Houshmand named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Power 100”

Rowan University President Ali Houshmand in February was among a select group of leaders seen as most likely to shape Greater Philadelphia in 2024.

Named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Power 100,” Houshmand joined a list that includes Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, DuPont CEO Ed Breen, Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens, and University of Pennsylvania interim president J. Larry Jameson.

“As Rowan University celebrates its centennial, President Ali Houshmand is focused on ensuring the South Jersey school remains an economic driver in the years to come,” editors wrote. “He is in the process of plotting the future of Rowan’s ever-growing campus, including a vision to more than double its footprint. That plan — calling for technology-driven construction and more corporate partnerships — could equate to some $1.5 billion in spending. As he embarks on the school’s next century, Houshmand is prioritizing innovation in the face of a higher education landscape he thinks is bracing for change.”

Houshmand in January discussed plans with the Business Journal for the University’s growth, including expansive capital projects, programs and partnerships.

In that article, Houshmand discussed a vast slate of ambitious projects now in the works or pending including development of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine and animal hospital on the West Campus, a new home for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, a dedicated building for the Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing and Health Professions and, possibly, a new sports arena.

“Everything that we do, I want it to be [through a] partnership,” Houshmand told the Business Journal. “I keep saying that I love other people's money because it puts less obligation on [Rowan] and makes a profit for them.”

Also named to NJBIZ “Power 100” list

Houshmand in February was also named to the NJBIZ “Power 100” list, a compilation of the men and women making the greatest impact on the Garden State’s business climate.

This year’s NJBIZ Power 100 includes such leaders as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka; Leslie Anderson, president and CEO of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority; and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber.

In choosing who to include, NJBIZ editors wrote that “the staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service…  (people who) are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business.”

Houshmand in January was named to the ROI-NJ “Power List 2024: Super 60,” and, this past September, was a named to that publication’s “Champions of the C-Suite” for his businesslike approach to growing the University.