NJBIZ names Houshmand to 2026 Power 100 list

NJBIZ magazine this week released its 2026 Power 100 list, spotlighting influential business leaders, educators and government officials across New Jersey. Topping the list is newly sworn‑in Gov. Mikie Sherrill, followed by other leaders shaping the state’s economic and educational landscape.

As in previous years, the publication recognized Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand for his pivotal role in transforming the institution. Since becoming Rowan’s seventh president in 2012, Houshmand “has led Rowan University through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation, elevating the institution into one of the nation’s fastest‑rising public research universities,” editors wrote.

Under his leadership, enrollment has more than doubled to nearly 25,000 students – making Rowan the fastest‑growing public research university in the Northeast and among the top 10 nationwide. NJBIZ also highlighted the University’s dramatic physical expansion, noting that Rowan has partnered on $1.8 billion in projects over the past decade, with another $1.5 billion planned by 2035.

The magazine further pointed to Rowan’s momentum this fall with the launch of the public phase of Forging Forward, a $240 million fundraising campaign designed to support the University’s next era of innovation and impact. Speaking about the campaign, Houshmand emphasized the energy surrounding Rowan’s ascent.

“People look for dynamism, momentum, ascension, and when they look at a university like Rowan, that’s been growing year after year, they want to be a part of it,” he said. “We’re growing in size, by reputation, and in every facet you can think of, and it’s creating a kind of energy – a buzz – that people are excited about and want to invest in.”