Tragic Loss: Temple University Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Acting President JoAnne Epps

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Temple University is mourning the sudden death of their beloved acting president, JoAnne Epps. She passed away on Tuesday after becoming ill at a memorial service for Charles L. Blockson of the school’s Blockson Afro-American Collection of Black American art and artifacts.

Epps, 72, was taken to Temple University Hospital for further treatment and pronounced dead at around 3:15 p.m., the university said.

At a press conference, university officials spoke highly of Epps, saying she “embodied everything that is great about Temple University.” They also noted her “amazing ability to be the calming force in troubled waters and pull everyone together.”

Epps had been serving as the acting president of Temple University since July 2018, and was previously the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. She had been a part of the Temple community since 2000, when she was appointed dean of the Beasley School of Law.

“JoAnne was a beloved leader and a friend to many in the Temple community,” said Richard M. Englert, Temple’s president. “She was a passionate advocate for Temple and for higher education, and she will be deeply missed.”

The university has not yet announced any plans for a memorial service for Epps, but said they are “working to honor her legacy and her many contributions to Temple.”