Jason Wingard

Dear Commons Community,

The Chronicle of Higher Education had a review yesterday of Jason Wingard’s tenure and departure as President of Temple University. Appointed on July 1, 2021, he resigned, effective March 31st, 2023, less than two years into his tenure.  He resigned in anticipation of a vote of no confidence by the faculty union.

According to the The Chronicle analysis, “No single factor undid his presidency, but, according to student leaders and faculty members, the combination of staunch disagreements over the academic direction of the university, two labor disputes, and rising concerns about safety imperiled his position. Wingard, who spent much of his first year trying to rebrand Temple, found himself in the middle of a maelstrom with few allies.

Ultimately, most of Wingard’s critics agree that his tenure was cut short because he appeared uninterested in the day-to-day management of the university, like attending to labor disputes and public safety. He was preoccupied with Temple’s brand.

“It wasn’t a surprise especially after what happened with the strike. You had parents complaining, you had the bureaucracy complaining, you had graduate students complaining,” senior Obi Nwogwugwu said. “That could have happened in every presidency, but the fact that all those things happened in his presidency didn’t help.”

The Chronicle’s entire article reads like a case study in college leadership.

Tony

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