John Fry appointed as Temple University's 15th president

Temple University has named John Fry as its 15th president, following a search prompted by the sudden passing of acting President JoAnne Epps last fall. Fry, previously the president of Drexel University for 14 years, was unanimously voted into the position for his dedication to higher education and community development. Known for expanding Drexel's global presence and successful fundraising campaigns, Fry is praised for his commitment to giving back to the community, exemplified by initiatives like the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships. Fry's appointment comes after the resignation of President Jason Wingard, who faced criticism for declining enrollment and campus safety issues during his tenure. With a focus on enhancing campus safety and advancing Temple's research endeavors, Fry aims to leverage his experience from Drexel and Franklin and Marshall College to propel Temple University forward. The unanimous support from Temple's board of trustees underscores confidence in Fry's leadership abilities and vision for the university's future. The sudden death of JoAnne Epps, who had taken over as acting president following Wingard's resignation, marked a challenging period for Temple University. Epps, a respected figure in the academic community, was posthumously recognized for her contributions during her brief tenure. Fry's transition to Temple University, located just miles away from Drexel, signifies a new chapter for the institution as it looks to address campus safety concerns and build on its academic and research achievements under his leadership. As Fry prepares to lead a community of over 30,000 students, 8,700 faculty members, and nearly 360,000 living alumni at Temple University, his track record of success in higher education and community engagement positions him as the ideal leader to guide the university forward. With a strong foundation laid by past presidents and a clear vision for the future, Fry's appointment signals a new era of growth and innovation for Temple University.