JoAnne E. Epps, acting president of Temple University, died after collapsing during a memorial service at the campus.
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The 72-year-old Epps was attending a memorial service for Charles L. Blockson, a curator of African American artifacts.
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She was transported to Temple University Hospital but was pronounced dead around 3:15 p.m.
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Epps served Temple University for nearly 40 years, starting at the university's bookstore and eventually becoming the law school dean and provost.
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She took on the role of acting president in April 2023 following the resignation of Jason Wingard, Temple's first Black president.
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Epps had no known health issues, and the cause of her death is not yet disclosed.
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She was a native of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, and held a law degree from Yale Law School.
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Epps had worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Philadelphia and Deputy City Attorney in Los Angeles before dedicating over 30 years to teaching law at Temple.
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As acting president, Epps aimed to address enrollment and safety concerns on Temple's campus in North Philadelphia.
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The Temple University community and leaders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, expressed their condolences and praised Epps for her dedication to the university.
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