David Adamany, who served as Temple University's president from 2000 until 2006, died Thursday at the age of 80, the university reported.
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“David demanded the best of everyone, especially himself,” said Temple University President Richard M. Englert. “He had an exacting vision of Temple as a place where everyone worked in unison for the benefit of our students and that’s the university he helped create.”
Adamany died after a brief illness, the university said.
Adamany, who hailed from Wisconsin, also taught at the university's Beasley School of Law and in the College of Liberal Arts.
During his reign, Temple's student body expanded by 17 percent while average SAT scores of the school's freshman increased by more than 60 points, according to the university.
He also hired more than 140 faculty members while research expenditures increased by 40 percent. Adamany served as a chancellor after serving as president.
Ann Weaver Hart took over after Adamany, followed by Neil Theobald who was removed earlier this fall. Englert serves as the university's current president.
“That is a legacy we still hold dear,” said Patrick O’Connor, chairman of the university's Board of Trustees. “Temple is nationally recognized today for the quality of its education because of David’s determination, and we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
A memorial service has yet to be announced.