Steve Sweeney was well known for supporting higher education — and especially Rowan University — during his time as state Senate president. He’ll now have an opportunity to do that in a bigger way.
Last week, Sweeney was sworn in as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.
Sweeney’s relationship with the school runs deep.
Thanks to Sweeney’s influence, Rowan was a key beneficiary of historic state legislation in 2012, which restructured medical education in New Jersey by transferring the schools, colleges and clinical operations of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey to Rutgers University and Rowan. As a result, Rowan acquired the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford and became the state’s second comprehensive public research institution in 2013. That state legislation sparked Rowan’s rapid transformation and put it on the path toward becoming the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the Top 10 in the nation.As Senate president, Sweeney supported the creation of Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University, which opened in September as the state’s first veterinary school. He also supported numerous state-funded capital projects at the university, including Rowan’s Business Hall and Engineering Hall.
After his departure from the Senate in 2021, Sweeney served as chair of the advisory board of the Steve Sweeney Center for Public Policy at Rowan until he stepped down in 2024 to run for governor. The bipartisan Sweeney Center convenes experts and policymakers to focus on state concerns, from New Jersey’s fiscal outlook to emerging clean energy to housing challenges to education.
In his new role as trustee, Sweeney will be a key member overseeing the institution’s continued growth and transformation as it aims to become an R1 (very high research activity) institution. The university already meets the metrics and expects it will receive the R1 designation in the next review period, a distinction fewer than 190 institutions have earned nationwide.
Rowan University President Ali Houshmand has partnered with Sweeney throughout his almost 20 years leading the university, first as provost and then as president since 2012, and said he was delighted that the relationship will grow.
“No one knows the importance of investing in higher education better than Steve Sweeney,” he said. “We’re grateful to have his continued support and leadership for our institution and our region.”
Sworn in by his friend and longtime legislative partner, state Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Glassboro), Sweeney said he is humbled by the request to serve.
“I’m excited to be part of this board,” Sweeney said following the swearing-in. “This is an exciting time for Rowan University.”
Representing New Jersey’s 3rd Legislative District, Sweeney served for 20 years in the New Jersey Senate and was its longest-serving leader — 12 years — since New Jersey’s Constitution was revised in 1947. An ironworker by trade, he served from 1997 to 2010 on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders, including a dozen years as director.
“Steve Sweeney’s legacy of public service and his unwavering commitment to South Jersey make him an invaluable addition to our board,” Rowan Board Chair Chad Bruner said. “His leadership helped shape Rowan’s transformation into a powerhouse of research and innovation, and we’re honored to have his insight and experience guiding us into the future.”
