Temple University Acting President and Former Law School Dean JoAnne Epps has passed away. The condolences go out to her family, colleagues, and the Temple University community.
Temple University Acting President and Former Law School Dean @JoAnneAEpps has died. Condolences to her family, colleagues and the Temple University community. https://t.co/7PwLdfSLuR
— Lawyers of Color (@lawyersofcolor) September 19, 2023
Temple University is mourning the loss of Acting President and former Law School Dean, JoAnne A. Epps. The news of her untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the university community and beyond. Epps, a widely respected legal scholar and leader, leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Epps was a trailblazer in the legal field. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., she went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School. Epps joined Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in 1985 as a faculty member, and her passion for teaching and commitment to justice quickly propelled her career. She served as the dean of the law school from 2008 to 2016, transforming it into one of the nation’s top-ranked law schools under her leadership.
Throughout her career, Epps was known for her tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She was a mentor to countless law students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and encouraged them to pursue careers in the law. Epps’s impact extended beyond Temple University, as she served on numerous boards and committees dedicated to advancing equal access to justice.
As news of Epps’s passing spread, condolences poured in from her family, colleagues, and the Temple University community. The cause of her death remains unknown at this time, leaving friends and loved ones grappling with shock and grief. The loss of Epps is not only a personal tragedy but also a significant loss for the legal and academic communities.
Temple University has announced plans to honor Epps’s memory and contributions in the coming weeks. As the university community mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, Epps’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of aspiring lawyers and advocates.
The university has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the JoAnne A. Epps Diversity Scholarship Fund, which she established to support students from diverse backgrounds pursuing legal education. The fund serves as a testament to Epps’s unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive legal profession..
Temple University Acting President and Former Law School Dean @JoAnneAEpps has died. Condolences to her family, colleagues and the Temple University community. https://t.co/7PwLdfSLuR
— Lawyers of Color (@lawyersofcolor) September 19, 2023