At a ceremonial signing on June 13, 2023, Drexel University and Salus University formalized a merger agreement approved by the Boards of Trustees at both institutions.

The merger will bring together two Philadelphia universities committed to health sciences education.

“We look forward to launching a process with Salus that will bring together the complementary strengths of both institutions in graduate health sciences education and clinical practice,” said Drexel University President John Fry.

“We believe that this merger will significantly improve the student experience through expanded educational programs, new clinical opportunities and a wealth of options for research collaboration and grant funding,” added Salus University President Michael Mittelman.

Salus, founded in 1919 as the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry and based in Elkins Park, has an enrollment of more than 1,100 students and operates three clinical facilities in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties that provide highly specialized vision, hearing and balance, and speech-language pathology services.

The addition of renowned Salus graduate degree programs, such as optometry, audiology, blindness and low vision studies, physician assistant, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and orthotics and prosthetics, will add new programs to Drexel’s health sciences offerings and expand existing programs.

The merger will also increase graduate enrollment and promote interdisciplinary research opportunities in new areas. The two institutions also share a strong commitment to civic engagement and community outreach.

“The merger with Salus creates a promising path forward for both institutions,” said Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, chief strategy officer, senior vice president for Graduate and Online Education, and dean of the Graduate College and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies at Drexel.

“It advances the goals of the Drexel 2030 Strategic Plan, which calls for the University to expand immersive learning experiences.”

The next step is for the two universities to form an Integration Council to plan how Salus’s academic programs and operational units are incorporated into Drexel’s structure. The process could take a year or more to complete.

Read more about the merger agreement at Salus University.

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