Stephen Spinelli Jr. ’77, vice provost for Entrepreneurship and Global Management at Babson College, has been named president of Philadelphia University.

"I am honored to accept the presidency of such a progressive and dynamic institution," Spinelli, 52, said. "This is a very exciting time to join Philadelphia University, which encompasses a rich tradition and also holds tremendous opportunity for the future."

During his 14 years at Babson, Spinelli has been associate professor and later chair of entrepreneurship, director of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship, and he holds the Alan Lewis Chair in Global Management. Previously, he was co-founder of Jiffy Lube International and Chairman and CEO of American Oil Change Corporation, helping to pioneer the quick lube industry nationwide and turn Jiffy Lube into the dominant competitor nationwide with more than 1,000 service centers.

Spinelli received his Ph.D. in Economics from The Management School, Imperial College, University of London, his M.B.A. from Babson College and his B.A. in Economics from McDaniel College, where he was a member of the varsity wrestling and football teams and Gamma Beta Chi fraternity. He has an extensive background in executive education and consulting, and has written and co-written numerous books on entrepreneurship and other business topics, including most recently “Entrepreneurship: The Engine of Growth,” editor with Andrew Zackarakis, and “Never Bet the Farm,” with Anthony Iaquinto. He also has conducted peer-reviewed research and presented academic papers on franchising, entrepreneurship and other related topics.

Spinelli will succeed James P. Gallagher, Ph.D., on September 1. Gallagher, who has been president of Philadelphia University since 1984, is one of the nation's longest-serving university presidents. He announced his decision to retire in March