Temple University names Elizabeth A. Wentz as Senior Vice President and Provost

Arizona State University Vice Provost will become Temple’s Chief Academic Officer this July, following a national search.

Temple University has appointed Elizabeth A. Wentz as its next Senior Vice President and Provost, marking a leadership transition as the institution advances its new long-term strategic plan.

Wentz, currently Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College at Arizona State University, will begin the role on July 1, 2026, subject to final approval by Temple’s Board of Trustees. The appointment follows a national search and places Wentz in charge of Temple’s academic enterprise, which spans 17 schools and colleges, multiple campuses, and a broad portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

Nancy Gonzales, Executive Vice President and University Provost at Arizona State University, shared the news on LinkedIn, writing: “I am pleased to share that Elizabeth Wentz (Libby) has been appointed Senior Vice President and Provost at Temple University. While this marks an exciting next chapter in Libby’s career, it is also a moment for us to reflect on and celebrate the depth of her impact at Arizona State University.”

Leadership transition at a pivotal moment

Temple President John Fry says: “We are delighted to welcome Libby to Temple as our next senior vice president and provost. Out of a very competitive field, Libby emerged as the ideal candidate to join this institution at such a pivotal time in our history. Over her 30-plus year career in higher education, she has a demonstrated track record in student success and possesses a deep understanding of our mission and the important role of public research universities in urban environments.

“This is a time of great momentum for Temple University, as we recently launched our strategic plan, Forward with Purpose. I look forward to working alongside Libby as we begin this exciting new chapter for our university.”

Wentz’s appointment comes shortly after Temple introduced its strategic plan, Forward with Purpose, organized around Student Success, Research in Action, and Place-based Impact. As Chief Academic Officer, she will play a central role in implementing those priorities through 2034.

Wentz says: “Temple is a university where academic excellence and public purpose are inseparable. I am inspired by Temple’s commitment to access, its deep roots in Philadelphia and its growing research strength. I look forward to partnering with faculty, students and staff to help Temple become a national leader as a community-engaged urban research university, advancing the goals in Forward with Purpose.”

Nearly three decades at Arizona State University

Wentz has spent almost 30 years at Arizona State University, serving in roles including Faculty Member, Director, Dean, and Vice Provost. Gonzales notes her long-term impact, writing: “Over the course of 29 years, Libby has helped shape our academic trajectory in lasting ways. She has served as faculty member, director, dean and vice provost, bringing clarity of vision, intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to student and faculty success to every role.”

At ASU’s Graduate College, Wentz has overseen graduate education, academic planning, faculty development, and student funding. Since assuming that role, graduate enrollment has grown by an average of 6 percent annually, and graduate student funding increased by more than 20 percent in a single fiscal year. She also launched the ASU Personalized Graduate Admissions program and helped expand donor-supported graduate funding.

Arizona State President Michael Crow says: “Libby Wentz is a powerful academic leader who has brought new designs and new systems to high levels of achievement. A distinguished transdisciplinary scholar, she leads with the heart of a faculty member and the head of a designer for enhancing the success of students and faculty.”

Research strategy and community engagement

Wentz previously served as Dean of Social Sciences at ASU, leading a division comprising nine academic schools, 14 research centers, 300 faculty, and 9,000 students. She was Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation award that became the ASU ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant, focused on improving hiring practices, promotion and tenure policies, faculty retention, and professional development.

She also founded the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience, supported by a $15 million investment from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, aimed at strengthening partnerships between universities, local governments, and community organizations.

At Temple, she will assume responsibility for a complex academic structure that includes domestic and international campuses and a range of research and administrative functions. Interim Provost David Boardman says: “Libby’s experience and skill set equip her perfectly to help lead Temple at a time that is both wonderfully exciting and deeply challenging. I’m confident she is the right person for this role, and I and Temple’s other academic leaders look forward to working closely with her.”

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