Rowan University Wednesday announced a major leadership reorganization that it believes will support growth and innovation at the South Jersey university. Effective July 1, Tony Lowman, now provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will be promoted to the newly created role of chancellor. Vojislava “Voki” Pophristic, now dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, will be promoted to provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
President Ali Houshmand’s decision to reorganize the university’s management came after consulting with the board of trustees. The administration is aiming to better serve the state and region by increasing enrollment to 38,000 in the next decade, a goal that requires a redistribution of responsibilities across the institution. Rowan had 21,125 total students in fall of 2024, according to its website.
“Drs. Lowman and Pophristic are visionary leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to Rowan’s mission,” Houshmand said. “Their expanded roles will allow me to focus more directly on securing the financial and strategic resources necessary to sustain our momentum and meet the evolving challenges of higher education.”
As Rowan University’s inaugural chancellor, Lowman will oversee the university’s academic, administrative and economic development operations, including the office of the provost, facilities and operations, information technology, marketing and communication, and the university’s three medical schools. Lowman joined Rowan as dean for the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering in 2013, then was appointed provost in 2019.
With Lowman’s promotion, Pophristic will oversee all non-medical colleges, student life, enrollment management, research, and faculty affairs. Pophristic brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this critical academic role.
Rowan said an announcement regarding the search for new leadership for the College of Science & Mathematics will be made in the coming weeks.
In April 2023, the Rowan University board of trustees extended Houshmand’s contract to June 2029. Houshmand first arrived at the institution in 2006, serving as provost. He was appointed president in 2012. Enrollment has more than doubled during his tenure, making Rowan the third fastest-growing public research university in the nation, according to the school. Rowan has eight campuses and serves the community at more than 100 locations across New Jersey.
