Ali Houshmand

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Since Houshmand began leading Rowan in 2012, the school has experienced remarkable growth with enrollment rising from 11,000 students that year to 23,000 students in fall 2021, which makes Rowan the fourth fastest-growing research university in the country for the third straight year.

Houshmand’s hallmark is his ability to connect with students, alumni, faculty and stakeholders while bringing an entrepreneurial approach to higher education, which focuses on goals of increasing access, improving quality, ensuring affordability and promoting economic development. Under his watch, Rowan has evolved into a rising Carnegie-classified national research university with two medical schools and soon, the state’s first veterinary school. He has guided a number of partnerships and development, including Rowan Boulevard, a collaboration between the school, private developers and the Borough of Glassboro that has created a vibrant downtown with housing, retail, restaurants and academic space.

During his presidency, Rowan has completed $1.5 billion in university-related construction projects with another $1 billion in additional construction planned over the next five years. Rowan has raised $155 million in new gifts and pledges throughout his tenure in charge. He also created a Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to increase access and quality while continuing to expand the diversity of Rowan’s enrollment.