Dr. Susan Aldridge Outlines Seven-Point Plan for University’s Future at Inauguration
Jefferson president and bicentennial celebrated at Oct. 9 ceremony.
Jefferson CEO Dr. Joseph Cacchione formally installed Dr. Susan Aldridge as Thomas Jefferson University’s seventh president on a historic day steeped in pageantry, pride, and promise.
The Oct. 9 inauguration at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center featured Dr. Aldridge outlining her seven-point plan for the future, a stunning performance by soprano Beautiful Sheriff and numerous greetings to the new president.
Attendees included 30 delegates from other colleges and universities, local business leaders, elected officials and Jefferson alumni, students, faculty, staff, leaders and members of the Board of Trustees.
“With your support, I’m committed to helping us reach—and exceed—our greatest expectations for the century ahead,” says Dr. Aldridge, who served as University interim president for a year and a member of the Board of Trustees from 2022 to 2023. “We will make Jefferson the first-choice university for future generations of prospective students at every stage.”
Dr. Susan Aldridge promised to be a tireless champion of Jefferson. (Photos by Steve Belkowitz)
Noting the significance of the inauguration during Jefferson’s Bicentennial, Dr. Cacchione says the University sought a leader with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, an acute understanding of higher education’s intricacies and a deep appreciation of the school’s history.
“We believe in Dr. Aldridge’s ability to lead us into the next chapter,” he says. “Today, we entrust her with the welfare of our university, knowing she will meet the future challenges with vision, creativity and wisdom. I’m certain the success and momentum we have achieved over the last 200 years of this university will continue to flourish under her leadership.”
Among the other speakers honoring Dr. Aldridge, Michael Sneed, chair-elect for Jefferson’s Board of Trustees, stressed the day’s significance.
“There’s no doubt that under her leadership, Jefferson will have a profound impact on our communities and society in the years to come,” he says of the first female president in University history.
Doctor of pharmacy student Lauren Isaacs represented the College of Pharmacy as a student marshal.
Nioka Wyatt, fashion merchandising and management program director, and Dr. Howard Weitz, senior associate dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, represented the Jefferson faculty at the inauguration.
Dr. Weitz praised Dr. Aldridge for a lifetime of innovation in education, and Wyatt called her a transformative leader whose influence inspires faculty in teaching and research.
“She deeply understands and honors our university’s rich legacy and will focus on advancing the mission to enhance the lives of our faculty, students and communities we serve,” Wyatt says.
Dr. Mark Greenberg, provost emeritus and distinguished professor at Drexel University, provided perspective from academia, noting that Jefferson made a wise choice at a critical moment in its history and that of higher education.
Nioka Wyatt, fashion merchandising and management program director, says Dr. Aldridge deeply understands and honors Jefferson’s rich legacy and will focus on advancing the University’s mission.
“In Dr. Susan Aldridge, Jefferson honors its history and reputation for excellence by selecting a leader with exceptional qualities of mind and heart,” he says. “She’s a person who listens and learns, acts decisively and fairly, and whose warmth and caring motivates others.”
Alumnus and Board of Trustees member Drew Morrisroe believes Dr. Aldridge’s vision, values and dedication will inspire Jefferson to new heights.
“You step into a role that’s not just about administrative duties as president,” he says. “More importantly, it’s about fostering a culture that empowers students, supports faculty and deepens our connection with the community around us. Alumni are proof that what happens at Jefferson reverberates far beyond campus, touching lives in countless ways around the world.”
Other members of the Jefferson community who offered greetings to Dr. Aldridge included students Adrian Buchter and Brittany Chavez; Tim Butler, associate dean of students on East Falls Campus; Dr. Kate FitzPatrick, executive vice president and Connelly Foundation Chief Nurse Executive Officer for Jefferson Health; and Matt Dane Baker, Jefferson’s provost and chief academic officer. In addition, dozens of college and university presidents from across the country shared congratulatory messages.
Jefferson’s deans celebrated with Dr. Susan Aldridge before the ceremony began.
Dr. Aldridge remained committed and humble in everyone’s praise. “Today is about showcasing the many accomplishments made by every member of our vast and diverse Jefferson community,” she stresses. “You’re the inspiration and the energy behind our success.”
For much of Dr. Aldridge’s presidential address, she discussed her seven-point plan for Jefferson, one which aligns with the University’s mission, vision and values and provides students with an “exceptional” return on their tuition investment.
“Of course, it’s one thing to identify our big-picture goal for the next 100 years, quite another to fulfill it,” she says. “To ensure that we have all the right pieces in place, we will need an unwavering resolve and a collaborative spirit to focus our future on what I propose.”
Soprano Beautiful Sheriff performed during the inauguration ceremony at the Kimmel Center.
Dr. Aldridge’s plan includes:
- Focusing on a high-touch, high-impact, real-world learning environment
- Continuing to build a robust portfolio of digital tools to augment Jefferson’s signature Nexus Learning approach
- Strengthening Sidney Kimmel Medical College’s reputation in teaching and research
- Fostering a culture that advances and sustains diversity and belonging
- Cultivating environmental stewardship, sustainability and social responsibility
- Enhancing Jefferson’s reputation as a preferred employer
- Maintaining a solid commitment to continued quality improvement, grounded in a fully transparent and data-driven self-assessment and decision-making process.
Dr. Aldridge closed her address by promising to be a thoughtful, well-informed, resourceful leader who rewards accomplishments and appreciates teamwork and new challenges. And as a tireless champion of Jefferson, she will never compromise the University’s high standards.
“In just a few short months, the clock will begin ticking on Jefferson’s next 100 years as a powerful institution at the forefront of higher education,” she concludes. “I ask that you join me now in making this new era as remarkable as our first 200 years. Together, we will take risks and embrace the opportunities, learn from our mistakes, celebrate our victories and harness the enormous talent on our campuses to lead ahead of the academic curve.
“Welcome to the third century of Thomas Jefferson University and thank you for choosing me to help lead you through the next leg of our pioneering journey into the future.”
See more scenes from Dr. Susan Aldridge’s inauguration below and watch the entire ceremony here.
