As autumn settles in, Franklyn Cantor is spending time preparing his home garden, burying bulbs and looking to the color that will burst forth in spring. It’s a fitting reflection of a new chapter in his professional life, as Cantor joins Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development as vice dean for strategic initiatives and community engagement on Oct. 15. In his garden and at Temple, Cantor is digging in, adding to a landscape already rich with growth, and helping to nurture new possibilities with a vibrant and flourishing community. 

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Cantor has spent many years working at local colleges and universities, most recently serving as chief of staff at University of the Arts. In that role, he provided high-level support to the university’s president and worked on a broad range of strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations, where he also led the university’s wind-down operations.  

His career in higher education took root during his undergraduate years at Haverford College, where he said the tremendous dedication and generosity of the faculty and staff created a transformative and impactful experience. Upon graduation, he launched his career right at Haverford in residential life and student activities, and soon advanced to leadership and senior administration roles.

Cantor said he is drawn to the historic and meaningful mission of Temple’s CEHD and how deeply that mission is reflected in the college’s identity—from its partnerships and programs to the people who bring them to life. That alignment, he said, provides a strong foundation for the collaborative and strategic work ahead as he helps the college expand its impact and build on achievements.

As vice dean, Cantor will serve as a key strategic partner to Dean Monika Williams Shealey, helping to advance the college’s mission and priorities. He will guide high-impact initiatives, strengthen collaborations across departments and centers, and represent the college in partnerships across the university and throughout the community. 

“I am excited to continue the mission-centric and community-based work in service to others at Temple’s College of Education and Human Development,” Cantor said. “In my last role, I faced a difficult situation, but it was important to me to help as many people as I could. I was able to contribute in a catastrophic situation because of my role and expertise. Now, I’m looking forward to joining a new team and learning a new environment.” 

Looking ahead, he said, Temple feels like a familiar friend. 

“Temple was an extraordinary partner during that time,” he noted. “We worked closely together to develop student teach-out agreements, to sell Terra Hall (the future home of TUCC [Temple University Center City]) and Temple became a home not only for  many former UArts students but also many of our faculty and staff.” 

This partnership is just one example of how Temple engages with the Philadelphia community. Seeing the impact of that partnership inspires him to cultivate and strengthen others throughout the community, a critical component of his new role. 

“I love that we are connected to schools right here in North Philadelphia, across the School District of Philadelphia, and to other schools, districts, wellness providers and organizations throughout the region. I’m energized by the work that is happening with our neighbors and hope to leverage those experiences to grow beyond the city as well.” 

He said that Temple’s approach to partnerships—that they are reciprocal—aligns with his philosophy. 

“Temple will learn and grow through partnerships just as much as our community partners,” he said. “We both give and receive, serve and learn.”

In developing and executing strategic activities related to the college’s mission and vision, Cantor said he wants to ensure CEHD partners know what he represents. “Our partnerships will be honest, forthright and fruitful. There will be a lot of room for listening to one another, working together. Iteration is critical. Very few things are perfect or fully fleshed-out from the outset. We will adapt and work together.”

Many of the same approaches to fostering external partnerships with the community are also important for solidifying internal partnerships. Ready to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty, Cantor explained “I’m the type of colleague that focuses on tackling the critical next steps, whatever they may be, so we can accomplish our goals efficiently and effectively.” 

Cantor describes his leadership style as grounded in empowerment, collaboration and mission focus—all in alignment with institutional goals.

“Dean Shealey has outlined a tremendous vision for the college and where we could enhance our local, regional, national and even global impact. I’m energized by that vision and how enmeshed it is with the University’s overarching strategic plan set forth by President Fry’s administration. I’m eager to participate in actualizing that vision.” 

That involves teamwork. And it begins immediately.

“The thrust of my early energy will be on getting to know everyone and listening,” Cantor shared. “I want to know what each community member is working on, what they are excited about, what they are challenged by.” 

“Everyone on the team has an opportunity to excel and maximize the talent they bring. You don’t work in higher ed unless you are passionate about this work. I want to honor that passion, amplify it and support it.”

An important first step is establishing trust.

“Building trust requires listening and vulnerability, sharing openly and earnestly, and bringing your whole self to work.” 

Once there is a strong foundation of trust, innovation can flourish. 

“There are no bad ideas, no bad questions,” he said, phrasing that likely sounds familiar to educators. “We should be willing to ask questions and answer them without boundary.” 

Cantor points to the work happening in our classrooms, in our centers, and in our communities—the research, the service, the practice. 

“Temple’s CEHD is doing incredible on-the-ground work, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.” He added, “Prior to joining the college, I felt connected in many ways—my son’s former preschool teacher is a CEHD alum, two of my best friends went to Temple. Owls really are everywhere!”

On a personal note, Cantor, a father of two, is looking forward to bringing his wife and children, a five-year-old son and seven-month-old daughter, to campus. He said his son is especially excited to meet Hooter the Owl, while his daughter is drooling over her future cherry and white fits. 

Cantor welcomes colleagues’ recommendations for campus lunch spots. A devoted foodie, he loves exploring Philadelphia’s dining and arts scenes. One of his first missions will be to find the best chocolate chip cookie on campus. 

A passionate Philadelphia sports fan, Red October didn’t last as long as Cantor hoped. While he counts down the days until pitchers and catchers report, the focus is on the Cherry and White. Joining the CEHD team also signals a new season—one focused on cultivating growth and discovery, rooted in the college’s core values of community, equity, excellence, inclusion, leadership and learning.

“We owe it to the students, teachers and administrators in our schools and the educators throughout our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.” 

By the time those bulbs he’s planting begin to bloom, Cantor hopes to see a similar spirit of growth continue to thrive across the CEHD—a living reminder that when ideas take root in fertile ground, the results can be extraordinary.