President & Group Ir Interest Doctor at Drexel University, leads the strategic direction of specialized medical interest groups. Overseeing the coordination of clinical research discussions and professional development sessions, the Co-President & Group Ir Interest Doctor ensures that students gain exposure to the latest advancements in infectious disease and public health. This role involves managing the group's outreach efforts to connect students with medical professionals and research opportunities. By fostering a collaborative environment, Zhuorui Li supports the university's commitment to applied research in the health sciences. The Co-President & Group Ir Interest Doctor also works with faculty to align group activities with the university's rigorous medical curriculum. Through these leadership efforts, Li enhances the academic experience for students, preparing them for future roles in the medical and public health fields.

    Kanya Srithong - President

    Kanya Srithong, the President at Drexel University, manages the operations of student-led initiatives focused on media arts and design. Overseeing the production of creative projects and exhibitions, the President ensures that students have the platform to showcase their work to the broader university community. This role involves coordinating with faculty to provide students with access to industry-standard design tools and professional development workshops. By promoting creative innovation, Kanya Srithong supports the university's mission of integrating experiential learning into the arts and design curriculum. The President also facilitates partnerships with local creative organizations to provide students with real-world experience. Through the strategic leadership of these creative groups, Srithong drives the development of artistic and technical skills, ensuring that graduates are prepared for successful careers in the competitive media arts and design industries.

    Cerys Richter - Chief of Staff

    Cerys Richter, the Chief of Staff at Drexel University, manages the daily operational flow and executive communications for the leadership team. Coordinating high-level projects across various departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities receive consistent attention and resources. This role involves facilitating communication between the executive office and academic units to streamline decision-making processes. By monitoring the execution of strategic initiatives, Cerys Richter supports the university's mission of integrating experiential learning into the student experience. The Chief of Staff also oversees the preparation of briefings and reports for the Board, ensuring alignment with the university's broader research objectives. Through meticulous management of administrative workflows, Richter optimizes the efficiency of the executive office while maintaining focus on the university's commitment to applied research and community engagement.

    Jacquelyn Bailey - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Jacquelyn Bailey, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Drexel University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the institution's research and academic programs. Overseeing the deployment of advanced computing systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for high-level data analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration. This role involves securing the university's network against emerging threats while scaling cloud-based solutions to accommodate growing research demands. By modernizing the technological landscape, Jacquelyn Bailey facilitates the seamless integration of cooperative education into the digital classroom. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer also collaborates with academic leaders to implement software solutions that enhance the student experience. Through strategic investment in technology, Bailey drives the digital transformation required to maintain the university's status as a leader in applied research.
    Jacquelyn Bailey

    Linda Roth - Chief Communications Officer

    Linda Roth, the Chief Communications Officer at Drexel University, directs the public relations and brand strategy for the institution. Overseeing the dissemination of research breakthroughs and academic achievements, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the university's reputation for experiential learning remains prominent in the public consciousness. This role involves managing media relations and stakeholder engagement to support the university's partnerships with industry and community organizations. By crafting compelling narratives about the impact of cooperative education, Linda Roth strengthens the university's market position. The Chief Communications Officer also coordinates internal communications to ensure alignment across all departments and campuses. Through the strategic use of digital and traditional media channels, Roth amplifies the university's mission, ensuring that the institution's contributions to medicine, engineering, and business reach a global audience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Drexel University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Drexel University?
    Drexel University is led by Vikram Janardhan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jake Vandenherik (IFC President) and Gustave Gottlieb (Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group).
    Who is part of Drexel University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Drexel University includes leaders such as Vikram Janardhan (Chief Executive Officer), Jake Vandenherik (IFC President), Gustave Gottlieb (Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Drexel University have?
    Drexel University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Drexel University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Drexel University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, IFC President, Founder and President of the Infectious Disease Interest Group, President, President.