Delaware Valley University Hosts Alex Boylan as Watson Executive in Residence

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Delaware Valley University welcomed Emmy-nominated TV host and producer Alex Boylan as the fall 2025 Watson Executive in Resident (WEIR) on Oct. 22. The event brought together college students, high school students, faculty and staff to celebrate both Boylan’s inspiring career journey and the enduring impact of Dr. Thomas W. Watson ’57 and his wife, Judee Wales Watson, who created the WEIR program.

This year’s program carried a special significance, as it honored the memory of Dr. Watson, who passed away on Nov. 17, 2024. The event opened with a video tribute highlighting moments from Dr. Watson’s life and career, as well as personal reflections from many of those who loved him, including Judee who reminisced about their story and the love they shared. 

Following the tribute, Andrew Vernieri ’25, this year’s WEIR Scholarship recipient, expressed his gratitude to the Watsons for their generosity and commitment to supporting DelVal students.

Since it’s inception, the Watson Executive in Residence program has welcomed nearly 30 accomplished executives to campus to share their experiences, challenges and advice with the DelVal community. In addition, 30 WEIR Scholars have received financial support through the program to help them complete their education.

 

“The Watson Executive in Residence program is such as special part of who we are at DelVal,” said Dr. Casas. “It not only connects our students with inspiring professionals like Alex Boylan, but it also honors the remarkable legacy of Dr. Thomas W. Watson and his unwavering commitment to the University’s educational mission.”

 

Boylan, who rose to prominence as the winner of CBS’s The Amazing Race and has since built a successful career in television and digital media, shared his story of career exploration and perseverance. He described how his professional path began with a desire to travel and tell stories, and how he pivoted from international business to a career built around adventure and connection.

Encouraging students to make the most of their college years, Boylan emphasized the importance of getting experience and having a story. Two aspects of growth DelVal has diligently implemented into the coursework of every major.

 

“I’m not qualified for these jobs, but I got every single job offer I went to. Not because I’m that smart, not because I had great grades, but because I had a good story. So, I want to implore you all, while you’re here, start thinking about your story,” said Boylan. 

 

The Watson Executive in Residence program continues to reflect Dr. and Mrs. Watson’s vision of providing DelVal students with meaningful connections to leaders across industries, helping them develop the confidence and insight to shape their own futures.