About me
John Fry took office as Temple University’s 15th president on Nov. 1, 2024, having established a reputation as both a civic leader in Philadelphia and national leader in higher education.
President Fry’s tenure has already been marked by significant milestones, as the university has received multiple record-setting philanthropic commitments, launched a comprehensive strategic plan, welcomed the largest first-year class in its history and expanded Temple’s Center City presence through the acquisition of Terra Hall, a new permanent home along the Avenue of the Arts.
Prior to his arrival at Temple, Fry served as president of Drexel University from 2010 to 2024, where he helped set the standard for what successful academic and research partnerships look like. Before joining Drexel, he served as president of Franklin & Marshall College from 2002 to 2010 and executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2002. He is widely credited for playing a key role in the revitalization and redevelopment of University City in West Philadelphia.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., President Fry graduated from Lafayette College, where he serves as a trustee, and earned a master’s degree in business administration from the New York University Stern School of Business.
