Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.

President, Rowan University

Dr. Ali A. Houshmand became Rowan University’s seventh president in 2012 after serving for approximately six years as provost/senior vice president, CEO and interim president. Houshmand is a dynamic leader whose personal connection with students, employees, alumni, government leaders, the business community and the public has become a hallmark of his presidency. A lifelong believer in the power of education, Houshmand holds master’s and doctoral degrees in industrial and operations engineering. His entrepreneurial approach to higher education has focused on four goals: increasing access, improving quality, ensuring affordability and promoting economic development. His success is evident. Under Houshmand, Rowan has evolved from ... Read More

Nido R. Qubein

President of High Point University

Dr. Nido Qubein serves as the president of High Point University where, even in the middle of the Great Recession, he increased enrollment by 245%, grew net assets from $56M to almost a billion dollars, created seven new academic schools - most recently adding the Webb School of Engineering, and attracted $500 million in philanthropic investments. His family is among the institution’s most generous donors. Qubein has led HPU’s total enrollment this year to a record-breaking 5,600 students, even in the midst of the nation’s COVID-19 challenges. And while total enrollment grew by 5.6%, other records include 1,000 students enrolled in ... Read More