To the Temple University community:

As we start a new year, begin to see a possible end to the pandemic in the distance, and refocus on the mission of providing education and opportunity for students, I want to update you on the progress of the search for Temple’s 12th president. Just as the expanding availability of vaccines gives me optimism for 2021, the work of the search committee to date gives me confidence that we will be able to identify a brilliant and dynamic leader for Philadelphia’s public university.

In October and November, we held nine town halls with various constituencies of the university community. In these meetings, faculty, staff, students, neighbors and others were able to hear from me and other members of the search committee about the process and our perspective. 

But more importantly, we were able to listen. We heard faculty talk about the importance of research and shared governance, students advocate for social justice and a focus on diversity, and neighbors express their heartfelt desire for a president who is a strong presence in and advocate for North Philadelphia.

These sessions were extremely informative, and I am grateful for time and genuine interest of all who participated. 

In addition to the town hall sessions, a communitywide survey was distributed to collect an even greater breadth of input on the characteristics, opportunities and challenges for Temple’s next president. Responses to the survey, together with feedback from the town halls, was synthesized by our search firm and resulted in the Presidential Search Prospectus. I believe this document, which will be used to help candidates learn about the university and understand who we are, makes it clear that Temple is a destination of choice—not just for ambitious students and extraordinary scholars, but also for any leader who aspires to guide an organization with a vital mission and unlimited potential. 

I will continue to update you as the process moves forward. 

Sincerely,

Mitchell L. Morgan
Chair, Board of Trustees