WHEREAS, Dr. Gallagher, a native of Southwest Philadelphia, has been involved with education his entire life. He began his career as a fifth-grade teacher at Shadeland Avenue School in Upper Darby. He has held positions at The American College in Bryn Mawr, St. Joseph’s University, Georgetown University, Towson State University, and The College of the Holy Cross, and served as president of Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania, were he introduced a successful program for hearing-impaired students and opened several off-campus centers.
WHEREAS, Dr. Gallagher received his doctorate from the Catholic University of America, his Master’s in Educational Administration from Duquesne University, and a B.S. in Education from St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania. On October 21, 1984, Dr. Gallagher became the fourth president of Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. As one of the nation’s youngest college presidents, he assumed the helm of an institution at its turning point due to the change in the textile industry in the United States. In the 1990s, with the enrollment growing in business, architecture and design-related majors, Dr. Gallagher began a quest to change the name of the College, and on July 13, 1999, it officially became Philadelphia University. Dr. Gallagher spent 23 years as president of the University.
WHEREAS, Dr. Gallagher served as the chair of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education from 1995 until January 17, 2002 where he developed a new academic standard for Pennsylvania students and higher certification standards for teachers. Dr. Gallagher also led the Department of Education’s Management Team for the Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, Dr. Gallagher was a charter member of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission appointed by Governor Mark Schweiker in 2002, where he created a new, more successful model for K-12 education in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it is pleased and proud to hereby recognize and thank Dr. James P. Gallagher on the occasion of the completion of seven years of dedicated and excellent service on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission to the Philadelphia School District and the people of the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. James P. Gallagher, further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End