Rowan University held their bi-annual “University Assembled” on Friday, March 25 in the Eynon Ballroom in the Chamberlain Student Center at 2 p.m.

The event was also broadcasted on Webex for those who could not attend in person.  

“It’s so wonderful to be face to face after almost two years of hiding in our little homes,” President Ali Houshmand said while opening the event. 

President Houshmand talked about the struggles that the Ukrainian people are currently going through and announced that they would be selling $10 T-shirts that say “Stand with Ukraine” on the front– all proceeds going towards Ukrainian relief. 

Scott Woodside, the director of the Wellness Center, gave a “Wellness Update.” 

“Actually, right now, we’re in great shape. Currently, we’re at four active cases– three students, one employee — which is very low,” Woodside said.

According to Woodside, Rowan will continue testing for COVID-19 through the first week of May, however, he is optimistic for the fall. 

Linda Drexel, the university registrar, took the stage and did the “Conferral of Degrees,” where she brought a motion forward to have President Houshmand approve the graduating class of 2022.  

President Houshmand then started the official “State of the University,” where he announced that Rowan raised $105.75 million, which is the largest amount of money Rowan has ever raised. According to the president’s presentation, Rowan also raised $42 million in “sponsored research and grants to date.” Rowan’s global revenue is also $57.1 million to date and Rowan College currently has 27 partnership programs. 

Tony Lowman, the provost, came to the stage and discussed academic and student affairs. Lowman discussed becoming an R1 University and “faculty loads.” Lowman also shared that Rowan SOM is expanding, opening its campus in Sewell and they will be the “largest osteopathic medical school in the state.” 

Lowman announced a partnership with Virtua Health, which will “progress toward expanded nursing school and a new school of translational biomedical engineering and sciences,” according to the presentation. 

Lowman also discussed the Rowan School of Veterinary Medicine, which plans to open in 2025. 

Joe Campbell, vice president for facilities and operations then took the stage to discuss the expansion of the Student Center, which is expected to start in June. Campbell stated that the Fossil Park will hold laboratories and live animal exhibits. The Glassboro Intermediate school was purchased by Rowan, which will serve “non-student-facing functions.” Lastly, Campbell showcased the future Wilson Dance Hall, which will hopefully be finished by fall 2022. 

President Houshmand congratulated Rowan SOM for ranking second in the nation among 35 schools. According to his presentation, the Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems received $1.5 million in federal funding for a doctoral program. Also, The Cooper Medical School or Rowan University (CMSRU) landed a $1.3 million grant to provide free opioid addiction treatment, and the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute received a $1 million DoD grant. 

The President congratulated Rowan’s athletic department. According to his presentation, in the fall, women’s volleyball won the New Jersey Athletic Conference title, and field hockey rode a 16-game winning streak to the Final Four Tournament. In the winter, Rowan’s 4×400 relay team won the national title at the NCAA Division III indoor championships, and Kevin Gillooly won the 50-yard freestyle at the 2022 NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Championships. 

President Houshmand concluded with answered questions from people sitting in the audience.

To watch the University Assembled recording, visit https://rowan.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/rowan/recording/037752158e92103a8db9005056812413/playback.

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