Drexel begins search for new president

Drexel University has begun its search for a new president with the hiring of Witt/Kiefer, a national executive search firm with an office in Philadelphia, university officials announced this afternoon.

The firm, which was selected from about a dozen applicants, will help the university recruit candidates to replace long-time president Constantine Papadakis, who died in April after a long battle with lung cancer.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni, former chair of the board of trustees and a Drexel alumnus, is serving as interim president.

A search committee, to be led by trustees chairman Richard A. Greenawalt, also has been formed and includes faculty, staff, alumni, students and trustees, the university said.

Those interested can follow details of the search on the university's web site at: www.drexel.edu.