Image

4:29 PM / Tuesday February 18, 2025

20 Apr 2023

Temple University names ex-dean, provost as acting president

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
April 20, 2023 Category: Local Posted by:

ABOVE PHOTO: JoAnne Epps (Photo/temple.edu)

ASSOCIATED PRESS 

PHILADELPHIA — Former Temple University law school dean and provost JoAnne Epps has been named acting president of the university. She vowed to focus on safety and enrollment amid spiraling crime near the north Philadelphia campus and other issues during her predecessor’s tumultuous tenure of less than two years.

Epps, who has spent nearly four decades at the university, told The Philadelphia Inquirer before the announcement that she believes she was selected in part for her “ability to sort of calm waters.” The newspaper reported that enrollment is down 14% since 2019.

“I am obviously humbled and excited and really looking forward to being able to make a contribution to the university that I so love,” Epps said in an interview with the paper. She said she will not be a candidate for the permanent position as the university launches a national search for a new president.

Jason Wingard, Temple’s first Black president, resigned last month after leading the 33,600-student university since July 2021.

Wingard, 51, resigned shortly before a no-confidence vote by the faculty union, with members citing concerns over falling enrollment, financial issues, and labor disputes. He had told a panel of state lawmakers a week earlier that Philadelphia’s homicide rate has wrought a climate in which students, faculty, parents, and staff are afraid.

In announcing his resignation, the school vowed to ensure “the highest level of focus” on serious issues facing the institution, “particularly campus safety.”

Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald, 31, was shot and killed near campus earlier this year after pursing three people dressed in black and wearing masks in an area where there had been a series of robberies and carjackings. Two youths were arrested nearby, and an 18-year-old suspect was taken into custody the following morning. The school said Fitzgerald, a father of five, was the first Temple University officer killed in the line of duty.

The university had also recently seen a six-week strike by graduate students who are teaching and research assistants. Members of the graduate student union last month ratified a new contract after overwhelmingly rejecting an earlier agreement and extending their walkout.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Color Of Money

Pennsylvania governor seeks more money for schools and transit, but relies heavily on surplus cash

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email Governor Josh Shapiro presents his 2025-26 budget proposal to the Pa. General Assembly, as...

Seniors

How Type 2 inflammation contributes to asthma, COPD, and allergic conditions

February 3, 2025

Share Tweet Email BPT Do you live with persistent, moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, allergies, eczema or hives? Inflammation...

SUNrise

cj speaks…Celebrating in forgiveness for Black History Month

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email By cj “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and...

Week In Review

NFL- Super Bowl LIX pop-up shops showcase fashion for Philadelphia Eagles fans and highlight Black designers in New Orleans

February 18, 2025

Share Tweet Email Origins: An NFL Collection – Retail Pop-up for Super Bowl LIXPhoto credit: Shara Talia...

Commentary

Guest Commentary: The ball’s in our court — who will lead?

February 16, 2025

Share Tweet Email Community advocates and Black Lives Matter advocates gather for a news conference outside Target...

Health

What you need to know about glaucoma

February 10, 2025

Share Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES More than 4.2 million Americans live with glaucoma, a leading cause of...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff