Rowan University and Nebius, a global AI cloud company, have announced a strategic collaboration designed to expand artificial intelligence (AI) education and strengthen New Jersey’s innovation workforce. The agreement aligns with New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s recent mandate for data-center operators to invest in the communities where they operate by fostering local talent pipelines and high-quality job creation.
The partnership combines Rowan University’s reputation as a top-100 public research institution with the technical expertise of Nebius Academy, the company’s specialized education and research arm. By joining forces, the two organizations aim to bridge the gap between academic research and the rapidly evolving needs of the digital economy.
The collaboration will focus on several key workforce initiatives:
- Accessible Academic Pathways: Developing both online and in-person programs tailored to a diverse audience, including traditional university students, adult learners, and professionals seeking to reskill or upskill for technology roles.
- Stackable Credentials: Creating flexible, short-form training programs and professional certificates that can be applied toward future degree pathways.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Ensuring educational offerings remain relevant to emerging industry demands, particularly those involving AI infrastructure, data science, cloud computing, and next-generation technologies.
- Hands-On Learning: Incorporating project-based learning and real-world applications into the classroom, supported by shared technology infrastructure and faculty expertise.
The governor has consistently emphasized that companies operating large-scale data centers—such as Nebius’s significant AI infrastructure facility in Vineland—should be active partners in New Jersey’s economic development. This collaboration directly supports that vision by creating a talent ecosystem that benefits state residents.
“Our partnership with Nebius Academy strengthens our efforts to expand access to cutting-edge AI and computing education,” Rowan University president Ali Houshmand said. “By collaborating with a company operating on a global scale, we are building pathways that prepare all of our students, in all majors, for meaningful careers and help drive innovation across New Jersey, the nation, and the world.”
Rachel McGalliard, director of AI Workforce Policy & Partnerships at Nebius, noted that the company is committed to the long-term health of the communities it serves. “By combining our technological capabilities with Rowan’s academic leadership, we are creating opportunities that empower students and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem,” she said.
The partnership represents a significant step forward in ensuring New Jersey remains at the forefront of the AI-driven economy by matching the state’s growing infrastructure with a robust, highly skilled workforce.
