University Assembled graphic. - Graphics Editor / Brendan Cohen
Rowan University is accelerating its transformation with bold new projects, as revealed during the biannual University Assembled event on April 9, aimed at solidifying its position as a national leader in higher education.
From cutting-edge research facilities to record-breaking funding, Rowan University President Dr. Ali A. Houshmand highlighted key milestones and shared updates on the future at Rowan University to a packed crowd inside the Tohill Theater at Bunce Hall.
Within his remarks, Dr. Houshmand outlined some of the developments happening across campus, from the expansion of doctoral programs to innovation on facilities like the Dreamscape Learn Lab, all which reflect the university’s focus on enhancing its academic standing and research capabilities.
The newly unveiled Dreamscape Learn Lab, set to launch this fall, will further solidify the university’s status as an educational innovator by offering new courses in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence and healthcare technology.
“We are on the forefront of innovation, and this space will be a game changer,” said Dr. Houshmand.
During the University Assembled, the dramatic rise in Rowan’s research expenditures was also covered. The university is on track to exceed $63 million in research spending for the 2024 fiscal year, marking a 30 percent increase over the previous year. The surge underscores Rowan’s push to earn R1 status, which is a prestigious designation reserved for the nation’s top research institutions.
“We’re moving towards becoming a R1 institution, with research spending expected to exceed $70 million in the coming years. We are making tremendous strides,” said Dr. Houshmand.
In addition to expanding research capacity, Rowan is making significant progress towards its goal of graduating 70 doctoral students annually, a key requirement for attaining R1 status. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Rowan’s reputation as a hub for high-level academic research and innovation.
The university’s growth also includes critical infrastructure projects, particularly in the field of healthcare education. With Rowan being one of two universities nationally to offer both medical and nursing schools, the dual achievement positions Rowan as a leader in addressing both regional and national healthcare needs.
As the university celebrates these successes, Dr. Houshmand also acknowledged the challenges posed by potential federal policy changes, which could affect higher education funding.
“We are aware of the challenges that could come from shifting federal policies. We are proactively addressing these issues to ensure that our students, including our international students, continue to have the support they need to succeed,” said Dr. Houshmand.
The most noteworthy development highlighted during the assembly, however, was the announcement that eight of Rowan’s international students had their U.S. study visas revoked.
This is the latest in a larger nationwide trend under the Trump Administration’s efforts to crack down on immigration. Dr. Houshmand, who was once a former international student himself, took the opportunity to address the Rowan community with a heartfelt statement of his own.
“As an international student myself, when I came to this great country, it breaks my heart to see any one of these [students] getting sent back to their country, because it’s almost like a death sentence to them,” said Dr. Houshmand. “As a U.S. citizen now, let me tell you, I’m scared. My wife is scared. We’ve been citizens for 30 years and have not seen anything like this. But I want you to know that I feel it. I sense it. And everyone in this room values these students and wants to protect them, though some of it is beyond our control.”
Despite these external challenges, the mood at the assembly remained optimistic. Dr. Houshmand reiterated Rowan’s unwavering commitment to its prime mission of academic excellence, innovation, and student support.
“We are building a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Together we will continue to move forward, making Rowan University a model of academic excellence and innovation for the future,” said Dr. Houshmand.
For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email news@thewhitonline.com