Temple University's Board of Trustees has officially approved the university’s strategic plan, outlining its direction for the coming decade. The “Forward with Purpose” plan, presented yesterday during a public session, charts the university’s roadmap through 2034, coinciding with its 150th anniversary, according to the official announcement. Introduced just over a year after John Fry became Temple’s 15th president, the strategy builds on foundational work completed over the past 14 months.
Under Fry’s leadership, the plan aims to position Temple as a leading urban research university, emphasizing opportunity, engagement, and discovery. In the official announcement, informed by an inclusive process that gathered more than 2,200 contributions from the university community, the “Forward with Purpose” plan highlights three core priorities: Student Success, Research in Action, and Place-based Impact. The planning process has been praised for its extensive engagement, incorporating perspectives from faculty, students, staff, alumni, and local community partners to create a strategy that reflects a wide range of stakeholder interests.
In a statement to Temple News, Fry called the plan’s unveiling “a watershed moment,” emphasizing the work of the Steering and Executive Committees in shaping its direction. Co-chairs Interim Provost David Boardman and Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives Richard Souvenir played key roles in coordinating community input that informed the plan’s final draft. Souvenir highlighted the intentional engagement with the university community.
Central to the strategy is a focus on maintaining educational standards and strengthening community connections. The university’s strategic pillars—innovation, partnerships, and operational strengths—aim to support accessible, high-impact education and foster community engagement. The focus on Research in Action and Place-based Impact targets urban research challenges in collaboration with the North Philadelphia community, broadening the university’s impact beyond campus.
The strategic plan outlines clear goals along with actionable steps and accountability measures. Temple is beginning its implementation with a series of informational events aimed at engaging the university community around these objectives. The plan sets a roadmap for the university’s development through its 150th anniversary in 2034.
