Temple University just got a boost of alumni power in its Board of Trustees with the appointment of three new members, all of whom are products of the institution's own soil. During an Oct. 9 meeting, Ellen Cooper, Jim Schultz, and Stan Middleman took their oaths to serve on the university's governing body, as reported by Temple News. Each of these individuals arrives with accomplished backgrounds and an intimate understanding of the university's landscape; they're Temple Made—a phrase that evokes pride within the community.
The trio comes with hefty resumes; Cooper is serving as the CEO of Lincoln Financial since 2022 and has been with the company for over a decade, Schultz is at the helm of legal and public policy at Scientific Games and has government experience under his belt, Middleman is leading the charge at Freedom Mortgage and also brings to the table his role as vice chairman of the Philadelphia Phillies. According to Mitchell L. Morgan, chair of the board and a fellow Temple graduate, the new trustees exemplify leadership and insight that promise to fuel Temple's forward momentum, something that the president and chairman both foresee as critical in an ever-shifting higher education ecosystem.
Beyond the professional accolades, the appointees share a personal commitment to Temple; Cooper credits the university for shaping her journey, Schultz echoes its instrumental role in helping him reach his American dream, especially as a first-generation college student and Middleman fondly recalls Temple as the launchpad for his success, demonstrating a collective vow to give back to the institution that gave them so much. In a statement obtained by Temple News, Cooper expressed her honor in joining the Board and her eagerness to "contribute to the university’s mission of prioritizing accessible education, fostering innovation, and strengthening the community."
Their roles are not just ornamental; these individuals represent a blend of real-world experience and a heartfelt desire to propel their alma mater to even greater heights, Fry told Temple News, adding that their readiness "to lean on all of them for support and guidance" is reassurance as the university grapples with the modern challenges of higher education. Temple's Board of Trustees is composed of 36 voting members, inclusive of governors and mayors, assuring that the pulse of Pennsylvania's higher education and its connection to public policy remains intact and vibrant.
