Williamson College of the Trades and Rowan University build new degree pathway

Williamson College of the Trades and Rowan University announced Tuesday the creation of a historic academic partnership that provides Williamson students with a new pathway toward a bachelor’s degree in construction management. 

The agreement allows Williamson students seeking an Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) degree to receive dual credit for approved courses toward a Certificate of Undergraduate Study from Rowan University in either construction or project management.

The stackable certificate enables students to earn their credentials in carpentry, electrical or masonry trade programs, while also earning course credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in construction management, offered online through the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. The degree program is designed to meet the educational needs of the construction industry by training entry-level construction managers and by providing continuing education for construction employees.  

Both institutions received transformational gifts from Henry Rowan, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who saw a need for a highly skilled, technical workforce. An engineer who founded the company later known as Inductotherm Group, Rowan considered the donations as investments in the future.

“Nationally, there is an industry need for a highly trained, highly skilled workforce. To better meet that need, we’re bridging the trades and higher education,” said Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman. “Mr. Rowan invested in our institutions to look at education differently and to produce talented engineers and skillful workers able to make a difference wherever they land. As this partnership demonstrates, Williamson is at the forefront of that work.” 

“At the heart of this landmark agreement is opportunity, not just in providing an avenue for higher education, but an opportunity to change a student’s life through providing a gateway towards a rewarding life and career,” said Williamson College of the Trades Provost Todd Zachary. “Everyone involved in this endeavor has felt privileged to be able to honor the memory of Henry Rowan though the opportunity provided to students by this partnership.”

Jacob Newlin, a Williamson senior in the Electrical program commented that “Taking advantage of this educational partnership is an opportunity of a lifetime. Being able to take construction management classes while at Williamson that leads to a pathway to Rowan University is just a deal you cannot pass up.”

Williamson is a private post-secondary institution unique in the nation in providing a full scholarship covering tuition, room and board for every student’s three-year education. Special consideration for admission is given to students demonstrating financial need. The college’s mission is to prepare deserving young men to be respected leaders and productive members of society. Williamson boasts a five-year average of a 98 percent full-time job placement rate and 71 percent graduation rate, garnering a national reputation for producing graduates who become expert tradesmen, successful business owners and leaders in their respective fields.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the junior college offers the Associate in Specialized Technology degree in construction technology – carpentry, construction technology – electrical, construction technology – masonry, machine tool technology, and power plant technology, as well as landscaping construction and management.

In 2008, Henry Rowan gave Williamson two gifts that totaled $25 million, the largest endowment gift by a single individual in its history. To honor this donation, the school named its main building Rowan Hall and celebrates an annual Rowan Day.

In 1992, Rowan donated $100 million to Glassboro State College in southern New Jersey, then the largest gift to a public school in American history. The institution was renamed in his honor and, in 1995, established the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering.

Now the third fastest-growing public research institution in the country, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 23,000 students. With eight colleges and nine schools, Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. Rowan has earned national recognition for innovation, high-quality, affordable education and public-private partnerships. One of two public universities in the nation to offer M.D. and D.O. degree programs, Rowan is also developing New Jersey’s first veterinary medical school.