Record momentum in the Rohrer College of Business

Over the past decade, the Rohrer College of Business (RCB) at Rowan University has experienced remarkable momentum, expanding programs, increasing enrollment, strengthening employer partnerships, and creating powerful experiential learning opportunities for students.

A College on the Rise

Today, RCB continues to attract record numbers of students, including its largest incoming first-year class, reflecting the growing demand for business programs that blend academic rigor with real-world experience. At the same time, the outcomes speak for themselves: 96% of RCB 2025 graduates secured employment or continued their education after graduation.

For Matthew Sarkees, dean of the RCB, the college’s growth reflects a clear mission.

“Our goal is to prepare students not just for their first job, but for long-term leadership and impact,” Sarkees said. “That means combining strong academic programs with meaningful real-world experiences that allow students to apply what they learn.”

The college’s entrepreneurship program has also gained national recognition, ranking among the top 50 in the United States, further strengthening Rowan’s reputation as a destination for innovation and new venture creation.

Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

Experiential learning is a defining feature of the RCB experience. Students work on real consulting projects, participate in competitions, and collaborate with industry partners through hands-on coursework.

“Working on real projects changed everything for me,” said MacK Reilly ‘26. “You’re not just learning theory, you’re presenting ideas to organizations and seeing how your work can actually make an impact.”

These opportunities help students develop not only technical knowledge but also the professional skills employers seek, including communication, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Embracing AI and Technology

RCB is introducing a Business Technology Foundations course in fall 2026, required for all incoming first-year students. Designed to build essential digital fluency from day one, the course emphasizes critical Excel skills, introduces students to the applications and implications of AI, and explores the key technological issues shaping the future of business. By embedding these competencies early in the curriculum, RCB is equipping our students with tools that are no longer optional, but foundational to success in any business discipline.

These foundational skills are not confined to a single course. From finance and accounting to marketing and management, students continue to apply Excel, engage with AI-driven tools, and engage hands-on with the technology shaping their fields. This integrated approach ensures that learning remains practical, relevant, and aligned with real-world expectations.

Expanding Scholarship Support

Expanding scholarship support for business students remains a priority to make a high-quality education more accessible and impactful. Over the past year, scholarships for business majors grew to 120 - an increase of XX%. This momentum reflects a shared commitment among RCB donors, alumni, and partners to invest in student success and remove financial barriers that might otherwise limit opportunity.

This direct investment in RCB students allows them to focus more fully on their academic and professional development, pursue internships, and engage in transformative learning experiences without the weight of financial strain. As we continue to expand these opportunities, we strengthen our ability to attract, support, and graduate the next generation of business leaders.

Partnerships That Open Doors

Industry partnerships play a major role in the college’s continued growth. RCB has added 200 new corporate relations since the beginning of 2025. Corporate leaders regularly visit campus to speak with students, mentor teams, and recruit talent.

Events that bring companies to campus provide opportunities for students to explore industries firsthand and build professional networks early in their academic careers.

According to Sarkees, these partnerships ensure that the college stays aligned with the evolving needs of employers.

“Our relationships with industry allow us to keep our curriculum relevant and ensure our students graduate with the skills companies are looking for,” he said.

The Rohrer Center for Professional Development plays a central role in this effort, connecting students with internships, career fairs, and employer networking events that help translate classroom learning into career opportunities.

A Community That Continues to Grow

The college’s growth extends beyond the classroom to a vibrant community of alumni, faculty, and partners who remain actively engaged with students.

Alumni frequently return to campus to mentor students, share career insights, and participate in networking events that strengthen connections across generations of Rowan graduates.

“The RCB community doesn’t end at graduation,” Sarkees said. “Our alumni remain deeply connected, and that support system helps open doors for the next generation of students.”

Looking Ahead

For students walking through the doors of Business Hall today, the message is clear: the Rohrer College of Business is not just growing—it is building momentum that will define the next generation of business leadership.