Thomas Jefferson University Appoints Chancellor for its East Falls Campus

Thomas Jefferson University is pleased to announce that Willie McKether, PhD, has been named Chancellor for the University’s East Falls Campus. Dr. McKether—who most recently served as Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and Vice Provost at the University of Toledo—will assume his new role on September 27, 2021.

As campus chancellor, Dr. McKether will be a key member of University Provost Dr. Mark Tykocinski’s cabinet. In this new role, Dr. McKether will focus on bolstering the connected student experience and developing innovative ways to engage more regularly with students.

He will also work closely with colleague Charles Pohl, MD, Chancellor of the Jefferson – Center City Campus, to nurture a student-centered culture based on the University’s mission, vision and values, and play an important role in driving pipeline programs and linking students to our surrounding communities.

Together, Drs. McKether and Pohl will highlight the Nexus Learning approach that includes active, collaborative, real-world learning and grounded in the liberal arts, innovation and creativity. He will also work with the Office of Institutional Advancement to support philanthropy efforts and foster strong and dynamic relationships with alumni from legacy Philadelphia University.

“I could not be more excited about Dr. McKether coming to the University’s East Falls campus. He will inspire and motivate students, faculty and staff alike, and will be a great ambassador for the East Falls Campus and the entire University,” said Dr. Tykocinski.

“Thomas Jefferson University’s unique Nexus Learning approach helps prepare students for their future professions specifically and the ‘future of work’ generally,” he continued. “Dr. McKether will be integral to not only continuing our progress in those areas, but bolstering our multi-dimensional student experience at our distinctive global university.”

“I was proud to lead the chancellor search committee that was comprised of faculty, student and alumni where we considered many qualified candidates,” said Drew Morrisroe, chair of the Jefferson Academic Board. “Willie impressed the committee with his career accomplishments and his philosophy and approach to working with students. I look forward to what Willie will contribute as a member of the university’s leadership team as we continue to elevate the student experience and enhance our engagement with alumni.” 

Cameron Craig, a senior marketing major and Student Body President with the Student Government Association, is also excited about the announcements.

“Students on the Jefferson – East Falls Campus will benefit from Dr. McKether’s enthusiasm for students and his commitment to our growth and futures,” Craig said. “We are looking forward to the support he will provide to the students, especially with Dean Humphreys and the rest of the campus community.”

Prior to his most recent roles at the University of Toledo, Dr. McKether was Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and Associate Dean for the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences.

Dr. McKether is a business anthropologist with expertise in strategic planning, student retention and graduation rates, mentorship programs, social mobility, inclusivity efforts, curriculum development, administration and community relations. He holds a PhD in Business Anthropology and an MA in Labor and Industrial Relations from Wayne State University; an MBA from Saginaw Valley State University, and a BA in Economics from Grand Valley State University.

For more information about Dr. McKether or to arrange interviews, please contact Brian Hickey, Senior Media Relations and Content Specialist at Thomas Jefferson University, via email or (267) 582-5570.