Temple University welcomed three newly appointed members to its governing body during the public session of the Oct. 9 meeting of its Board of Trustees meeting. Ellen Cooper, FOX ’85; James “Jim” Schultz, CLA ’95; and Stanley “Stan” Middleman, FOX ’76, were all appointed during the meeting, and each trustee brings considerable expertise to the board. They all happen to be Temple Made, too. 

“These are three tremendous additions to the Board of Trustees,” said Mitchell L. Morgan, FOX ’76, LAW ’80, chair of the board. “Each of these individuals is a distinguished leader in their respective fields, and their fresh perspectives will be deeply valuable in helping support this great university. What is also great is that these are three exceptional alumni who already have a deep affinity for Temple. They are really the perfect additions.” 

Cooper is the current chairman, president and chief executive officer at Lincoln Financial, a title she has held since 2022. The company is based in the Greater Philadelphia area and provides financial security and protection solutions to millions of Americans – including life insurance, annuities, and workplace benefits.  Prior to her appointment as CEO, Cooper spent a decade at Lincoln Financial – joining as chief investment officer in 2012 and later assuming responsibility for the company’s risk function and annuities business line. Prior to joining Lincoln Financial, she served as head of global insurance strategy and managing director at Goldman Sachs, and before that she was the Chief Risk Officer for AEGON Americas. 

Her appointment to the Board of Trustees comes after she recently returned to her alma mater to take part in a keynote conversation with Temple President John Fry during the university’s Innovation with Impact series held this past spring. 

“I’m honored to join the Board of Trustees and contribute to the university’s mission of prioritizing accessible education, fostering innovation, and strengthening the community,” said Cooper. “Temple played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional journey, and I’m excited to support its continued and growing impact.” 

Schultz serves as Executive Vice President of Global Legal and Public Policy at Scientific Games, where he leads the legal, public policy and corporate responsibility teams for the company, and also serves as a key leader focusing on strategic business growth. Schultz served as General Counsel to Governor of Pennsylvania and Senior Associate Counsel and Special Assistant to the President of the United States in the Office of White House Counsel. In private practice, Schultz was a partner and served in management roles with both Holland & Knight and Cozen O’Connor. 

“Temple was instrumental helping me to achieve the American dream along with so many other first-generation college students.  I am honored to give back and serve with other leaders who are so dedicated to the mission and future of Temple University under the leadership of Chairman Morgan and President Fry,” Schultz said. 

Middleman is the founder, president and CEO of Freedom Mortgage, one of the largest independent mortgage companies in the country. He also serves as the vice chairman of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. He is a nationally recognized business strategist, investor, and philanthropist, with nearly 40 years of experience within the mortgage banking industry. 

He is a frequent visitor to the Fox School of Business where he created the Stanley C. Middleman Center for Innovation in Accounting in 2021. That same year, he established the Stanley Middleman Center for Jewish Life- Rohr Chabad at Temple University. Earlier this month, Middleman returned to his alma mater to participate in a fireside chat with Morgan. The event was attended by more than 100 Temple students, faculty, and staff. 

“I’m deeply honored to be appointed to the university’s governing body,” said Middleman, FOX ’76. “Temple University shaped my formative years, and I credit the university with putting me on a path to success. That’s why I am so deeply committed to this institution and supporting its continued growth, excellence, and impact for generations to come.” 

For President Fry, the new perspectives that each trustee brings to the university is welcomed. 

“What is so great about having Ellen, Jim and Stan join the Board of Trustees is that each of them already has a deep connection to Temple University,” Fry said. “While they all bring tremendous talent to these roles, they are also already very invested in this university and its future success. As we navigate through the ever-changing landscape of higher education, I am grateful to know that I will be able to lean on all of them for support and guidance.” 

Temple University’s Board of Trustees consists of 36 voting members, 24 elected by their peers and 12 appointed by officials of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to its 36 members, the governor of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the secretary of education of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the mayor of the city of Philadelphia serve as ex-officio, non-voting trustees.  

Learn more about the Board of Trustees at Temple University.