James MacAlister served as the first president of the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry from its opening in 1891 until his retirement in 1913. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1840 and emigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1850. He was chosen to become the first superintendent of the Philadelphia public school system in 1883. During his tenure as president of Drexel and throughout his career, MacAlister was an advocate for technical and vocational education. He played a significant role in the shaping of the early curriculum of the university.
From the description of James MacAlister administration records, 1889-1941 and undated, bulk 1900-1905. (Drexel University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 60380008
