Nestled in Glassboro, New Jersey, Rowan University has journeyed from a small normal school with a modest mission to a dynamic public research university with global ambitions. Over the past 100 years, Rowan has transformed in name, scope, academic breadth, and societal impact, while staying true to its founding goal: educating and empowering students. This article walks through Rowan University’s rich history from its founding in 1923 to its position today, highlighting key milestones, expansion, and its evolving role in higher education.
Early Foundations (1923‑1937)
- Establishment as Glassboro Normal School
In response to a shortage of trained teachers in southern New Jersey, the state legislature authorized a “normal school” in this region. Local residents in Glassboro played an essential role: in 1917, 107 area residents raised over $7,000 to purchase 25 acres of the Whitney Tract, then donated that land to the state if Glassboro was selected. Rowan Sites+2Wikipedia+2 - Opening and early years
On September 24, 1923, Glassboro Normal School opened its doors with 236 students—mostly women (226), with only 10 male students. Bunce Hall (originally “College Hall”) was the first academic building they used, and the faculty numbered around 16. The mission: two‑year teacher training for general elementary grades. Rowan Sites+3Rowan University College of Education+3Wikipedia+3 - Transition to four‑year status & renaming
By 1934, the curriculum was expanded to four years to include more comprehensive teacher preparation. In 1937, the institution was officially renamed New Jersey State Teachers College at Glassboro. Wikipedia+2Rowan Sites+2
Expansion & Diversification (1937‑1960s)
- Broadened mission and graduate programs
As years passed, the College gradually introduced more programs beyond the elementary teacher preparation. Graduate courses started to appear (for example, in 1938) and support services like clinics for reading disabilities were added. Rowan Sites+2Wikipedia+2 - Post‑war growth
After World War II, returning veterans increased enrollments. Programs expanded to include junior high and secondary education majors. The institution also responded to rising demand in fields beyond education. Rowan Sites+1 - Renamed Glassboro State College
In 1958, reflecting its expanding academic programs and institutional mission, it changed its name to Glassboro State College. By this time it was offering broader liberal arts majors, sciences, and increasing residential housing. Wikipedia+2Rowan University+2 - 1967 Glassboro Summit
One of the institution’s more famous moments came in June 1967, when President Lyndon B. Johnson and Soviet Premier Aleksey N. Kosygin met on the campus (at Hollybush Mansion), in what became known as the Glassboro Summit Conference. This event placed the institution in international spotlight. Wikipedia+2Rowan Sites+2
Becoming a University (1970s‑1990s)
- Continued growth under changing leadership
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Glassboro State College saw substantial growth: enrollment increased significantly, academic divisions became schools, infrastructure was built. Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain and later Dr. Herman D. James led during these periods. Rowan Sites+1 - The $100 million gift and transformation
A turning point came in 1992. Industrialist Henry M. Rowan, Jr. and his wife Betty gave a $100 million gift—the largest single gift ever given to a public university at that time—to Glassboro State College, with the stipulation to open an engineering program. Wikipedia+2Rowan Sites+2 - Name changes to reflect the new vision
After the gift, the school was renamed Rowan College of New Jersey in 1992. In 1996, the engineering school opened. And in 1997, just a few years later, it received university status and took on the name Rowan University. Rowan Sites+3Wikipedia+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3
Modern Era: Research, Medical Schools, & Growth (2000s‑2020s)
- Research status and academic breadth
Over time, Rowan has expanded its programs at the graduate and doctoral levels. It is now classified as Carnegie R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity. It offers professional, medical, engineering, business, education, arts programs across its multiple campuses. Wikipedia+1 - Medical education expansion
In 2012, Rowan added a medical school: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, in Camden. It also acquired the Rowan‑Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013. This expansion into MD and DO programs made Rowan one of the few universities in the U.S. to offer both pathways. Wikipedia+1 - Multiple campuses & infrastructure growth
Besides the main Glassboro campus, Rowan has campuses in Camden, Stratford (medical), and partnerships with community colleges. There has been construction of major facilities (library, research centers, student housing) and revitalization efforts in town. Rowan University+2Rowan University+2 - Centennial & reflection
As Rowan marked its 100‑year anniversary in 2023, it released 100 Years Forward: The History of Rowan University, a volume recounting its journey with photos and personal stories. today.rowan.edu+1
Key Themes & Legacy
- Commitment to education access & teacher preparation
From its start as a teachers’ college for Southern New Jersey, Rowan has kept education at its core, especially through its College of Education. Even as it expanded into research, medicine, engineering, and liberal arts, teacher training remains central. Rowan University College of Education+2Rowan Sites+2 - Adaptation & responsiveness
Rowan has consistently adapted—expanding programs as societal needs changed (post‑war, technology growth, medical demand). It also responded to state policy changes, funding, and educational trends. - Community roots
The strong role of local communities—starting with Glassboro residents donating land and raising funds—is part of Rowan’s identity. Also, its impact on local economy, culture, and infrastructure has grown as the university expanded. - Innovative growth
The transformation driven by Henry Rowan’s gift, medical school acquisition, research status, and new campus expansion are examples of Rowan innovating and evolving rather than merely growing in size.
Rowan University Today
- Size & academic scope
Rowan now enrolls over 22,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It offers a broad selection of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees. Rowan University+1 - Research & recognition
Classified as a high‑research activity institution, Rowan is known for innovation, public‑private partnerships, and practical research in engineering, medicine, business, science. Rowan University+1 - Multiple campuses & medical education
With medical campuses in Camden and Stratford, Rowan is a leader in medical education in New Jersey. Having both MD and DO programs makes it distinctive. Wikipedia+1 - Facilities, infrastructure & student life
Modern dorms, research labs, library expansions, student centers, and Rowan Boulevard (a mixed‑use redevelopment linking campus and downtown Glassboro) are part of the present landscape. Rowan University+1
External Resources to Link
- Britannica article on Rowan University – authoritative info on institutional history. Encyclopedia Britannica
- Rowan University About page – current mission, scope, campuses. Rowan University
- Rowan University’s College of Education history page – deep insights into early decades. Rowan University College of Education+1
- Rowan’s centennial book 100 Years Forward – recent historical overview. today.rowan.edu
Conclusion
From its humble origins as a normal school dedicated to educating teachers in southern New Jersey, to its current status as a vibrant public research university with wide academic offerings, medical schools, modern facilities, and multiple campuses, Rowan University’s story is one of continuous growth, adaptation, and community engagement. Its 100‑year journey demonstrates how a regional institution can evolve into a national contender, without losing its roots in education and service.