Letter to the Editor: Suspend Search

I am pleased that The Inquirer printed the following letter at this urgent time

Suspend Search

To the editor:

I have never met JoAnne A. Epps, Temple University’s acting president, but have closely followed her extraordinary accomplishments, demonstrated loyalty, and evidenced maturity. Notably, when now-former president Jason Wingard “removed” her — a highly regarded and trusted provost — from her position, she did not react by resigning. Instead, she remained on staff as a so-called presidential adviser, who I strongly suspect was never consulted. Presidential search committees are, of course, de rigueur. However, to survive as a university, the challenges Temple faces are a microcosm of what Philadelphia must also confront, and desperate times such as these call for flexibility and unique measures. Temple trustees should immediately disband plans for their presidential search and appoint Epps as president. Temple desperately needs her evidenced strong, knowing, sensitive leadership, both now and in the foreseeable future. As does Philadelphia.

SaraKay Smullens

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 18, 2023