Drexel CFO Helen Bowman Heads to Boston University
Drexel's longtime chief financial officer will become executive vice president at Boston University on Jan. 1, as Philadelphia City Council scrutinizes the university's closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences museum.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
Helen Bowman, Drexel University's executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, is leaving after more than 15 years to become executive vice president at Boston University, starting Jan. 1. Drexel President Merlo announced the departure to leaders, and Drexel will develop interim plans for her role.
Why it matters
Bowman's exit removes a senior financial leader during a period when Philadelphia City Council is scrutinizing Drexel's decision to close the Academy of Natural Sciences museum. Drexel leaders have said they cannot afford to continue funding the academy's deficits.
Bowman spent more than 15 years at Drexel, during which the endowment grew to over $1 billion and the university acquired St. Christopher's Children's Hospital. Her successor and the full financial impact of her departure have not been announced.
The players
Helen Bowman
Helen Bowman is Drexel University's executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, who has held the role for more than 15 years.
Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia that has grown its endowment past $1 billion and acquired St. Christopher's Children's Hospital.
Boston University
Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, where Bowman will serve as executive vice president beginning Jan. 1.
Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences is a Philadelphia museum and research institution whose closure by Drexel is drawing scrutiny from City Council.
The details
Bowman oversaw Drexel's financial and investment planning, accounting practices, information technology, facilities, real estate and public safety. She also sits on the Academy of Natural Sciences board of trustees, and Drexel has given the museum an ultimatum to come fully under Drexel or disaffiliate.
Timeline
2024: John Fry left Drexel to become president of Temple University.
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026: Drexel President Merlo announced Bowman's departure to leaders.
Jan. 1, 2027: Bowman starts as executive vice president at Boston University.
Big Picture
Bowman's tenure coincided with Drexel's acquisition of St. Christopher's Children's Hospital and endowment growth past $1 billion. Her exit comes as the university weighs the future of the Academy of Natural Sciences, a museum it says it can no longer subsidize.
Philadelphia residents who visit or support the Academy of Natural Sciences may see its future change as Drexel decides whether to fully absorb or disaffiliate the museum. Drexel's leadership transition in finance may also affect how the university allocates funds to local institutions.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at major Philadelphia institutions can shape decisions about legacy cultural assets, and the Academy of Natural Sciences situation shows how deficits can force those choices. Readers following the story should watch for Drexel's interim financial plan and City Council's next actions.
What happens next
Drexel will develop interim plans for Bowman's role before her departure on Jan. 1, 2027, and City Council's scrutiny of the Academy of Natural Sciences closure is ongoing.
Further reading
For more on Philadelphia leadership moves, see People in Business coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
