Temple University President JoAnne Epps Dead After Collapsing On Stage

Temple University President JoAnne A. Epps tragically and unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday afternoon.

According to sources, Epps collapsed on stage during a memorial speaking event—she was then rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead at approximately 3:15 PM.

At this time the cause of Epps’ death has not yet been released to the public and is currently unknown.

On Tuesday, Temple University announced: “Dear Members of the Temple Community, It is with deep heartbreak that we write to inform you that Temple University Acting President JoAnne A. Epps suddenly passed away this afternoon.”

Dear Members of the Temple Community,

It is with deep heartbreak that we write to inform you that Temple University Acting President JoAnne A. Epps suddenly passed away this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/lvzxcLud9E

— Temple University (@TempleUniv) September 19, 2023

President of the AFTPA Arther Steinberg had this to say about Epps: “Devastating. JoAnne Epps was long a pillar of the Temple University and Philadelphia region. This is a loss that will be felt by our members, their students, and their communities. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and colleagues.”

Devastating. JoAnne Epps was long a pillar of the @TempleUniv and Philadelphia region. This is a loss that will be felt by our members, their students, and their communities. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and colleagues. @TAUP @TUGSA_6290 https://t.co/i8dXSMt393

— Arthur Steinberg (artsteinberg-pft.bsky social) (@art_steinberg) September 19, 2023

The Huffington Post shared messages of condolences and respect from members of the community:

“JoAnne Epps was a powerful force and constant ambassador for Temple University for nearly four decades.

Losing her is heartbreaking for Philadelphia,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Lori and I are holding JoAnne’s loved ones in our hearts right now. May her memory be a blessing.”

Temple University’s Sports Girls Club also issued condolences for the deceased Temple President: “On behalf of Girls Club, We send our thoughts and condolences to family, friends, and students mourning the loss of Temple’s acting president Joanne A. Epps. She was such a beautiful and kind soul, may she rest in peace.”

On behalf of Girls Club ,
We send our thoughts and condolences to family, friends, and students mourning the loss of Temple’s acting president Joanne A. Epps. She was such a beautiful and kind soul, may she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/vR7nRrV7g1

— Sports Girls Club TU (@girlsclubtu) September 19, 2023

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney offered these kind words:

“Heartbroken by the sudden passing of Temple University’s Acting President JoAnne A. Epps. She was a passionate and steadfast leader who inspired many. I feel fortunate to have known her. My heart is with the Temple community and JoAnne’s family and loved ones.”

Heartbroken by the sudden passing of @TempleUniv Acting President JoAnne A. Epps. She was a passionate and steadfast leader who inspired many.

I feel fortunate to have known her. My heart is with the Temple community and JoAnne’s family and loved ones. https://t.co/AOy9ejHAAO

— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) September 19, 2023

NBC News explained:

Epps was provost of Temple University from 2016 to 2021, and dean from 2008 to 2016 of its Beasley School of Law, which rose in prominence during her tenure, the institution said.

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She spent five consecutive years, 2013 to 2017, on a list of the most influential people in legal education produced by the National Jurist, the school said.