In order to ensure the best coordination of the many complex physical elements of the Academic Strategic Compass and the Temple 20/20 framework, President Ann Weaver Hart has announced the reorganization of the offices of Space Management and Sustainability under a new operation, to be known as the Office of Campus Development and Capital Planning.

The Temple 20/20 framework was created to support the initiatives of the Academic Strategic Compass, a guide for the ongoing transformation of Temple into one of the nation’s great urban universities. The Academic Strategic Compass focuses on making Temple University a “destination campus” — an institution that attracts talented and aspiring students to enroll and outstanding scholars and teachers to join Temple’s faculty.

The new division will remain in the portfolio of Anthony Wagner, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. The reorganization also recognizes the move of William Bergman from vice president for operations and business services to chief of staff.

“Temple 20/20, with its focus on making Temple a destination campus, is the next evolution for this university, and we need to ensure that its implementation is coordinated, budget-conscious, sustainable and consistent with Temple’s mission and goals,” said Wagner.

Heading up the new office will be Michelle Lai, currently director of finance and operations for the vice president of operations and business services, where she recently lead the effort to close the USB building and consolidate operations in the Temple Administrative Services Building (TASB).  Lai served as deputy finance director and finance chief of staff for the city of Philadelphia before coming to Temple in 2007.

In addition to the consolidated offices, a Design Review Committee (DRC) is being created to ensure future campus development is consistent with the principles and goals of the Temple 20/20 framework. The DRC will be drawn from the offices of the provost, facilities management, appropriate academic departments, finance and administration and housing and residential life.

“This is a critical time for Temple and we need to do everything we can to ensure that each step we take with campus development is the right one for us, now and for the future,” said Wagner.  “We believe this reorganized office, under the leadership of Michelle Lai, will position us to move ahead and bring the Temple 20/20 vision to fruition.”