Temple University Television (TUTV) is proud to announce the premiere of Temple Unscripted, a new long-form interview series featuring candid conversations with the leaders, alumni, and community changemakers whose ideas, service, and leadership are making an impact at Temple University, throughout Philadelphia, and beyond.
The premiere episode is hosted by Joe Schreiber, General Manager of TUTV, who introduces the series before passing the hosting role to TUTV students in future episodes. As the series evolves, student hosts will have the opportunity to lead conversations with distinguished guests while gaining invaluable real-world experience in professional interviewing, storytelling, and broadcast production.
Temple Unscripted goes beyond titles and accomplishments to explore the personal stories, defining moments, mentors, setbacks, and life lessons that shaped each guest’s journey. Whether the guest is a university leader, accomplished alumnus, or influential member of the community, every conversation is designed to inspire viewers through authentic storytelling and meaningful dialogue.
“Every leader has a story,” Schreiber said. “Temple Unscripted gives us the opportunity to move beyond formal interviews and create authentic conversations that reveal the moments, mentors, setbacks, and lessons that shaped our guests’ lives. Just as importantly, the series creates a unique learning environment where our students can develop the interviewing and storytelling skills that will prepare them for careers in journalism, communications, and media. We hope these conversations will inspire our students while preserving the stories of remarkable people who have made a lasting impact on Temple, our city, and beyond.”
The premiere episode features Dr. Valerie Harrison, Temple University’s Vice President for Community Impact and Civic Engagement, as she prepares to retire after more than two decades of extraordinary service to the university. During the conversation, Harrison reflects on growing up in Philadelphia, the profound influence of her late parents, her journey from law to higher education, and the community-centered philosophy that has guided her leadership throughout her career.
Harrison also discusses the vision behind transformative Temple initiatives, including Temple Community Gateway, Temple Promise, and workforce development programs that have connected thousands of North Philadelphia residents with educational opportunities, job training, and pathways to family-sustaining careers.
The conversation extends well beyond policy, exploring resilience, mentorship, advocacy, and the importance of investing in future generations. Harrison shares candid advice for young leaders, emphasizing the value of mentors, community, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
One of the episode’s most memorable moments comes as Harrison reflects on what leadership has taught her over more than two decades at Temple:
“The goal is to stay in the game… continue to try to teach young people how to think… continue to help communities get stronger.”
Produced entirely by TUTV students and staff, Temple Unscripted provides students with hands-on experience creating professional interview programming while preserving the stories of individuals whose work is shaping Temple University, Philadelphia, and society at large. Student producers, directors, camera operators, audio technicians, editors, and future hosts all play an integral role in bringing each episode to life, making the series both a compelling viewing experience and an innovative educational opportunity.
Future episodes of Temple Unscripted will feature university leaders, distinguished alumni, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, public servants, and community leaders whose work is making a meaningful difference in their professions and communities.
Watch the premiere episode of Temple Unscripted on TUTV, streaming at templetv.net, and on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Comcast, and Verizon.
About Temple Unscripted
Temple Unscripted is a TUTV original interview series featuring authentic conversations with the people shaping Temple University, Philadelphia, and beyond. Through thoughtful storytelling and candid discussions, the series explores the experiences, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped influential leaders while providing Temple students with hands-on experience producing and hosting professional interview programming.
