It is my duty to inform you that at its meeting held earlier today, the Temple University Board of Trustees issued a vote of no confidence in Dr. Neil D. Theobald as President of the University, and the Board will seek Dr. Theobald’s dismissal at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2016.

 

The Board’s decision is based in part on the events that led to the removal of Hai-Lung Dai as University Provost on June 28, 2016. Specifically, the Board concludes that the issues arising from the discovery of a $22 million deficit in the University’s financial aid budget ultimately were the responsibility of President Theobald, and that he must be held accountable. After providing an opportunity for President Theobald to resign his position, which he refused, the Board concluded that it is compelled to proceed with Dr. Theobald’s removal as President.

 

At today’s meeting, the Board also approved the appointment of Temple Law School Dean JoAnne A. Epps to succeed Hai-Lung Dai as Provost.

 

It is the Board’s intention to formally appoint long-time Temple leader, former Acting President and current Chancellor Richard M. Englert as Acting President at its meeting on Thursday, July 21, 2016. Upon Dr. Theobald’s removal, Dr. Englert will serve once again as Acting President pending the outcome of a search for a permanent successor.

 

Dr. Englert brings a wealth of leadership, knowledge and Temple experience to the post of Acting President. He began his career at Temple as a Professor of Educational Administration in January 1976. He has served the University with distinction in a number of positions, including Vice President for Administration, Associate Dean and Dean of the College of Education, Deputy Provost and Dean of the University College, and Chief of Staff to the President.

 

The Board of Trustees has full confidence that Dr. Englert will ably lead the University in the months ahead with fidelity to its mission of access to excellence. We call on all members of the Temple University Community to give Dr. Englert their full support during his time as Acting President.

 

While this is a difficult time for everyone, I take great consolation in the fact that Temple remains an extraordinary University that has made great progress in its mission of providing an affordable and accessible education.

Patrick J. O'Connor, Chair
Temple University Board of Trustees