University of the Sciences officials have some plans they want to share with the community and they are holding a community meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20. University leadership will provide updates on the Campus Master Plan and reveal their plans regarding a celebration of the long history of the Alexander Wilson School.

The meeting will be at the McNeil Science and Technology Center at 45th and Woodland from 7 – 8 p.m.

As a reminder, Alexander Wilson Elementary School was permanently closed in 2013, and USciences purchased the 1.03-acre parcel at 46th and Woodland last fall with the plans to convert it into student housing and student-focused retail.

Former Alexander Wilson School building at 46th and Woodland (Google Street View image).

Dr. Helen Giles-Gee (photo via usciences.edu).

The University of the Sciences announced today that the school’s president, Helen Giles-Gee, will step down at the end of the year.

“As this year comes to a close, I continue to be proud of the many contributions made by the faculty, staff, and students at USciences and believe that the university moves strongly forward,” Giles-Gee said in a statement. “At this time and after serious reflection, I have decided to leave University of the Sciences. I am honored to have served as president and will hold this University dear in my heart.”

Her resignation becomes effective on Dec. 31.

Giles-Gee is USciences’ first female and first African American president. She came to USciences from Keene State College in New Hampshire where she served as president from 2005 through 2012. She earned a bachelor of arts in psychobiology, a master of science in science education, and a Ph.D. in measurement, evaluation, and techniques of experimental research from the University of Pennsylvania.

USciences board of trustees chairman Marvin Samson will serve as interim president.