Widener president named co-chairman on higher ed presidents alliance
CHESTER » Widener University is pleased to announce President Julie E. Wollman, Ph.D., has begun serving as co-chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia Regional College & University Presidents’ Alliance.
Wollman shares leadership duties with co-chair Ali Houshmand, Ph.D., president of Rowan University. The alliance is comprised of 52 presidents of higher education institutions in the 11-county region across northern Delaware, southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. It is an initiative of the CEO Council for Growth, which is made up of business, higher education and civic leaders who commit their time and efforts to enhancing economic growth and prosperity in the region. The council is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, of which Widener University is a member.
The Regional College & University Presidents’ Alliance works with the CEO Council for Growth to leverage relationships with business and civic communities. It seeks opportunities for collaboration, collective advocacy on issues critical to higher education, and the cultivation of new relationships between business and higher education leaders. The alliance counts degree completion, and retention and graduation strategies among its priorities. It is also focused on attracting, retaining and supporting top-level talent, advocating for federal talent investments, and supporting programs and provisions that enhance access to higher education.
“I am delighted to be joining Dr. Houshmand to share leadership responsibilities for this group of distinguished educators,” Wollman said. “Leadership development is embodied in our mission at Widener University, as well as the pursuit of academic excellence, and those principles will guide my work with the alliance. Its members’ commitment to strengthening the course of higher education in the Philadelphia region is good for our metropolitan area, and it is good for Widener.”
Houshmand, who has served in a leadership role on the committee since 2014, welcomed Wollman’s partnership. “Widener President Wollman is the kind of leader who brings people together, who values a plurality of voices and opinions, and who demonstrates respect for individuals with different viewpoints,” he said. “She is exactly the kind of professional needed in this role, as together we will guide presidents from a diverse set of colleges and universities who are united by their support for passionate, effective advocacy in higher education. I look forward to working with her.