Rowen Appoints New UGA Executive to Board of Directors

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (Sept. 22, 2025) – Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Georgia, has joined the Rowen Foundation as its newest board member. Ayers brings more than 29 years of education and academic leadership to the Foundation.

“The addition of Dr. Ayers to our board strengthens Rowen as a leader in research, industry and academic innovation,” said Rowen President and CEO Mason Ailstock. “Ben’s business relationships and academic expertise will be invaluable as Rowen begins vertical development and forges new partnerships.”

Ayers began his tenure as UGA’s chief academic officer on June 30. He has served the university since 1996, holding roles of increasing responsibility. Before becoming provost, he led UGA’s Terry College of Business as dean for 11 years, guiding the university’s second-largest academic unit.

“I am honored to join the Rowen Foundation Board and I am excited to contribute to its ambitious vision,” said Ayers. “By integrating education, entrepreneurship, research and innovation, Rowen is driving initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our region.”

During Ayers’ deanship, Terry’s reputation as one of the nation’s top public business schools continued to grow. He oversaw the launch of innovative degree programs, elevated national rankings and steered record growth in student enrollment and career outcomes. Under his leadership, the college’s research activity and reputation reached historic highs, with multiple departments ranked among the nation’s best.

Ayers also led initiatives that garnered unprecedented fundraising support and advanced Terry’s academic mission through strategic faculty hires. The school’s endowment more than tripled during his tenure, supporting new faculty positions and scholarships for students with financial need. He championed the creation of the Business Learning Community, expanded The Terry Executive Education Center in Atlanta and established Studio 225 as a cornerstone of UGA’s Innovation District.

“It’s an honor to welcome Ben to the Rowen Foundation Board,” said Rowen Foundation Chairman Sachin Shailendra. “His leadership, reputation and background are the perfect combination to help Rowen thrive for years ahead.”

Ayers’ appointment to the board was approved on August 25 and was effective immediately.

For more information about the Rowen Foundation Board of Directors, click here.

About Rowen

Owning 2,000 carefully preserved acres along Highway 316 in Gwinnett County, Ga., Rowen is a visionary knowledge community that will bring together entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators at the intersection of the Atlanta, Athens and Gainesville metropolitan statistical areas and more than 50 research and educational institutions. A new multi-use concept designed to foster discoveries in agricultural, medical and environmental sciences, Rowen will build on the land’s rich history of thoughtful environmental stewardship, while changing the economic and social trajectory of Gwinnett, Georgia and our nation for generations. For more information, please visit www.rowenlife.com.

About Rowen Foundation

Rowen Foundation is the independent, mission-driven, not-for-profit entity leading the planning and visioning of Rowen. With its mission to be a catalyst for education, research, innovation and transformation, the foundation is responsible for project leadership and operations to ensure the long-term vision for Rowen is never compromised.

Media Contact:

Brian Brodrick

404-983-4394

bbrodrick@jacksonspalding.com

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