The university was undergoing a tumultuous period when Epps took on her current role.
Outside of higher education, Epps had served as the assistant U.S. attorney in Philadelphia and the deputy city attorney in Los Angeles.
A Cheltenham native, Epps took on numerous leadership roles in various organizations including the American Bar Association and the Philadelphia Police’s Oversight Board, where she became the inaugural chair.
Epps previously said her years of service had a purpose.
“If we want to be sure that our time here has meant something, we must ensure that we have handed off to those coming behind us a commitment – and a passion – to work for the best world possible,” Epps said in a statement on her university biography page. “For me, this means inspiring young lawyers to understand the exquisite opportunity our profession offers to serve our world while serving our clients and ourselves.”
Reactions are already pouring in from Philadelphia and beyond on her sudden demise.
“Acting President JoAnne Epps dedicated decades of her professional life to the Temple University community – championing women and people of color in the legal profession and inspiring a generation of leaders,” said Speaker of the House state Rep. Joanna McClinton. “Today’s news is a tragedy, she will be truly missed by the Temple community and beyond.”
The Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP) released a statement calling Epps “a true Temple icon.”
“JoAnne’s calming presence gave Temple a reset this spring when we needed it the most,” TAUP President Jeffrey Doshna said in the press release. “I remember her walking into my office this April, and chatting with me one-on-one about how we could work together to make Temple a better place. That kind of personal approach makes her loss even more profound.”
“Sad news for the education community,” said Greg Lyles, Director of Major Gifts at Delaware State University. Lyles did not know her personally but was inspired by Epps’s work. “She was well loved and respected and a giant. Everyone knows her work in education.”
A vigil for Epps will be held at the university’s bell tower at 12 p.m. Wednesday. The entire Temple community is invited, the university said.
“This will be a time to reflect, remember and support one another during this time of grieving,” Temple officials said in a statement.