Dean, Rohrer College of Business (RCB), Rowan University
Rowan University invites nominations and applications for the Dean of the William G. Rohrer College of Business (RCB). RCB seeks an inspiring, visible, and collaborative leader to set a dynamic course for the future, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. The Dean will be instrumental in steering the College through the next phase of strategic transformation and growth, building on the solid foundation of strategic initiatives implemented over the past five years, and navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with working towards R1 reclassification.
Rowan University
Rowan was founded as the Glassboro Normal School in 1923. In 1992, industrialist Henry Rowan announced a $100 million gift to the school—which was then the largest gift to a public college or university in the history of higher education. Since September 2013, under President Ali Houshmand’s leadership, the University has experienced unprecedented growth. Recognized as the nation’s fourth fastest-growing public research university in 2022, Rowan has been ranked on The Chronicle of Higher Education growth list for three years running. Rowan University serves more than 23,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro, 20 miles southeast of Philadelphia, its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford, five other remote locations, and its continuing education division, Rowan Global. The Rohrer College of Business is one of eight Rowan colleges located on the University’s Glassboro campus. The institution is also home to the South Jersey Technology Park, Edelman Planetarium, Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, and 23 research-based centers and institutes. Currently classified as R2 by the Carnegie Classification for its high research activity, with R1 aspiration, Rowan University partners with business and industry, government, and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and beyond.
Rohrer College of Business, Mission, and Vision
RCB maintains high standards by accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and accreditation of its MIS program by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. RCB's programs are nationally ranked and award-winning, with its undergraduate entrepreneurship program securing the #1 spot in New Jersey for 2024 according to the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine. RCB is committed to excellence in research and teaching, boasting small class sizes with 55 full-time tenured/tenure track faculty. Currently, over 2,100 students are enrolled in the undergraduate programs for the fall of 2023 with approximately 240 in the MBA program.
The College offers B.S. degrees in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Supply Chain and Logistics, a 3+1 B.S. degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Global Business and Leadership; and several minors and Certificates of Undergraduate Studies. RCB is a key participant in the innovative “4+1” degree program where students earn a BA in Sustainability Studies and an MBA, all in 5 years. The graduate portfolio of offerings includes an MBA with 11 areas of Concentration, an MS Finance program, and multiple Graduate Certificates.
The Rohrer College of Business is housed in a new $68-million, 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building (Business Hall), which opened in Spring of 2017. Business Hall houses all RCB faculty, staff, services, and curricular and co-curricular activities, including the School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and four Centers of Excellence.
The William G. Rohrer Charitable Foundation has contributed over $15 million to the College of Business, which the University renamed the William G. Rohrer College of Business. Today, the Rohrer gift is used at the discretion of the Dean to support the College of Business' entrepreneurial curriculum in all disciplines, including applied courses and real-world projects with regional businesses and economic development organizations. Ongoing support from the Foundation also supports MBA fellowships and honors scholarships.
RCB Vision
To be a first-choice business school for enterprising students and discerning employers, a research hub, and an economic catalyst for the region and beyond.
RCB Mission
We empower a diverse population of students to achieve sustainable careers, focusing on real-world immersion, entrepreneurial thinking, and responsible leadership, supported by relevant faculty research and teaching excellence.
Read more about our vision and mission: https://business.rowan.edu/about/vision-and-mission.html
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership and Vision:
- Embrace and foster interdisciplinary research, teaching, and faculty roles.
- Develop, articulate, and communicate (internally and externally) a compelling vision for RCB, highlighting its uniqueness among peer/aspirant schools and ensuring alignment with Rowan University's broader goals.
- Enhance the quality and size of graduate/master's programs, and conceptualize and support the development of doctoral programs.
- Continuously evolve the business school curriculum to incorporate emerging topics and technologies such as responsible leadership, sustainability, social impact, analytics, data analytics, entrepreneurship, AI, and machine learning.
2. Collaboration and External Engagement:
- Strengthen and develop new connections with industry to align academic programs with market demands and foster knowledge sharing.
- Enhance international enrollments and build collaborations with other institutions.
- Lead efforts in grant acquisition, sponsored research, and the conceptualization of executive education offerings in collaboration with industry partners.
- Engage with the student, faculty, and business community to ensure the relevance and impact of RCB's initiatives, particularly within the state of New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region.
- Lead fundraising, friend-raising, and alumni engagement efforts in partnership with the College’s Senior Director of Development and the Division of University Advancement.
3. Academic Excellence and Research Advancement:
- Balance and promote the importance of both teaching and research within the business school.
- Innovate models for teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Enhance faculty skills, motivation, and resources to produce research at an R1 level.
- Elevate RCB's brand recognition through internal quality enhancement and external outreach.
4. Operational and Financial Acumen:
- Demonstrate familiarity with leading a college in a revenue-driven model, ensuring surplus generation and fiscal sustainability.
- Develop strategies to not just grow but also enhance the quality and standing of RCB's MBA program, moving beyond convenience and cost as primary differentiators.
- Understand and leverage faculty talent.
5. Community Integration and Global Perspective:
- Foster a strong global mindset and develop innovative, collaborative international programs.
- Cultivate a visible presence within the community, driving thought leadership within and beyond the university.
- Align with and contribute positively to the organizational culture of RCB and Rowan University.
The ideal candidate will possess high academic standards, robust management and leadership skills, and a keen appreciation for transparency and shared governance. Exceptional communication skills, political aptitude, and the capacity to raise the visibility and impact of the College at local, regional, national, and international levels are essential. Applicants must hold a PhD in a discipline relevant to the Rohrer College of Business, which includes all business disciplines as well as disciplines complementary to RCB’s mission and vision. Applicants must also currently or formerly (prior to working as an administrator) have earned tenure and achieved the rank of at least Associate Professor. Candidates should also have experience equivalent to earn promotion to full Professor in a Rohrer College of Business department.
Qualified individuals are invited to submit an application via the application link that includes:
- a curriculum vitae.
- a cover letter outlining their fit for the role based on the responsibilities and qualifications, and their vision for the college.
- contact information for at least three professional references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Inquiries can be sent to the chair of the search committee, Giuseppe R. Palmese Ph.D. Dean of the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, at palmese@rowan.edu.
Rowan University celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, (dis)ability status, military status, and other NJ protected classes. Rowan University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment as required by Title IX. Rowan is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with (dis)abilities.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact Christy Mroz, Administrative Assistant, OEE@rowan.edu, 856-256-5494. Rowan strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.
Join us at the Rohrer College of Business, where your leadership can shape the future of business education.
