Ronald Jacob Temple was born on September 10, 1940 to Jacob and Maggie Temple (nee Jones).  The family initially lived at 2849 W. Warren Blvd., Chicago and later moved to Maywood.  Ron attended Beidler and Marshall Elementary schools and Marshall High school in Chicago.  While in elementary school, Ron initially joined a small troop in his neighborhood, but due to their lack of activity, was recruited by Bob Sublette, and later, Norville Carter to join Troop 534 (hey) sponsored by St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (8441 S. St.Lawrence in Chicago) under the sage leadership of Scoutmaster, Leonard O. Lee.  Never one to idle his time away, Ron earned Exploring’s highest recognition, the Silver Award through Post #2534.

Taking an active interest in the Arrow, Ron became an Ordeal Member on 08/06/1956, and sealed his membership with the Brotherhood Honor on 05/03/1957.  He immediately took a role in local O/A activities and became the Chief of Mon-da-min Chapter in 1958.  Ron was selected by his peers to serve as the Owasippe Lodge #7 Chief in 1959 and 1960.  For his unselfish service and leadership, he received the Vigil Honor on 07/14/1960, bestowed with the name “Elachtoniket” – The Seeker.

Ron’s youth leadership extended far beyond the Lodge level and was evident to his Brothers in the Arrow who then selected him to serve as their Section Chief in 1960.  This afforded Ron the opportunity to attend the 1960 National O/A Planning meeting. At the meeting, he was elected by his peers to serve as National Conference Chief for the 1961 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) at Indiana University.  It is the first and only time an African American has been chosen to lead our honored Order as its Chief.

After graduation from Marshall High School in 1958, Ron devoted himself to his education.  Ron attended the University of Illinois, Chicago (Navy Pier), at that time a 2-year college.  He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in American History and Government from Eureka College in Illinois.  This was followed by a Master’s degree in Modern European History and a Doctorate in the interdisciplinary study in Social Science with a specialization in American Urban History, with both advanced degrees from the University of Cincinnati.  During this time, he remained active in Scouting as an adult Volunteer, with tenure on the Owasippe camp staff for several years, including a major leadership role as the Director of Camp Blackhawk.  Ron was also tapped to serve on the Inspection Team of Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron, NM.

While teaching history at the University of Cincinnati, Ron relates a story of a late-night grading students’ Blue Books. A friend called to rescue him before his eyes glazed over and invited him to a local house party to meet some new people. One of the people in attendance was Juanita Simpson from Cincinnati. She had experiences in Chicago which she was interested in sharing with Ron.  Although they shared some differences of opinions, they found a common ground and married on September 21, 1968.  During the very early years of their marriage, Juanita Temple earned two Masters’ degrees and a Law Degree (J.D.), both from the University of Cincinnati.  Juanita, an Attorney-at-Law is a former Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice and Assistant Regional Counsel, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are the parents of 3 children:  Ronald J. Temple, Jr. (deceased), Karyn A. Temple, and Randall J. Temple.

Professionally, Ron was appointed to several positions at the University of Cincinnati, starting in 1967, these included: special assistant for External Affairs to the President, Assistant Dean for Student Groups and University Programs and Assistant Dean of Men.  From 1975 to 1985, he served as the Dean of the University College.  As Dean, Ron was the first African American Dean of an academic college.  Ron also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in history at the University of Cincinnati for nearly 18 years.

After his tenure in Cincinnati, Ron was appointed as President of Wayne County Community College District, followed by an appointment to serve as president of the Community College of Philadelphia.  In 1993, he was appointed to serve as Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago, the second largest community College system in the country.  After the City Colleges of Chicago, Ron was tapped to serve as Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, in the East Bay of Northern California.  For his outstanding life achievements in the field of academia, Ron received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from his Alma Mater, Eureka College and was invited to serve on the Board of Trustees.

With his distinguished national career in higher education leadership and national reputation, Ron was selected by the Board of Trustees to guide the Peralta Community College District into the next (21^st) century. During his tenure, the Peralta Community College District passed a $153.2 million bond measure by 79.1 percent, the largest margin in the history of California’s community colleges.  He also oversaw the largest enrollment increase in a three-year period or a 31 per cent growth during his tenure as Chancellor.  After retiring from Peralta, Ron started his own firm, serving as the CEO and President of The Center for Global and International Education.

While living in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was conferred the O/A Distinguished Award (DSA) in 1975. For his expertise, Ron was selected to serve on the National Board of the BSA and in 1994 was asked to serve as Chair of the National Urban Emphasis Committee, which focuses on Scouting units with inner city demographics.

Attesting to his commitment to community service, Dr. Temple was a member of numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Regional Association of East Bay Colleges and Universities, the new Oakland Committee and the Oakland, California Chamber of Commerce. He was also on the Board of Directors of Alameda County Private Industry Council, The Oakland Private Industry Council and the Council on Adult and Experimental Learning.  He was a member of the American Council on Education (ACE), and founding member of RC-2000, a federation of urban community College systems.

Dr. Temple was elected to serve on the Cincinnati Board of Education, and in a field of several candidates, came in first in a city-wide election.  He was also elected to serve on the national board of the American Association Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC).  In addition to these posts, Ron served as Team Chair of the Commission on High Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  Ron has worked closely with the National Advisory Council of the Kaplan Educational Centers, the Committee on College and University Legal Studies of the American Bar Association, and the American Council on Education Commission on Governmental Relations.

Returning home to Chicago after a long and distinguished career as a college administrator and educator, Ron seized the opportunity to join the Chicago Area Council Board in 2002, becoming the Vice President of Membership and serving in that role until the Council dissolution and merger in 2014.  For his many contributions to Scouting, Ron received the Silver Beaver Award, and the Silver Buffalo Award – Scouting’s highest national honor in 1998.  As a true legend of Owasippe Lodge #7, Ronald was recognized as a Centurion of the Lodge in 2015.

Knowing no bounds, Ron Temple has been an inspiration to Arrowmen throughout the Order to aim high in life and be unwavering in commitment to service.  We are proud to have him as a Centurion of Owasippe Lodge #7 and our Honoree at the 2019 Owasippe #7 Vigil Alumni Dinner.