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Founder’s Celebration honors Temple’s best
JoAnne Epps, Law
F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Inspiration Award
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Epps |
Dedication and passion. Strong doses of these qualities have made JoAnne Epps stand out in her important roles at Temple and defined the 21 years (and counting) that she has been a proud Owl.
Epps is a law professor and the associate dean for academic affairs at the Beasley School of Law. For the past 12 years, she has also served as the University’s NCAA faculty athletics representative, working to ensure that the University follows NCAA regulations.
This year, the Owl Club is recognizing Epps for her service with the F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Inspiration Award. The award honors an alumnus or alumna or friend of the athletic department who has actively promoted Temple athletics and who has served as an inspiration to others through their support.
Harris Chernow, the president of the Owl Club and a former student of Epps’, said the award’s selection committee chose her unanimously because she exemplifies these qualities, and because her years of committed service have benefited Temple athletic programs immensely.
“She’s done an unbelievable job in the past 12 years,” Chernow said. “But it’s more than just tenure. … It’s the way she’s carried out her position. She has handled everything from the smallest issue to the most complex with the utmost professionalism. Above all, she has ensured that Temple is a well-respected university.”
Epps brings that professionalism to everything she does, whether it’s teaching criminal procedure, counseling students on career options or making sure a Law School event runs smoothly.
Although Epps enjoyed her previous job as a prosecutor, she said her role at Temple has been the most fulfilling.
“Other jobs didn’t expand to fill my whole life,” she said. “Temple is my life. And that’s a good thing.”
Epps is stepping down as NCAA faculty athletics representative in June, because changes in the position for next year will prevent her from dedicating adequate time to the role.
Still, you can count on seeing Epps, a lifelong sports fan, at Temple games. Basketball, football, gymnastics and field hockey are among her favorite teams to watch.
Clearly, Epps found her niche combining her love of sports, law and administrating.
“When you meet her, you get this big smile. You can see that she’s all business, but she does it in such a manner that she garners respect from everybody,” Chernow said. |
