Rowan University Welcomes New Leadership: A Bold Step Towards Growth and Innovation

On May 29, 2025, Rowan University shared exciting leadership changes aimed at enhancing its growth. Starting July 1, Tony Lowman, Ph.D., who is currently the provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, will step into the role of chancellor. Vojislava “Voki” Pophristic, Ph.D., now the dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, will become the new provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

President Ali Houshmand’s decision for this reorganization follows discussions with the Board of Trustees. The goal is to boost enrollment to 38,000 within the next decade. This ambitious target requires a reallocation of responsibilities throughout the university.

“Drs. Lowman and Pophristic have shown a strong commitment to our mission,” Houshmand said. “Their new roles will help me focus on securing resources needed for our continued success.”

Houshmand, who first joined Rowan in 2006, had his contract extended to June 2029, reflecting his impact. Under his leadership, enrollment has more than doubled, making Rowan one of the fastest-growing public research universities in the country. Notably, it has also become one of only two public universities with three medical schools.

Chancellor Tony Lowman

As the inaugural chancellor, Lowman will manage academic, administrative, and economic development operations. His previous roles at Rowan include dean of the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and provost since 2019. He was instrumental in developing 10 Ph.D. programs, helping Rowan pursue the esteemed Carnegie R1 research institution status.

Lowman also spearheaded a partnership with Dreamscape Learn, creating virtual reality-enhanced courses to revolutionize education and boost student experiences.

Provost Vojislava Pophristic

With Lowman’s promotion, Pophristic will oversee all non-medical colleges, student life, enrollment management, and research initiatives. She joined Rowan as dean in 2021, where she expanded the research portfolio and added new programs. Her leadership led to a 20% growth in college enrollment, with nearly 6,000 students in Fall 2024.

A search for new leadership in the College of Science & Mathematics will be announced soon. These changes reflect Rowan’s dedication to providing quality education and its readiness for the challenges ahead.

Recent trends show that universities focusing on innovative solutions and expanding their academic offerings are better positioned to attract students. Current statistics indicate a steady increase in enrollment in science and technology programs, highlighting the importance of leadership like that seen at Rowan University.

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