Now in its 27th year, Temple University’s Gallery of Success celebrates exceptional alumni whose professional journeys inspire students and embody the spirit of Temple Made. Each year, honorees are selected from across the university’s 17 schools and colleges. This year, the College of Public Health (CPH) and School of Social Work (SSW) proudly recognize two alumni whose work has made a lasting impact in their fields and communities.
Dr. Tiffiny Butler, MS ’09, PhD ’14 - College of Public Health Honoree
A passionate advocate for inclusive excellence in higher education, Dr. Tiffiny Butler is interim vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In this role, she leads university-wide implementation efforts aligned with Rutgers’ Academic Master Plan and Diversity Strategic Plan, while overseeing the university’s application for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.
Dr. Butler collaborates closely with academic leadership to embed equity into Rutgers' institutional framework and foster reciprocal partnerships through the Collaborative Center for Community Engagement. She previously held a dual role at Worcester Polytechnic Institute as director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and teaching professor of biomedical engineering.
A proud alumna of Temple CPH, Dr. Butler earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees in kinesiology, focusing on athletic training and integrative exercise physiology. Her leadership and dedication to institutional change continue to uplift students, faculty, and communities alike.
Theotis W. Braddy, MSW ’88 - School of Social Work Honoree
A pioneer in disability rights and a lifelong advocate for inclusion, Theotis (Theo) W. Braddy brings more than four decades of leadership to his role as executive director of the National Council for Independent Living (NCIL). He also serves on the National Council on Disability (NCD), where he helps shape national policy decisions affecting millions of Americans with disabilities.
Braddy’s advocacy began at age 15, after a high school football injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. Since then, he has been a tireless champion for accessibility, equity, and independence for people with disabilities. He has been honored by Pennsylvania Governors Josh Shapiro, Tom Corbett, and Tom Wolf, and by U.S. Senator Bob Casey.
In addition to his national work, Braddy has taught as an adjunct professor at both Temple University and Millersville University, sharing his lived experience and policy expertise with the next generation of social workers.
A 1988 graduate of Temple’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program, Braddy is married to author and playwright Rovenia Braddy, and is the proud father of two adult children. His personal story and professional accomplishments exemplify the power of resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to justice.
The College of Public Health and the School of Social Work congratulate Dr. Tiffiny Butler and Theo Braddy on this well-deserved recognition. Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of public health and social work, and the enduring impact of a Temple education.