WHEREAS, Stephen Spinelli, Jr. became Chancellor of Jefferson University on July 1, 2017, when Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University officially merged. Prior to being named Chancellor, Dr. Spinelli served as the President of Philadelphia University since September 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Spinelli has spent his career in academia, business and philanthropy, and in his first act as President, he and the Board of Trustees developed the vision of Philadelphia University becoming the model for professional university education in the
21st
Century. He also helped establish the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Spinelli’s leadership has resulted in 10 years of solid balance sheets, positive operating margins and doubling of the University’s endowment. Entering into the combination with Jefferson, Philadelphia University enjoyed record enrollment and retention, with particular growth of graduate enrollment, continuing and professional studies enrollment, and online enrollment. During Dr. Spinelli’s presidency, the University achieved 148 percent of its largest capital campaign well before its conclusion; and
WHEREAS, During Dr. Spinelli’s tenure, Philadelphia University began a focus on innovation, by establishing the Vice Presidency for Innovation, The Celebration of Innovation with title sponsorship from Verizon, and opening the University’s Entrepreneurship Center. Dr. Spinelli and his team opened facilities to advance student success such as the SEED Center; Lawrence N. Field Design, Engineering and Commerce Center; Nexus Learning Hubs; and the Arlen Specter Center for Community Service; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his tenure at Philadelphia University, Dr. Spinelli held a variety of faculty and leadership positions at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, including Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Global Management, Chair of the Entrepreneurship Division and Director of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship. As Vice Provost, Dr. Spinelli was instrumental in strengthening and growing important initiatives, including the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the world's largest collaborative research project studying entrepreneurship; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Dr. Spinelli serves on the Board of Advisors for the Berwind Corporation and the Board of Directors for Planet Fitness. He has also served on the Boards of Trustees of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Episcopal Academy, Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress, and Ben Franklin Technology Partnership of Southeastern Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Previously, Dr. Spinelli was co-founder of Jiffy Lube International under the leadership of his college football coach, Jim Hindman, and was Chairman and CEO of the American Oil Change Corporation, helping to pioneer the quick-lube industry nationwide and turning Jiffy Lube into the nation’s dominant competitor with more than 1,000 service centers; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Spinelli will step down as Chancellor of Jefferson University on June 30, 2018 and will become Chancellor Emeritus. He will write and lecture on the merger between Jefferson and Philadelphia University and will relocate to New England; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Dr. Stephen Spinelli on his tenure as Chancellor of Jefferson University and as President of the former Philadelphia University.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Stephen Spinelli as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End