September 2026

Vol. XI Issue 1

Dean's Message

Summer at Rowan is apparently not a time for slowing down. While campus may be a little quieter, our faculty, students, and staff have been anything but idle. From generous philanthropy and new scholarships to inspiring high school programs, global travel, and plenty more. Here is a look at just some of the ways our Rohrer community kept learning, leading, and making things happen this summer.

Warm regards,

Matt Sarkees, Ph.D.

Dean, Rohrer College of Business

Dean Matt Sarkees, Darren Haviland, Vice President of Guest Services and Corporate Administration at Spencer's and Spirit, and President Ali Houshmand.

Spencer Spirit Hldgs. deepens partnership with Rowan through three student-centered initiatives

Rowan University students will have new opportunities for support, education and career preparation through a $75,000 commitment from Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc., the Egg Harbor Township, N.J.-based parent company of Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween.

The funds will support The Shop Pantry & Student Resource Center, Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy and establish a permanent endowed scholarship for students in Rohrer College of Business.

Representatives from Spencer's and Spirit joined Rowan University leaders Aug. 25 at Business Hall to celebrate the growing partnership with a check presentation ceremony.



“We are honored to have earned Spencer and Spirits’ trust to develop the next generation of business leaders. This gift will benefit many students across the University,” said Rowan President Ali Houshmand. “Together, we will continue to find new ways to support and inspire students.”

GenFocus Wealth Advisors invests in future financial planning professionals

Students pursuing careers in financial planning at Rowan University will have a new source of scholarship support thanks to a $25,000 commitment from GenFocus Wealth Advisors.

The firm has established the GenFocus Wealth Advisors Annual Scholarship Fund within the Rowan University School of Financial Planning, providing a $5,000 annual scholarship to a student pursuing a major or minor in financial planning. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, with preference given to members of the Rohrer College of Business Women in Business Club.

The gift represents one of the School of Financial Planning’s early industry partnerships and supports its mission to develop the next generation of talented, ethical financial planning professionals. Beyond providing financial assistance, partnerships like this help strengthen connections between Rowan students and leaders in the financial services industry.



“We are deeply grateful to Brian, George, and the entire GenFocus Wealth Advisors team for their generous investment in our students,” said Dr. Matthew Sarkees, dean of the William G. Rohrer College of Business. “Scholarships like this remove financial barriers while creating meaningful connections between our students and industry leaders. Their partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to developing the next generation of financial planning professionals.”

Building skills, broadening horizons: Two Rowan students reflect on summer internships in Ireland

Entrepreneurship means wearing many hats, a lesson Riley Milone learned during his summer internship with Grá Chocolates in County Galway.

For Joseph Rozier, his summer internship provided both international experience and a clearer vision for his future career in financial planning.

Through an internship program offered by American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), two Rowan University students spent the summer in Galway, Ireland, discovering opportunities beyond the classroom.



What it takes to run a small business

Entrepreneurship means wearing many hats, a lesson Riley Milone learned during his summer internship with Grá Chocolates in County Galway. Seeking international experience and practical business skills, the rising senior worked for the artisan chocolate company founded by pastry chef and entrepreneur Gráinne Mullins.

Milone, who is pursuing a degree in economics and a certificate of undergraduate study (CUGS) in creative industries entrepreneurship, got a firsthand look at what it takes to operate a small business.

“I learned how many different responsibilities go into running a business,” Milone said, noting that entrepreneurs must constantly communicate with suppliers, vendors, customers and staff.

He also learned that running a small company requires flexibility and a willingness to take on many tasks.



“My first day, I helped load a truck. Then I learned how to package chocolates and fill customer orders. Later, I worked on retailer and supplier agreements and communicated with business partners,” he said. “Everyone kind of does a little bit of everything.”

Rowan launches 30-credit MBA

Beginning in fall 2026, William G. Rohrer College of Business (RCB) will offer a new 30-credit Master of Business Administration pathway alongside its established 36-credit MBA program, providing students with greater flexibility in how they pursue advanced business education.

The new option was created to meet growing demand for MBA programs that can be completed more efficiently while maintaining the academic standards and comprehensive foundation expected of a graduate business degree.

“Graduate business education should not simply prepare professionals for the careers of today. It should empower them to shape the careers and opportunities of tomorrow. Our approach recognizes that there is no single path to professional success. This is about building a graduate experience that meets students where they are, helps them envision where they want to go, and gives them the knowledge, confidence and agility to get there. In doing so, we are expanding access and increasing the ROI for students pursuing an MBA,” said Matthew Sarkees, dean of Rohrer College of Business.

All MBA pathways share the same 18-credit core curriculum, ensuring that students develop advanced knowledge in accounting, finance, operations, organizational leadership, responsible management, information systems, marketing and strategy. Students in Rowan MBA programs also complete concentration coursework that allows them to deepen their expertise in a selected area of business.

Student entrepreneurs shine at Rowan's 10th Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy

More than 100 high school students from across New Jersey and beyond spent four days thinking like entrepreneurs this July as they took part in Rowan University’s 10th annual Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy, an award-winning program hosted by the Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE).

The free summer academy, led by Michael Dominik, Ph.D. and RCIE Director Jessica Vattima, gives students the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship firsthand while earning free college credit upon successful completion of the program. The academy was recognized by AACSB through its prestigious Innovations That Inspire initiative in 2022.

This year’s cohort represented a wide geographic area. Though the majority hailed from New Jersey, there were students from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts and California. The two participants from the West Coast discovered the academy through an online search, which highlights the program’s growing national reach.

Before arriving on campus, students completed two weeks of “pre-work.” Once at Rowan, they were organized into teams of five to seven students and challenged to create a company centered on one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Over four days, the teams developed business concepts, researched markets, designed prototypes and prepared investor-style presentations.

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