Rowan University Unveils Massive $690M Expansion in Glassboro

• Rowan University in Glassboro unveils a $690 million expansion expected to bring 5,000+ jobs to South Jersey

Officials at Rowan University in Glassboro have unveiled plans for a $690 million expansion project expected to bring more than 5,000 jobs to South Jersey.

What is being described as a "multiphase initiative between Rowan University and partners across health care and the private sector" will be located on 220 acres on either side of Route 322 just east of Route 55.

The "West Campus-North" project will be home to the Rowan University Center for Manufacturing Innovation (RCMI), while the "West Campus-South" side, where Inspira Medical Center-Mullica Hill is, will be the Rowan University Wellness Village.

West Campus-South: Wellness Village with Hotel & Housing

The Wellness Village is expected to include a 40,000-square-foot Rowan Community Wellness Institute, a 65,000-square-foot Inspira Medical Office Building, a 160-room hotel and conference center, along with retail and residential space, in the form of rental units, townhomes, and single-family homes.

• MORE NEWS: Teen Thought He Was Meeting Girl for a Date, Got Robbed Instead in Washington Twp., NJ

West Campus-North: Center for Manufacturing Innovation

On the other side of Route 322, the RCMI is intended to integrate manufacturing innovation and workforce development with health care, higher education, and residential planning.

Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand said in a social media post, "What we are proposing is transformational in scope and impact. It is a bold vision for the region, well beyond the 220 acres of our project, something that will spur growth throughout the county and South Jersey."

Public Meetings and Feedback Opportunities

Rowan officials say they will be meeting with planning boards and councils in both Glassboro and Harrison Township in the near future to share project details. Town hall meetings where the public can offer feedback should start later this spring.

From Glassboro State to Rowan

Rowan University dates back to 1923 when it was first known as Glassboro Normal School, followed by Glassboro State College from 1958 until 1992. In that year, industrialist Henry M. Rowan, Jr., and his wife donated $100 million to the college, which prompted the name change. The university has nearly doubled its enrollment over the past decade to nearly 25,000 students.

Chris Coleman, a South Jersey native, is the brand manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM and afternoon on-air personality on WPUR Cat Country 107.3 in Atlantic City, NJ. He joined the station in February 1998 and covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey for Townsquare Media. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com