Richard Englert takes helm as new president of Temple University

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Wednesday, October 12, 2016
VIDEO: New Temple prez
Temple University has a new president after the last president resigned amid a financial scandal.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Temple University has a new president after the last president resigned amid a financial scandal.

After serving three months as Temple's acting president, Richard Englert's post is permanent.

"And I'm so proud to be part of that, and to help in any way I can," said Englert.

He takes the university helm after the July ousting of his predecessor, Neil Theobald, for a deficit in the school's financial aid and budget and his firing of the provost.

"It's still a scar, of course, because that's basically our money to go to school," said Olivia Jefferson, senior. "Where is that money now is the question?"

And ask any student what they want to see from their new university president.

"Using our money wisely," said Thoraya Rey, junior.

"Transparency I guess. I'm hoping he keeps everyone in the loop all the time," said Panagiotis Tzumakaris, senior.

"And doesn't affect the community in North Philly," said Taylor Moylan, senior.

Senior Taylor Moylan is talking about the school's controversial football stadium that Englert also inherits.

The plans will likely displace hundreds of low-income city residents living near campus.

"We continue to work with our neighbors. We continue to work with government officials, and by doing that we're gathering information, we're doing traffic studies," said Englert.

But it has the campus deeply divided.

"I know it's unpopular with the locals, but everybody on campus really wants it to get built because it's tough going to the Linc and we don't really fill the stadium," said Chris Palkovics, freshman.

"It's just adding to the incredible gentrification that we are doing here at Temple University, and it's embarrassing," said Kim Seligh, senior.

Still, students are hopeful new leadership won't mean business as usual.

"I'm really excited to see what he does here," said Palkovics.

The board still has plans to conduct a search for a new president.

Englert has chosen not to be a candidate. The process wont be until the summer.