University Partnerships

Engineering a Greater Future

The Rowen Foundation proudly partners with the University of Georgia, a leader in agricultural and environmental sciences committed to ensuring safe food, a clean environment and an enhanced quality of life. UGA’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences conducts pioneering research in plant sciences, animal sciences, food safety and environmental resource management. Supported by $43.8 million in external funding, the college offers globally recognized master’s and doctoral programs, attracting top students and researchers worldwide.

UGA’s College of Engineering is one of the best engineering schools in the state, and regularly partners with Georgia Power for e-mobility and  faculty research collaborations. The agricultural program at the College of Engineering has one of the highest ranking in the U.S.

In 2024, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved UGA’s new School of Medicine in Athens, which will expand UGA’s impact on biomedical research and innovation. The school aims to draw additional researchers, scientists and biotech startups, accelerating discovery and commercialization in Georgia. With R&D expenditures reaching a record $570.9 million in 2023 — a 61% increase over the last decade — UGA’s partnerships with Rowen will continue to drive advancements that benefit communities locally and beyond.

Creating Sustainable Solutions

As a key Rowen partner, Georgia Tech brings world-class expertise in civil and environmental engineering, consistently ranking among the top 10 programs in the U.S. Its research in these fields has a profound impact on advancing sustainable infrastructure and environmental solutions. Through the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Georgia Tech is also at the forefront of agricultural innovation, pioneering advancements in poultry, agribusiness and food manufacturing to improve efficiency, enhance safety and reduce environmental impacts.

GTRI’s Agricultural Technology Research Program transitions cutting-edge technologies — like robotics, automation, imaging and sensory devices — from concept to real-world application. This program’s focus on bridging research and commercialization is instrumental in driving agricultural advancements that support Rowen’s mission and Georgia’s economy, positioning the Rowen community as a national leader in agricultural and environmental technology.

In 2024, Georgia Tech’s Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering ranked No. 2 for its undergraduate biomedical engineering program. The college offers research areas in biomedical imaging, regenerative technologies, robotics, neuroengineering and more.

A Magnet for Research Funding

Emory University, a prestigious private research institution, is a powerhouse in health sciences and environmental research. Its renowned Winship Cancer Institute, in partnership with Georgia Tech, has attracted billions in federal funding for groundbreaking cancer research, placing Emory at the forefront of medical innovation. This collaboration enables cutting-edge advancements in treatment and understanding of cancer, supporting Rowen’s mission to drive impactful research in health and medicine.

Additionally, through its Health Systems Institute, Emory and Georgia Tech work together to transform healthcare by shifting the focus from treating disease to promoting holistic health and wellness. And with several undergraduate and graduate level programs in the environmental sciences, Emory University is an invaluable partner for Rowen as it builds a community centered on research, education and societal well-being.

Rowen also partners with Emory’s Center for AI Learning, building AI literacy in communities across Georgia.

A Diverse Community of Excellence

Spelman College is a leading higher education institution for women of African descent. Ninety percent of the college’s faculty have their doctoral degree or the equivalent, and .
with a 76 percent graduation rate — one of the highest in the nation — Spelman College provides an established pipeline of biochemists, physicists, globally-engaged STEM researchers and more.

Ranked No. 1 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Spelman College offers a diverse community of thinkers with over 140 years of academic excellence. Alumni engagement is also robust at Spelman, with a network of 21,000+ across 47 states and 24 countries.

An Innovative Model for Education

As the first four-year, public college created in the U.S. in the 21st century, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has always been on the precipice of what’s next. Accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Georgia Gwinnett College offers 21 majors and 60+  programs of study, including environmental science, health science, biology and chemistry. 

Students have ranked GGC in the top 10 percent of colleges nationwide for its academic rigor, supportive environment, collaboration and student/faculty interaction outside of the classroom. In 2024, GGC also ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern Regional college.