Biography
Biography
Anthony M. Lowman, Ph.D.
Anthony “Tony” Lowman, Ph.D., became Rowan University’s first chancellor on July 1, leading efforts to advance academic excellence, student success and workforce development. Under the direction of President Ali A. Houshmand, Lowman guides the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and one of the top 10 fastest-growing in the country, now serving nearly 25,000 students.
Advancing academic excellence and research status
A champion of innovation and economic development, Lowman has fostered a university culture grounded in entrepreneurship and collaboration. During his 13-year tenure at Rowan, first as engineering dean, then provost and now chancellor, Lowman has positioned the institution as a vital partner in both regional communities and global networks.
He helped steer the university toward operating at Carnegie R1 status—the designation for top-tier research institutions—by expanding doctoral programs and significantly increasing research funding.
Spearheading new health and life sciences initiatives
With a background in biomedical engineering, Lowman brings a unique blend of academic, research and entrepreneurial experience to his role. He has led the rapid expansion of Rowan’s health-related academic offerings and fostered interdisciplinary innovation across the university. He was instrumental in securing an $85 million gift from Virtua Health, the second-largest donation in the university’s history.
Among his most transformative initiatives are the launch of Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences and Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, New Jersey’s only veterinary school. Rowan is now one of just two universities nationwide to offer M.D., D.O. and D.V.M. degrees. Its enrollment includes more than 1,500 medical students, 600 nursing students and the state’s first class of 75 veterinary students.
Lowman joined Rowan in 2013 as dean of Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and was appointed provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs in 2019. As provost, he oversaw landmark initiatives such as Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum and the creation of University College, which offers academic and support services for all students. During his tenure, Rowan introduced a new division, Rowan Online, launched to support the university’s online and hybrid academic programs in high-demand fields of study.
He also led Rowan’s partnership with Dreamscape Learn to create a center for developing virtual reality-enhanced courses, transforming education and enriching student learning.
Research and background
Originally from Virginia, Lowman earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Purdue University. Before joining Rowan, he served as vice provost for research and business development and professor of bioengineering at Temple University. He also spent 15 years at Drexel University in various roles, including professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering.
Internationally recognized for his work in biomedical engineering, Lowman is an expert in biomaterials, controlled drug delivery and polymer science. Winner of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey’s Edison Patent Award, he is also chief technical officer and co-founder of ReGelTec, Inc., a medical device company developing HYDRAFIL—a minimally invasive, injectable hydrogel treatment for chronic low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. The treatment has received FDA breakthrough device designation and is currently undergoing clinical trials.
Lowman is an elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers.