Rowan University’s revolutionary decade is reshaping its future

In early 2012, Rowan University found itself at the center of a vigorous debate surrounding the future of New Jersey public higher education.

Reporters covered contentious hearings, passionate demonstrations, studies and proposals, as state legislators wrestled with calls to dismantle the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and reorganize the state’s research institutions.

The state’s proposal to merge Rutgers–Camden with Rowan was met with controversy. Though Rowan had recently launched the state’s first new medical school in 35 years and its young engineering school was earning regional and national accolades, the university still had much to prove.

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New contact lens technology research to deliver a number of different drugs directly to the eye is expected to lead to higher efficacy for patients compared to topical eye drops.

Amid heated debate, Rowan leadership patiently waited. Within months, the state shifted its approach, approving the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act, dismantling UMDNJ and dividing its academic and clinical divisions between Rutgers University and Rowan. In 2013, state legislation established Rowan as New Jersey’s second comprehensive public research institution. Rowan officially welcomed the School of Osteopathic Medicine from the dismantled UMDNJ, becoming the nation’s second university with both M.D. and D.O. degree programs.

The state’s decision propelled Rowan into an era of rapid expansion and transformation, one that continues today.

Strategic, explosive growth

In 2013, the university’s mission shifted overnight from a primarily educational pursuit to also advancing science, technology and medicine.

It would be an expensive endeavor—and Rowan already recognized many families were struggling to afford ever-rising tuition rates. The moment called for creative thinking.

To enact its new mission, Rowan adopted four student-centered strategic pillars: expanding access, increasing affordability, boosting quality and driving the region’s economy forward.

Focused on driving down expenses and finding new sources of income rather than simply raising revenue on students’ backs, the university looked hard at its numbers. As a result, Rowan adopted radical change in its institutional culture and encouraged an entrepreneurial outlook, one that’s transparent, fiscally responsible and value-conscious.

Prospective students responded and enrollment began to climb.

To increase access and affordability, Rowan University partnered with community colleges, creating a new model with an aligned curriculum and 3+1 academic programs, keeping the cost of a bachelor’s degree to around $30,000. The New Jersey College Affordability Study Commission highlighted Rowan’s innovative 3+1 programming in its 2016 report to the New Jersey Legislature. In 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy approved legislation to standardize the model statewide, a move endorsed by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

All the while, Rowan dedicated resources toward expanding its research profile, building on its “hands-on, minds-on” approach to learning.

Since then, the University has attracted $385 million in research awards and contracts for projects ranging from health care and biotech to materials and transportation. Rowan researchers have won grants and become project partners on work with NASA, National Science Foundation, Army, Navy, state and federal transportation departments, among others.

By 2018, Rowan received classification as a Carnegie R2 doctoral university with high research activity, a distinction shared with just 133 of more than 4,300 higher education institutions. For the first time, Rowan entered U.S. News & World Report’s national universities ranking. It’s been recognized ever since as a top 100 public university.

The following year, an evaluation team from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education called Rowan a “model for institutional transformation.”

The investment paid off. Between 2012 and 2022, enrollment nearly doubled, making Rowan the third fastest-growing public research institution in the country, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Lined with new retail space, residence halls and classrooms, Rowan Boulevard attracts thousands of people to Glassboro’s revitalized downtown, returning more than $4 million in local tax revenue each year.

The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed the largest class in the school’s history at the 2022 White Coat Ceremony, the first at the new Virtua Health College at Rowan.

Answering market demands

When Rowan announced plans in late 2021 to establish a school of veterinary medicine, it again responded to meet a critical regional and national need. The veterinary school will be the state’s first and one of only 33 in the nation. With plans underway to build education, research and clinical facilities on Rowan’s West Campus, the school will offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree, as well as related degree programs designed to shape the future of veterinary medicine and animal health care in the state and beyond.

Set to enroll the first class in 2025, with accreditation pending, Rowan is poised to become one of only two institutions in the nation with three medical schools.

Driving the regional economy forward

Rowan began 2022 by announcing a public-private partnership unlike any other. Through its landmark agreement with Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, Rowan created Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Through its $85 million gift, the second largest endowment in Rowan’s history, Virtua demonstrated its commitment to pioneer an academic health partnership to meet critical demands for education, patient care and research.

Bolstered by Rowan’s own $125 million commitment, the new college extends the university's ability to provide high-quality, innovative education for health care professionals seeking a wide range of credentials. The college encompasses Rowan’s osteopathic medical school; an expanded nursing and allied health professions school; a new school of translational biomedical engineering and sciences; multiple new research institutes; and aligned clinical practices to improve patient care and train the health care workforce of the future.

Looking ahead

Rowan University continues to increase its student body in all areas while maintaining a robust academic profile and welcoming more underrepresented students.

Thriving public-private partnerships make academic innovation possible, as does support from visionary donors. In the last decade, donors have invested $264 million in new gifts and pledges, providing endowments, scholarships, program and facilities support.

Rowan University is central to the region’s development and success. In the decades ahead, Rowan has the momentum, commitment and means to do more, to create more opportunity and provide more good.

“As we keep rethinking and reshaping the future, our transformation—indeed, our revolution—continues,” said President Ali A. Houshmand. “All around us, I see opportunities. Rowan University’s future is bright because we recognize the challenges ahead.”

Learn more about Rowan Revolution.

Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand speaks to students at the inaugural Flying First event, launching Rowan’s renewed commitment to first-generation students’ success.

This content was paid for and created by Rowan University. The editorial staff of The Chronicle had no role in its preparation. Find out more about paid content.