Temple University has been led by remarkable people since our founding in 1884. Each of these men and women have had a vision for how the university supports undergraduate, graduate and professional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. We have grown and changed as society and higher education has evolved thanks to their insight, guidance and leadership.

Russell H. Conwell

Russell H. Conwell was pastor of Grace Baptist Church and the founder of Temple College. The temporary Board of Trustees elected him president of the faculty on Oct. 14, 1887. He served until his death on Dec. 6, 1925.

Charles Ezra Beury

A bank executive, lawyer and trustee of the university, he served as president from 1926 until 1941.

Robert Livingston Johnson

A management consultant and former vice president of Time Inc., he served as president from 1941 until 1959.

Millard E. Gladfelter

Vice president and provost of the university before assuming office, he served as president from 1959 until 1967.

Paul R. Anderson

Vice president of academic affairs for the university and a former president of Chatham College, he served from 1967 until 1973.

Marvin Wachman

Vice president for academic affairs of Temple and a former president of Lincoln University, he served from 1973 until 1982.

Peter J. Liacouras

Former dean of the Beasley School of Law and law professor, he served as president from 1982 until 2000.

David Adamany

Former president of Wayne State University (1982–1997) and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Maryland, he served as president from 2000 until 2006.

Ann Weaver Hart

Former president of the University of New Hampshire and Temple’s first female president, she served from 2006 until 2012.

Neil D. Theobald

Former vice president and chief financial officer for Indiana University, he was president from 2013 to 2016.

Richard Englert

Currently serving as chancellor, he was president from 2016 to 2021. Over 45 years at Temple, Chancellor Englert served at various times as provost, interim senior vice president for academic affairs, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and vice president for administration, among many other roles.

Jason Wingard

Former dean and professor at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, he was president from 2021 to 2023. 

JoAnne A. Epps

President Epps previously served as provost and dean of the Beasley School of Law. She served as president from April 2023 until her death on Sept. 19, 2023.