Rowan U. President Attempts To Smooth Rutgers-Camden Takeover Path
By David Madden
GLASSBORO, N.J. (CBS) -- Leaders at Rowan University say the proposal to merge with Rutgers-Camden under the Rowan name will mean little to students now on campus or to those making decisions for the fall.
Dr. Ali Houshmand, Rowan's interim president, went to great lengths today to stress that any merger would take years to complete. And he's been actively seeking discussions with Rutgers-Camden officials -- discussions that began just last week.
As for student angst over what goes on any diploma, he says, "We have developed a plan that every single one of them deserve to get the degree for which they entered the institution. So a student that entered Rutgers-Camden will receive a Rutgers-Camden degree."
Houshmand says he has not been happy with the tone of the public discussion.
"A lot of people have been engaged in throwing a lot of mud at Rowan, insulting this institution, and it's hurtful," he said today.
He insists he needs to work with his counterparts at Rutgers-Camden to improve academic offerings, particularly on the postgraduate level.
And he knows no merger will work without everyone working together.
