“The Temple community has really welcomed me with open arms, and one thing that I’ve discovered since arriving is that the consensus around Temple’s mission and the sense of shared purpose here is remarkable. That is a real asset that many institutions lack; there is a real sense of who we are, and that can be a strong rallying cry for us moving forward.”

“I want to start by emphasizing a popular phrase that I have already heard a great deal since starting as president: ‘Owls are everywhere.’ Yes, it’s a cliche, but the numbers also do not lie. There are more than 380,000 alumni living across the world. Just consider that number for a moment.”

“Advancing research and innovation is central to Temple’s mission as Philadelphia’s public research university. With our state-of-the-art facilities, urban location, world-class faculty and visionary students with dreams of making an impact, we have all that is needed to spur innovation.”

“Over the past year, Temple has deepened its commitment to access and opportunity in meaningful ways, from launching Temple Future Scholars to support low-income, first-generation students starting in middle school, to joining the University Innovation Alliance to reduce equity gaps and improve student success, to earning national recognition in the Carnegie Classification for both research and student outcomes. Together, these milestones show how our mission is driving real progress, and that momentum is reflected in welcoming the largest first-year class in Temple’s history this fall.”

“Our Strategic Plan will serve as Temple’s compass at a time when higher education is changing rapidly, ensuring that Temple and Temple Health continue to lead as Philadelphia’s anchor institutions in innovation, research, student success and social impact. As we approach our 150th anniversary and prepare for an ambitious fundraising campaign, this shared vision calls for a culture of partnership across schools and disciplines, supported by campus investments that create a more vibrant and collaborative environment for our community.”

“If you believe in this institution, I also encourage you to give back. This past year was our most successful year from a fundraising standpoint, but I also firmly believe that this is just the beginning for us. We have all the necessary ingredients—a strong alumni base, an access and research-driven mission and an urban setting with endless opportunities—to really be leaders when it comes to philanthropy and fundraising."