David A. Paul, When the Pot Boils: The Decline and Turnaround of Drexel University

Abstract

This highly readable and informative case-study of the recent fortunes of Drexel University in Philadelphia demonstrates how effective leadership and wise strategic decisions can reverse the fortunes of a failing university. In today’s competitive market for education services, university bankruptcy is a distinct possibility. While some universities prosper and expand, others go through hard times, with falling enrolments, depleted reserves and threats to their survival. Internationally, public sector universities are sometimes saved from bankruptcy by government intervention, while both in public and private sectors mergers with stronger institutions or sale of assets to other universities are also possibilities.