Temple University Expands Collaborative Efforts in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard
Temple University is forging new pathways in South Philadelphia’s Navy Yard, aiming to establish a “research triangle” that will integrate Main Campus with the region’s pivotal research hubs, including University City and the Navy Yard. This initiative is set to foster employment and research possibilities for Temple students.
Brian Keech, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, highlighted this strategic vision, stating, “When we think about a research triangle, folks think [Temple] should be the third part. In my view, the research triangle already exists.”
The groundwork for this vision was laid by President John Fry during a speech at the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks luncheon in December. He emphasized the university’s involvement with key partners such as the Hanwha group, which manages the Hanwha Philly Shipyard, and Rhoads Industries, an industrial, maritime, and defense corporation. These collaborations were further discussed in Fry’s testimony to the House Appropriations Committee in March.
“We’re spending a lot of time down there with Hanwa, with Rhoads Industries, with other businesses talking to them about their talent needs,” Fry explained, noting the potential for over 10,000 jobs over time.
Temple’s involvement in the Navy Yard is not new. The university has previously partnered with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the University City Collaborative, and the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative to launch a skills training program for Navy Yard employers, providing job opportunities to applicants.
A spokesperson for the PIDC expressed support for Temple’s efforts, writing, “We’re supportive of Temple’s work to advance innovation and emerging market sectors, both on Broad Street as well as across Philadelphia.”
Additionally, Temple has a business alliance with the Naval Surface Warfare Center located at the Navy Yard, which serves as a research and development hub for the U.S. Navy.
Historically, the Navy Yard served as a U.S. naval base from 1868 to 1996 and was a major industrial center for Philadelphia. After 2000, the PIDC, a non-profit formed through a partnership between the city and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, took over most of the site.
The Navy Yard has since evolved, housing over 150 companies and employing more than 16,000 people. It has expanded into diverse industries, including serving as the headquarters for Urban Outfitters and recently opening its first residential buildings to foster business and community growth.
Through continuous partnerships with companies in the Navy Yard, Temple aims to offer students new opportunities in fields like business, computer science, engineering, and design. Keech noted the importance of these collaborations in providing diverse career pathways for students.
Temple’s impact extends beyond its student body, as Vice President for Research Josh Gladden pointed out that 60% of graduates remain in the Philadelphia area. “Outside of just our students, we play an important role in the economic landscape of our communities in the city and the metro region,” Gladden emphasized.
Supporting more than 50,000 jobs in the Greater Philadelphia region, Temple and Temple Health account for approximately 1 in 15 jobs in the city, according to university data.
Looking ahead, Temple aims to increase the number of students engaged in the Navy Yard, using these partnerships to underpin its new Forward With Purpose strategic plan. Gladden reiterated the importance of collaboration, stating, “As big and complex as Temple is, we can’t do it alone. So, those partnerships are really critical to really make the strategic plan work and Temple maximize its impact.”
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