David Leach did not set out to be an educator. But he’s always been passionate about education and actively works to make a difference in the lives of students.

That passion grew out of his own journey at Temple University, where he attended as an undergraduate student on a Pell Grant—an  experience that shaped his belief in access, opportunity and the power of education to change lives.

“I wanted to come full-circle,” he said. “I wanted to come back to Temple, to a role where I could make an impact.”

Now a two-time Temple alum, Leach, EDU ’93, FOX ’90, recently joined the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) to serve as assistant dean of development and alumni relations following nearly three years in a similar role at Temple’s Kornberg School of Dentistry, and a 25-year career in athletics and campus recreation that began at Temple.

Inspired by the leadership of President John Fry and energized by the vision of CEHD Dean Monika Williams Shealey, Leach knows he can make that impact and galvanize others to join him in his new role.

“We are Philadelphia’s public university,” he said. “We have strong civic ties. In the CEHD, we are preparing educators who are teaching in the city of Philadelphia—in our North Philadelphia communities—and throughout the region and beyond. The impact is significant.”

Noting the alignment between the recently announced strategic plan, Forward with Purpose, and the vision, mission and values the college has set forth under the leadership of Dean Shealey, Leach says “it’s all coming together.”

His own experience as a first-generation college student laid the foundation for his life’s work.

Financial aid, he said, brought him to Temple.

“I came here, and this place just struck me as welcoming. I lived on campus, worked three on-campus jobs, and was active, playing intramurals and club sports. By the time I finished my degree, though, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.”

Steve Young, then-director of campus recreation, had become a mentor to Leach. At his recommendation, Leach applied to the master’s of education in sports administration, which also afforded him the opportunity to hold a graduate assistantship working in athletics administration at the university.

Through that work, Leach began putting language to something he already experienced as a student—that participation in campus recreation and campus life is a form of experiential learning, and that this kind of engagement is closely tied to student persistence.

He remained at Temple for his first professional role—intramural coordinator—before going on to work at Saint Joe’s, Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Leach began considering what he wanted for his “final professional chapter.” With advice from colleagues across the institutions he had served, he spent time reflecting on where his values and experience could have the greatest impact—and that reflection brought him back to Temple.

The decision was intentional.

“Temple is a jewel,” he said. “Russell Conwell’s 'Acres of Diamonds'—it’s simple but so compelling.”

Having worked at a range of highly regarded institutions, Leach points to Temple’s authenticity as what sets it apart. “Temple is so authentically welcoming and diverse. There is no manipulation in the mission. It is as advertised. Every type of student, every field of study. Regardless of your socioeconomic status, or your background, you’re welcome here. It’s the fabric of Temple.”

That conviction led him first back to Temple through alumni affairs and development with the Owl Club, maintaining a connection to athletics while beginning a broader engagement with institutional advancement. He later moved into a leadership role within the Kornberg School of Dentistry, further shaping his approach to alumni relations and philanthropy.

Leach was first drawn to the CEHD after enrolling as a doctoral student, pursuing a terminal degree in higher education administration.

“I’ve become quite fascinated with the dynamics of a higher education institution. It’s unique—unlike any other entity that exists.”

For Leach, CEHD represents a convergence of personal experience and institutional mission. Having benefited from access, mentorship and a welcoming campus community as a first-generation student, he sees the college’s work as central to creating those same opportunities for others.

“My work is significantly aligned with President Fry’s vision of place-based impact,” he shared. “I am excited to join a team that so closely aligns with the priorities of the institution and a school that prepares educators to go out and make a difference in the lives of people of all ages.”

Beginning a new role, even in a familiar institution, is a big lift, so he has taken a break from his own coursework, but plans to return.

“I want to get to know the students. I want to get to know our faculty. I want to get to know the bread and butter. I’m connecting with alumni through our active alumni base and also inviting folks who have not been actively tied to our college. I am getting to know these people and making them feel welcomed and connected. I’m also eager to connect with various partners within the city, the School District of Philadelphia and related foundations.”

Reflecting on his past and future as a Temple Owl, Leach shared, “There are intersections of people, places and points in time in our lives, in our careers, in our education. I always encourage others, ‘Think about the things that have had a significant impact on you and how you can pay it forward.’”

For Leach, many of those intersections trace back to Temple. “My best friends I met at Temple. I got to know my wife at Temple. Two of my three kids came to Temple.”

Temple, he says, is both deeply rooted and far-reaching, anchored in North Philadelphia, connected across the region, and global in its reach. “I became more worldly at Temple,” he said. “Aware of the world and how I live in it.”

The moments that shape us, Leach believes, don’t always arrive all at once. For some, they are defined by a few short years. For others, like Leach, they unfold over a lifetime.