The legal community recently mourned the untimely loss of JoAnne Epps, who had been serving as the acting president of Temple University since April 2023. Epps also served as the dean of Temple University’s Beasley School of Law from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2016, during which she left a powerful legacy that is recognized by law deans nationwide.
Epps, aged 72, passed away suddenly during a memorial service for Charles L. Blockson, the curator emeritus of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University. This sad news was reported by Temple News and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law of Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, Jim Rosenblatt, said of Epps, “I always marveled at the respect she engendered amongst our decanal colleagues. At our deans meetings where Dean Epps spoke, people listened. Her comments were always insightful, helpful, and thought-provoking.”
Further reflections on Epps’ contributions and impact within the legal education community can be found in the original piece published by The Legal Intelligencer. Her life and legacy embodies the spirit of uplift she brought into every room and how greatly she will be missed.