History of Temple University in Timeline

Temple University, founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell, is a large public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Originally established by Conwell's Baptist congregation, it has grown to become the second-largest university in Pennsylvania by enrollment. In the 2023-24 academic year, Temple conferred over 9,000 degrees. The university boasts a global alumni network of over 378,000, with a significant portion residing within the United States.

1901: Medical School Added

In 1901, Temple University added a medical school to its institution.

1901: First graduating class of the Law School

In 1901, the Beasley School of Law graduated its first class of 16 students.

1901: Founding of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine

In 1901, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine was founded, making it one of the oldest schools at Temple University.

1906: Merger with Garretson Hospital and Philadelphia Dental College

In 1906, Temple University merged with Garretson Hospital and the Philadelphia Dental College.

December 12, 1907: Reincorporation as Temple University

On December 12, 1907, Temple officially reincorporated as Temple University.

1907: Accreditation from the Pennsylvania State Board of Bar Examiners

In 1907, the Beasley School of Law received accreditation from the Pennsylvania State Board of Bar Examiners.

1908: Offering programs

Since 1908, Temple had begun offering programs in the fields.

1911: School of Nursing Established

In 1911, Temple University established its School of Nursing.

1914: Teacher's College Established

In 1914, Temple University established the Teacher's College.

1918: Establishment of the Fox School

The Fox School of Business was established in 1918.

1919: Establishment of the College of Education

In 1919, the College of Education and Human Development was founded at Temple University.

1924: Creation of Templar Yearbook

In 1924, Templar, Temple University's annual undergraduate yearbook, was created.

1925: Death of Russell Conwell

Russell Conwell, the founder and president of Temple University, died in 1925 after serving for 38 years. He is buried at the Founder's Garden on campus.

1927: Founding of the School of Media and Communication

In 1927, the Klein College of Media and Communication (formerly the School of Media and Communication) was founded.

February 22, 1936: Dedication ceremony of Sullivan Hall

On February 22, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the dedication ceremony of Sullivan Hall, which served as Temple's first free-standing library and now houses the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection.

1938: Temple Wins First National Collegiate Basketball Championship

In 1938, Temple University won the first-ever National Collegiate basketball championship under Coach James Usilton, securing the title by winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

1954: Expansion and Purchase of Monument Cemetery Land

In 1954, Temple University's board of trustees pledged to expand the campus to 210 acres and agreed to purchase 11+1⁄2 acres of the adjacent Monument Cemetery for athletic fields and a parking lot.

1955: University Expansion Plan by Nolen & Swinburne Associates

In 1955, Temple University hired Nolen & Swinburne Associates to devise a university expansion plan, calling for demolition of historic row houses to build Modernist towers, a plaza, a bell tower, walkways, lawns, and gardens.

1956: Temple Basketball Makes NCAA Final Four Appearance

In 1956, the Temple basketball team, under Head Coach Harry Litwack, made an appearance in the NCAA Final Four.

1958: Temple Basketball Makes NCAA Final Four Appearance

In 1958, the Temple basketball team, under Head Coach Harry Litwack, made an appearance in the NCAA Final Four.

1962: Founding of the Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance

In 1962, the Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance was founded as part of the Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts at Temple University.

1965: Temple Becomes a State-Related University

In 1965, Temple University became a Pennsylvania state-related university, receiving state funds while operating independently.

1966: Nolen & Swinburne Return to Create Development Plan

In 1966, Nolen & Swinburne returned to work for Temple University, creating a development plan after the demolition of rowhomes, churches and businesses in North Philadelphia.

1966: Establishment of Temple Rome Campus

In 1966, Temple University established its first campus in Rome in the Villa Caproni.

1966: University library moved to Samuel L. Paley Library

In 1966, the Temple University library moved one block east to the Samuel L. Paley Library, named after Philadelphia cigar manufacturer and philanthropist Sam Paley.

1967: Expansion to the School of Communications and Theater

In 1967, the School of Media and Communication expanded to become the School of Communications and Theater.

1967: Temple Owls Football Conference Championship

In 1967, the Temple Owls football team last won a conference championship.

1969: Steering Committee for Black Students Pushes for Community Involvement

In 1969, the Steering Committee for Black Students pushed for more community voices in Temple's expansion plans, as well as an Afro-Asian Institute and special admissions for Hispanic and African-American students. Governor Raymond Shafer forced Temple to limit building heights on the campus perimeter and keep 10 of 22 disputed acres.

1969: Founding of the Architecture program

Temple’s Architecture program was founded in 1969.

