Jason Wingard, who became Temple University’s president less than two years ago, will resign at the end of the month, the school’s board of trustees said in a message to students and staff late Tuesday afternoon.
Temple Board of Trustees Chair Mitchell Morgan said Wingard’s resignation was accepted, effective March 31. In a letter to the university community, he added that Wingard has made “significant” contributions since taking the job in July 2021.
“We are confident that the University will benefit from the strategies and initiatives launched by Dr. Wingard, in the years to come,” Morgan wrote.
Wingard and Temple have faced numerous challenges in recent months, ranging from a graduate student strike to safety concerns, particularly following the fatal shooting of campus police officer Christopher Fitzgerald.
The university’s faculty union has, over the past few weeks, been weighing a vote of no confidence in Wingard and other school leaders, including Morgan.
“Given the urgent matters now facing the University, particularly campus safety, the Board and the administration will ensure the highest level of focus on these serious issues,” Morgan said in his message.
Board members will select a small group of experienced administrators to guide the university as it begins its search for a new leader, Morgan said.
