Temple Nominates Law Dean JoAnne Epps to Become Provost

Courtesy Temple University

Temple University has nominated JoAnne A. Epps, the dean of the Beasley School of Law, as its new provost and executive vice president, the university announced today.

Epps, a native of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, has served as dean of the law school since 2008 and has been a faculty member at Temple for more than 30 years.

“JoAnne’s impeccable record in teaching, student success, diversity and social justice, coupled with her longstanding commitment to Temple and the City of Philadelphia, makes her ideally suited for this important leadership role,” university president Neil Theobald said in a statement.

Theobald also announced that Gregory N. Mandel, the university’s associate dean of research, has been appointed the interim dean of the Beasley School of Law while the school seeks a permanent replacement.

If Temple’s Board of Trustees approves the recommendation, Epps will take over as the university’s chief academic officer. The position includes the moderation of enrollment management, faculty affairs and student affairs.

Epps would fill the role of the university’s former provost, Hai-Lung Dai, who was removed last week just as Temple announced it faces a $22 million deficit in its financial aid budget.

Epps, who is recognized as one of the most influential people in legal education, began working as a cashier at a Temple bookstore when she was 16, according to the university.

In February, Epps received the Spirit of Excellence award for the American Bar Association Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. Under her leadership, Temple’s law school climbed into the U.S. News and World report top 50 ranking.

“I greatly appreciate this nomination as provost, which offers the opportunity to continue Temple’s remarkable momentum while also staying true to its historic mission,” Epps said in the statement. “I would be honored to serve as provost and committed to elevating the university even higher.”

During her time at Temple, Epps helped in implementing the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Center for Social Justice, which collaborates with non-profit groups and city agencies to target social justice needs. She also launched the Center for Compliance and Ethics, which highlights trends in both fields of law.

Before she joined Temple’s law school, Epps served as deputy city attorney for Los Angeles and assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, according to the university. She attended Yale Law School and Trinity College.

Epps also serves as a member of the city’s Board of Ethics.

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