1977: Introduction of 'Victor T. Owl' Mascot

In 1977, Temple University introduced "Victor T. Owl" as a costumed mascot.

1979: Temple Owls Victory at the Garden State Bowl

In 1979, the Temple Owls football team won the Garden State Bowl.

1982: Peter J. Liacouras Becomes President

In 1982, Peter J. Liacouras became Temple's seventh president, initiating a period of growth and increased prominence for the university.

1983: Design of the Temple 'T' Symbol

In 1983, students in a graphic arts and design class at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture designed the Temple "T" symbol, representing strength and positive character with open ends symbolizing the free exchange of ideas.

1984: Baptist Temple Certified as Historical Building

In 1984, the Baptist Temple was certified by the Philadelphia Historical Commission as an Historical Building.

1984: Mascot Renamed 'Hooter'

In 1984, the Temple University costumed mascot, previously known as "Victor T. Owl", was renamed "Hooter".

1987: John Chaney Leads Temple to NCAA Tournament

In 1987-88, Head Coach John Chaney led the Temple Owls basketball team to the NCAA tournament.

1988: John Chaney Named National Coach of the Year

In 1988, John Chaney was named consensus national coach of the year.

1997: Formation of TUGSA

In 1997, the Temple University Graduate Students' Association (TUGSA) was formed. It is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO and is the only recognized graduate student employee union in Pennsylvania.

1998: Establishment of the STHM

In 1998, the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) was established.

1999: University Endowment Increase

By 1999, under the presidency of Peter J. Liacouras, Temple University's endowment rose to $109 million.

1999: Fox School named in honor of Richard J. Fox

In 1999, the Fox School of Business was named in honor of Richard J. Fox.

2000: End of Liacouras Presidency

In 2000, Peter J. Liacouras ended his tenure as Temple's seventh president.

2003: Baptist Temple Designated as Landmark Building

In 2003, the Baptist Temple was designated by the American Institute of Architects as a Landmark Building.

January 2006: Opening of the TECH Center

In January 2006, Temple University opened the TECH Center, a 75,000 sq ft technology facility.

April 10, 2006: Fran Dunphy Named Head Basketball Coach

On April 10, 2006, Fran Dunphy was named Temple's new men's head basketball coach following Chaney's retirement.

July 1, 2008: Establishment of the Office of Sustainability

On July 1, 2008, Temple University established the Office of Sustainability.

2008: Fran Dunphy and the Owls Win Atlantic-10 Tournament

In 2008, Fran Dunphy and the Owls won the Atlantic-10 tournament.

2008: Standardization of Temple's Cherry Color

In 2008, Temple University standardized its official cherry color to Pantone Matching System (PMS) 201.

2008: The Temple News Receives National Online Pacemaker Award

In 2008, the website of The Temple News, temple-news.com, received the National Online Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press.

2008: Sustainability Policies Enacted

Since 2008, Temple University has enacted policies that include purchasing from green vendors and conserving water and energy across campus.

2009: Fran Dunphy and the Owls Win Atlantic-10 Tournament

In 2009, Fran Dunphy and the Owls won the Atlantic-10 tournament.

2009: Hatching of Stella, the Live Owl Mascot

In 2009, Stella, Temple's live owl mascot, was hatched in Washington State and raised by a master falconer.

2009: Tyler moved to Main Campus

In 2009, Tyler School of Art and Architecture moved to a state-of-the-art facility at Temple's Main Campus in Philadelphia.

2009: Ambler College Renamed School of Environmental Design

In 2009, the Ambler campus' "Ambler College" changed its name to the School of Environmental Design.

2009: Establishment of BCM&D Records

In 2009, the Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance's record label, BCM&D Records, was founded.

2009: The Temple News Staff Wins Keystone Press Awards

In 2009, the staff of The Temple News won eight Keystone Press Awards.

2010: Fran Dunphy and the Owls Win Atlantic-10 Tournament

In 2010, Fran Dunphy and the Owls won their third straight Atlantic-10 tournament, marking a conference-leading ninth A-10 title.

2010: Conversion of Baptist Temple

In 2010, the Baptist Temple was converted into a 1200-seat, multipurpose performance venue.

2010: Temple Owls Play in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl

In 2010–11, the Temple Owls football program went 9–4 and played in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, defeating Wyoming 37–15, marking Temple's first postseason victory since 1979.

2011: Stella Arrives in Pennsylvania

In 2011, Stella, Temple's live owl mascot, arrived in Pennsylvania and took residence at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

2011: Owls Win A-10 Regular Season Title

In the 2011–12 season, the Temple Owls won the A-10 regular season title.

