PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Acting Temple University President JoAnne A. Epps died after collapsing at a memorial service Tuesday afternoon, the university said.
Epps was taken to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, the university said.
“There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss,” Chief Executive Officer Mitchell Morgan said in a statement. “President Epps was a dedicated servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying that her loss will have an impact on the community for many years to come.”
Epps, a former dean and provost of Temple’s law school, was appointed to the post in April following the resignation of Jason Wingard, Temple’s first Black president. Wingard resigned in March after leading the 33,600-student university since July 2021.
“JoAnne Epps has been a force and constant ambassador for Temple University for nearly four decades. Your loss is heartbreaking for Philadelphia,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Lori and I carry JoAnne’s loved ones in our hearts right now. May her memory be a blessing.”