John Fry selected as the 15th president of Temple University

Temple University officially announced on Tuesday the appointment of its newest president, John Fry.

This is Temple’s third president in three years.

The decision comes after a unanimous vote by the board of trustees following a national search overseen by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

Fry has been president of Drexel University since 2010 and will take over presidential duties from Richard M. Englert once a replacement for Drexel is found.

Englert has been a part of the Temple community for over 48 years and was the president of Temple University from 2016-2021.

In the fall of 2023, He returned as the interim president after the sudden death of JoAnne A. Epps .

The former provost of Temples’ Beasley Law School, Epps was appointed acting president in April 2023 while the university searched for a permanent replacement after the resignation of Jason Wingard.

As the first black president at Temple University, Wingard served in the position from 2021-2023.

However, he resigned in March 2023 after a rise in on-campus violence and a nearly 42-day graduate student-led strike over wage increases.

Both Englert and Fry say they will work together to ensure a smooth transition of power.

The Temple University Student Government released this statement about the new presidential appointment:

“This morning, Drexel University’s current president, John Fry, was confirmed in a unanimous vote by the Temple University Board of Trustees as our 15th university president. After an extensive search, Temple Student Government is thrilled to welcome Fry into this crucial leadership role. During his 14 years as Drexel’s President, Fry demonstrated a fervent commitment to fostering a flourishing educational environment and was always available to listen to the concerns of both students and longtime residents near campus.”

“Interim President Richard Englert has done an excellent job, stepping up to the plate in tragic circumstances after our community lost a pillar figure, then-Acting President JoAnne A. Epps. We have no doubt that Fry will continue Dr. Englert’s mission: to concern himself with the needs of the student body. We are confident that he will exercise an assets-based community development approach when addressing broader community issues—an approach Fry has emphasized.”

“At Drexel, Fry’s numerous accomplishments included helping to revitalize local neighborhoods in West Philadelphia, expanding the school’s international presence, and successful fundraising. His record underscores that when Fry commits to a leadership role, he is all in. TSG looks forward to a long and productive future working with Fry to better our university community and experience.” – Temple University Student Government

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