Drexel keeps control as Academy of Natural Sciences appoints city-backed interim leader amid museum closure

After the threat of a split, Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences reached nonbinding terms to preserve their affiliation with Drexel funding and major decision-making power, and appointed Patricia Wellenbach as interim leader on loan from the city. The Academy museum will close on Sept. 30 (with the public last on Sept. 27) as the institutions pursue relocation of the collection and potential sale of the building; the Academy’s endowment remains under its fiduciary board while a permanent leader is sought. The deal was brokered with involvement from Gov. Shapiro and David L. Cohen.