Rowan University on Thursday announced a major leadership reorganization designed to support its continued ascent as a top-tier university and to position it for long-term success.
Effective July 1, Tony Lowman will step into the newly created role of chancellor, while Vojislava “Voki” Pophristic will be promoted to provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
President Ali Houshmand applauded the reorganization.
“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.”
Houshmand’s contract, which expires in June 2029, was extended in April 2024 by Rowan’s Board. Enrollment has more than doubled during Houshmand’s tenure, making Rowan the third fastest-growing public research university in the nation. The institution is now one of only two public universities in the nation to have three medical schools. Rowan has eight campuses and serves the community at more than 100 locations across New Jersey. Tony Lowman
Houshmand first arrived at the institution in 2006, serving as provost. He then was appointed president in 2012.
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. As provost, he most notably led the deans of the University’s 15 colleges and schools oversaw the development of 10 Ph.D. programs, which helped Rowan attain the metrics associated with Carnegie R1 research institution status, a designation it expects to achieve at its next review.
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.
Pophristic joined Rowan in 2021 as dean of the College of Science & Mathematics. She led the university’s largest college, while also integrating the School of Earth & Environment into her administration. She expanded the college’s research portfolio and program offerings, while recruiting new faculty in a variety of disciplines.
Her efforts included launching four Ph.D., four master’s, and three bachelor’s degree programs, as well as growing research awards by 45 percent.
Under her leadership, College enrollment grew 20 percent, with nearly 6,000 students in Fall 2024, including master’s and Ph.D. enrollment each tripling.
