After providing leadership for a nearly three-year renovation of the Temple Performing Arts Center as well as overseeing the launch of its inaugural season, Charles Henry Bethea has decided it is time to pursue new opportunities. As a result, effective immediately, the Performing Arts Center will report to Richard Rumer, associate vice president of Business Services. Bethea has agreed to remain at Temple through March to help with the transition, Executive Vice President Anthony Wagner announced today.

Under Bethea’s leadership, the Temple Performing Arts Center has become recognized as a world-class performing arts venue and the northern most anchor of Philadelphia’s famed Avenue of the Arts. In its inaugural season, the center has played host to a diverse array of events and performances ranging from the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra to the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.

The Temple Performing Arts Center will continue to bring a wide-variety of performances to campus and serve the needs of Temple’s schools, colleges and students. Rumer will work with Bethea and the staff at the Temple Performing Arts Center on a transition plan that ensures uninterrupted service for the Temple community and the region, said Wagner.