January 2012: Opening of the Architecture building

In January 2012, the Architecture building opened at Temple University, featuring a glass curtain wall and an open plan design to encourage collaboration.

December 17, 2012: Matt Rhule Named Head Football Coach

On December 17, 2012, Matt Rhule was named Temple's 26th head football coach. He previously served as the assistant offensive line coach with the New York Giants.

2012: Creation of TFMA

Created in 2012, TFMA offers BA and BFA programs in 13 concentrations in disciplines from musical theater to cinematography, screenwriting to theater design. Graduate programs include MFA programs in Film and Media Arts, Musical Theater Collaboration, Acting, Design, Directing and Playwriting, as well as MA programs in Media Arts and Musical Theater Studies, and a PhD in Documentary Arts and Visual Research.

2013: Creation of the Sheller Center for Social Justice

In 2013, the Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple Law School was created to address civil access to justice issues confronting underserved populations.

July 2014: Removal of HIV from human cells

In July 2014, Lewis Katz School of Medicine scientists were the first to remove HIV from human cells.

2014: "Visualize Temple" Unveiled

In 2014, Temple University unveiled "Visualize Temple," a campus development plan.

2014: Opening of SERC

In 2014, the College of Science and Technology's advanced Science Education and Research Center (SERC) opened. The 247,000 square feet research center, cost $137 million.

2014: Completion of the Science and Education Research Center (SERC)

In 2014, the Science and Education Research Center (SERC) was completed and attained LEED Gold Certification.

October 2015: Renaming to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine

In October 2015, the school was officially named the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in honor of Temple alumnus and former trustee Lewis Katz.

2015: "Verdant Temple" Announced

In 2015, "Verdant Temple" was announced as a university strategy for updating the school's open spaces, walkways and landscaping.

2015: The Temple News Wins National Pacemaker Award

In 2015, The Temple News won the National Pacemaker Award for its print edition.

2015: Temple Football Ties School Record for Wins

In 2015, the Temple Owls football team posted a school-record-tying 10 wins and 4 losses.

December 13, 2016: Geoff Collins Named Head Football Coach

On December 13, 2016, Geoff Collins was named Temple's 27th head football coach. He was formerly the defensive coordinator for the University of Florida Gators.

2016: Research University Classification

In 2016, Temple University was classified as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

2016: Tyler ranked number 15 in fine art schools

In 2016, Tyler School of Art and Architecture was ranked number 15 in fine art schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

2016: Four Temple programs joined Tyler

In 2016, four more Temple programs joined Tyler: City & Regional Planning, Community Development, Horticulture, and Landscape Architecture.

2017: Templar Yearbook Receives National Award

During 2017, the Templar yearbook received a national second-place award from the American Scholastic Press Association.

2017: Renovated Plaza and Founder's Garden Opened

In 2017, a renovated O'Connor Plaza and Founder's Garden opened, featuring a bronze owl statue, a water wall, and an inlaid Temple T in the brickwork of the plaza.

2017: Aramark Student Training and Recreation Complex (STAR) Opens

In 2017, the Aramark Student Training and Recreation Complex (STAR) was opened at 15th Street and Montgomery Avenue. This new facility included a climbing wall, weight room, an outdoor track, academic classrooms, administrative offices, a juice bar, and a 75-yard turf field.

2017: Ranking in the Times Higher Ed World University Rankings

In 2017, the Fox School of Business ranked in the top 30 in the nation and top 80 in the world for undergraduate studies in the Times Higher Ed World University Rankings.

2017: Renaming to the Klein College of Media and Communication

In 2017, the School of Media and Communication was renamed the Klein College of Media and Communication in tribute to broadcasting pioneer Lew Klein.

2017: Temple Owls Win Bad Boy Mowers Gasporilla Bowl

In 2017, the Temple Owls, coached by Geoff Collins, won the Bad Boy Mowers Gasporilla Bowl, defeating the Florida International Golden Panthers 28 to 3.

2017: School of Social Work enrollment

In Fall 2017, the School of Social Work, part of the College of Public Health, had an enrollment of more than 600 students.

2017: Temple Men's Basketball Ranked Fifth in NCAA Wins

The Temple Men's basketball program began the 2017–2018 season ranked fifth in all-time NCAA wins with 1,903.

2018: Profiled in The Princeton Review's The Best 382 colleges

Temple undergraduate college is among the top colleges profiled in The Princeton Review's The Best 382 colleges in 2018.

2018: Temple Men's Basketball Ranked Fifth in NCAA Wins

The Temple Men's basketball program began the 2017–2018 season ranked fifth in all-time NCAA wins with 1,903.

