Temple University has named John Fry, Gr’02, most recently president of Drexel University, as its 15th president, following the sudden death last fall of acting president JoAnne Epps. Dr. Fry will start his tenure after new leadership has been named at Drexel University.  

Temple is the third university where Dr. Fry has served as president, after Drexel University in Philadelphia (2010-2024) and Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA (2002-2010). From 1995 to 2002, Dr. Fry was executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked closely with then-president Judith Rodin to develop the Agenda for Excellence, Penn’s strategic plan from 1996 to 2001, and enacted strategies that helped to attract commerce and reduce crime rates in University City. 

“With his demonstrated success as a higher education leader and his expertise in academic and research excellence, community engagement, global impact, and his fundraising prowess, John Fry embodies the experiences and qualities that our community said they were looking for in the university’s 15th president,” said Temple Board of Trustees chair Mitchell L. Morgan. “After decades of positively impactful work in higher education and economic and community development, this appointment is also a win for the city of Philadelphia as John now brings his experience and a fresh vision to Temple University.”