Provost Search

The Search

Temple University, a vibrant R1 public research institution in the heart of Philadelphia, invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of senior vice president and provost. This is a moment of extraordinary momentum and promise for Temple, as the university builds on its proud legacy of access and excellence under the experienced leadership of President John Fry.  

Founded in 1884 to serve working-class Philadelphians, Temple remains deeply committed to its mission of providing a high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Since then, Temple has evolved into one of the nation's most comprehensive and globally engaged urban public research universities, with 17 schools and colleges, more than 600 academic programs and more than 32,000 students across eight campuses – including international locations in Rome, Tokyo and Kyoto. 

The university's institutional budget for FY2024 was approximately $1.2 billion, with a workforce of more than 8,100 faculty and staff. Notably, Temple received a record number of undergraduate deposits from first year admitted students for the Class of 2029, reflecting its growing reputation and appeal. 

Temple is a catalyst for innovation, discovery and opportunity. The university consistently ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with annual research expenditures exceeding $300 million. 

Temple Health, a $2.8 billion academic health system, is an integral part of the university's mission. It is dedicated to delivering access to high-quality, accessible patient care while advancing excellence in medical education and research. Through its hospitals, physician practices and research centers, Temple Health plays a vital role in improving health outcomes for communities across the region and beyond.  

The new provost will join Temple at a pivotal juncture. The university is undertaking an update of its strategic plan, which reaffirms its commitment to student success, research excellence and civic engagement. The provost will play a central role in executing this vision, serving as the chief academic officer and a key partner to the president, the board of trustees and the university's senior leadership team.  

Reporting directly to the president, the provost oversees all academic initiatives and has a broad portfolio that includes curriculum and program development, accreditation and licensure, faculty recruitment and retention, research and graduate education, enrollment management, student affairs, global engagement, libraries and press and information technology. The provost will lead a dynamic, dedicated academic community and will be expected to foster a culture of innovation, inclusive excellence and shared purpose. 

Temple seeks a visionary and collaborative leader who brings a deep understanding of the evolving higher education landscape, outstanding interpersonal and management skills and a passion for Temple's mission. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, compelling communicator, thoughtful listener and proven academic leader with the experience and integrity to inspire trust and drive institutional progress.  

This position is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of the country’s great urban public universities. 

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile at WittKieffer.com.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service and educational programs. The University does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Search Advisory Committee

Search Advisory Committee

Co-Chair
Jennifer Ibrahim

Dean
Professor, Health Services Administration and Policy
College of Public Health

Co-Chair
Nora S. Newcombe

Laura H. Carnell Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience
College of Liberal Arts

Jodi Bailey Accavallo

Vice President for Student Affairs

Shohreh Amini

Faculty Senate President
Professor, Biology
College of Science and Technology

Lourdes Cardamone

Undergraduate Student, Political Science
College of Liberal Arts

James Earl Davis

Bernard C. Watson Endowed Chair in Urban Education
Professor, Policy, Organizational and Leadership Studies
College of Education and Human Development

Yelena Dzhanova

Doctoral Student, Media & Communication
Klein College of Media and Communication

Josh Gladden

Vice President for Research
Professor, College of Science and Technology

Jaison Kurichi

Senior Associate Vice President, Budget and Planning

Joe Lucia

Dean
University Libraries

Anjali Rajadhyaksha

Professor, Neural Sciences
Director, Center for Substance Abuse Research
Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Michael Schirmer

Associate Professor of Practice, Marketing
Fox School of Business

Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon

Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts
Professor, School of Theater Film and Media Arts

Search Committee Staff Support
Marylouise Esten
Vice President and Deputy Provost
Office of the President

Search Consultants: WittKieffer
Temple has engaged WittKieffer, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. Please direct all nominations and inquiries electronically to .

Our search partners are:
Robin Mamlet, Senior Partner
John Thornburgh, Senior Advisor
Randi Miller, Senior Associate
Corin Edwards, Associate