2019: Last In-Person Graduation Ceremony Before Pandemic

2019 was the last year Temple held an in-person graduation before the COVID-19 pandemic forced virtual ceremonies.

2019: Opening of Charles Library

In 2019, Temple University opened Charles Library, a four-story study facility designed by Snøhetta.

2019: Closure of Samuel L. Paley Library

In 2019, the Samuel L. Paley Library was closed as a library and repurposed for the School of Public Health.

2019: Expansion of name of the school

In 2019, the school expanded its name, becoming the Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

March 9, 2020: Suspension of G.I. Bill reimbursement eligibility

On March 9, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs suspended G.I. Bill reimbursement eligibility for Temple University due to "erroneous, deceptive, or misleading enrollment and advertising practices" by the Fox School of Business.

March 13, 2020: End of In-Person Instruction Due to COVID-19

On March 13, 2020, Temple University ended in-person instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2020: VA withdrew threat of sanctions

In July 2020, the VA withdrew its threat of sanctions against Temple University after corrective action was taken.

2020: Library holdings

As of 2020, Charles Library's holdings amounted to 4 million physical items, including 1.5 million books and 1.5 million electronic books.

November 29, 2021: Conviction of Moshe Porat

On November 29, 2021, Moshe Porat, former dean of Temple University's business school, was convicted on charges of conspiracy and wire fraud for a scheme to boost the school's position on the US News & World Report rankings.

May 2022: First In-Person Graduation Ceremony Since 2019

In May 2022, Temple University held its first in-person, university-wide graduation ceremony since 2019.

2022: Research and development spending

According to the National Science Foundation, Temple spent $301,395 million on research and development in 2022, ranking it 98th out of 899 institutions.

January 31, 2023: Graduate Student Workers' Strike

On January 31, 2023, the graduate student workers' union at Temple University declared an ongoing labor strike following a year of stalled negotiations for a labor contract.

April 11, 2023: JoAnne Epps Named Acting President

On April 11, 2023, JoAnne Epps was named Acting President of Temple University.

September 19, 2023: Death of JoAnne Epps

On September 19, 2023, JoAnne Epps, Temple University's Acting President, died after suffering a sudden medical episode during a university event.

2023: Student housing

As of 2023, 13,764 students live on or around Temple's main campus.

2023: Degrees Awarded and Alumni Base

In 2023, Temple University awarded 9,128 degrees and has a worldwide alumni base of 378,012, with 352,175 residing in the United States.

2023: Law School Enrollment

In Fall 2023, the Beasley School of Law had an enrollment of approximately 650 students.

2023: Protests Against Gaza War

In October 2023, Temple University students protested against the Gaza war and criticized the administration's pro-Israel stance. The ACLU became involved when the administration started disciplinary action against students for participating in a "Gaza Solidarity" encampment off-campus.

July 3, 2024: John Fry Appointed 15th President

On July 3, 2024, Temple's Board of Trustees announced the appointment of John Fry as its 15th president.

November 2024: Announcement of new Klein College building

In November 2024, Temple University announced plans to develop a new 199,000-square-foot facility for the Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, including new theaters, a media center, and a VR lab.

2024: Enrollment and Classification

As of 2024, Temple University has approximately 30,005 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity."

2024: U.S. News & World Report ranking

As of 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked the Beasley School of Law tied for 54th best law school in the United States.

2024: Greek Life Membership Numbers

As of 2024, there are 31 Greek organizations that are part of the Temple University Greek Association, with a total of 938 members.

2024: Temple Alumni Statistics

As of 2024, there are more than 365,000 Temple alumni living in 50 states and 152 countries, including notable alumni such as Bill Cosby, Bob Saget, Daryl Hall, John Oates, and a Rhodes Scholar.

2024: Forbes ranking

Forbes ranked Temple 192nd out of the top 500 rated private and public colleges and universities in America for the 2024–25 report.

2024: Temple University Japan Enrollment

In 2024, Temple University Japan had 2,575 undergraduate students and 233 graduate students, in addition to students in non-degree programs and educational experiences.

2024: Washington Monthly ranking

In 2024, Washington Monthly ranked Temple 144th among 438 national universities in the U.S. based on Temple's contribution to the public good, as measured by social mobility, research, and promoting public service.

2024: New undergraduate degree programs

In 2024, three new undergraduate degree programs were offered: Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management, Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management and Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies in Sport, Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management.

2024: Temple Rome Moved to Piazza di Spagna

In the Fall of 2024, Temple Rome moved to a new location at Piazza di Spagna, featuring new facilities including classrooms, art studios, a science lab, and a 50-bed residence hall.