Solo finalist for Temple presidency will visit campus next week

 

The only finalist for the presidency of Temple University is coming to town on Monday and Tuesday, and it’s expected he’ll be named the university’s 10th President.

Temple Board of Trustees Chairman Patrick O’Connor said Senior Vice President of Indiana University Neil Theobald is perfect to take over as president because of his working class background.

“He’s a first generation (college) student,” O’Connor said. “His dad worked for Caterpillar. He was expected to go on the assembly line. He wanted to get a college education, and Trinity gave him a full scholarship in Connecticut, (He) went there and then went to the University of Washington.”

O’Connor said Theobald’s roots will give him insight into some of the critical issues facing Temple, among them trying to make education more affordable.

“I think he will be looking at philantrophy as a way to create scholarship and financial aid for students who cannot afford the cost of education, and I think he will grow that significantly,” O’Connor said.

Theobald will be on campus Monday and Tuesday, and the trustees could vote on his appointment next week. If they approve, he’ll take over January first.