Rowan University Unveils $690M Expansion in South Jersey

The multiphase initiative will bring over 5,000 jobs to the region.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey has unveiled plans for a $690 million expansion project that will transform 220 acres on either side of Route 322. The initiative includes a Center for Manufacturing Innovation on the north side and a Wellness Village with a hotel, medical offices, and residential space on the south side.

Why it matters

This major investment by Rowan University is expected to spur significant economic growth and job creation in South Jersey, an area that has faced economic challenges in recent years. The project aligns with the university's mission to drive innovation and serve the local community.

The details

The $690 million expansion will be split between two campuses. The "West Campus-North" will house the Rowan University Center for Manufacturing Innovation, integrating manufacturing, workforce development, healthcare, and higher education. On the "West Campus-South", the Rowan University Wellness Village will include a community wellness institute, medical offices, a 160-room hotel and conference center, as well as residential units.

  • Rowan University first opened in 1923 as the Glassboro Normal School.
  • The university was renamed Glassboro State College in 1958 and then Rowan University in 1992 after a $100 million donation from industrialist Henry M. Rowan, Jr. and his wife.
  • Rowan University's enrollment has nearly doubled over the past decade to nearly 25,000 students.
  • Rowan officials plan to meet with local planning boards and councils in the coming months to share project details.
  • Public town hall meetings for feedback on the expansion are expected to begin later this spring.

The players

Rowan University

A public research university in Glassboro, New Jersey that was founded in 1923 as the Glassboro Normal School.

Ali A. Houshmand

The president of Rowan University who described the expansion as "transformational in scope and impact" for the region.

Henry M. Rowan, Jr.

An industrialist who, along with his wife, donated $100 million to the university in 1992, prompting the name change from Glassboro State College to Rowan University.

Inspira Medical Center-Mullica Hill

A healthcare facility that will be part of the Rowan University Wellness Village on the "West Campus-South" side of the expansion.

Glassboro

The town in South Jersey where Rowan University is located and where the $690 million expansion project will take place.

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What they’re saying

“What we are proposing is transformational in scope and impact. It is a bold vision for the region, well beyond the 220 acres of our project, something that will spur growth throughout the county and South Jersey.”

— Ali A. Houshmand, President, Rowan University (Social media post)

What’s next

Rowan officials say they will be meeting with planning boards and councils in both Glassboro and Harrison Township in the near future to share project details. Town hall meetings where the public can offer feedback should start later this spring.

The takeaway

This major expansion by Rowan University represents a significant investment in the economic future of South Jersey, leveraging the university's strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, and workforce development to drive growth and innovation in the region.