John Fry has officially been installed as the 15th president of Temple University, writes Michael Tanenbaum for PhillyVoice.

In a message to the Temple University community, Fry laid out a number of over-arching goals for Philadelphia’s largest academic institution.

His top priority at Temple will be improving campus safety.

Crime has been a persistent issue in the surrounding North Philadelphia community under previous administrations. Two years ago, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey conducted an audit of Temple’s safety operations, after which the university issued a report with recommendations that included enhancing the Temple police department and investing in technologies that support students and deter crime.

Temple has since reported decreases in violent crimes and thefts over the last two years.

“In collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, I plan to continue prioritizing a comprehensive approach to the safety of our campus and neighborhood to cultivate a safe and welcoming place to live, learn and work,” Fry said.

Another goal is to extend the Temple corridor further south along Broad Street.

Temple already has a campus in Center City, which offers undergraduate and graduate degree courses, and evening degree programs.

Fry also wanted to develop new strategies to boost enrollment, which like many universities, has seen decline since the pandemic.

Read more about John Fry’s vision as Temple’s new president at PhillyVoice.

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