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Rowen Newsletter: December 18, 2025

December 18, 2025

A Milestone Year Marked by Leadership, Investments and Engagement

We are incredibly proud of the progress Rowen has made in advancing our mission to shape a healthier, more sustainable and innovative future for Georgia. This year was marked by strategic growth, new partnerships and collaboration that established a strong foundation for our vertical development.

Here is a snapshot of Rowen by the numbers:

  • Welcomed two new board members whose leadership and expertise will help propel Rowen into its next chapter of growth.
  • Invested more than $400,000 in six Living Lab projects, catalyzing research and experiential learning.
  • The completion and opening of Rowen’s roadway infrastructure, marking a shift from planning to building.
  • Established our first Executive Advisory Council, bringing together 15 prominent Georgia leaders to help guide Rowen’s strategic direction.
  • Participated in more than 70 events, engaging partners, researchers, government officials and community members in Rowen’s mission.
  • Hosted or co-hosted three signature events—State of Rowen, The Convergence Summit and AI.Xperience—which welcomed over 400 attendees.
  • Finalized plans and selected a construction manager for the Rowen Convergence Center, our first new building on site. Work will begin next year.

Thank you for supporting the Rowen Foundation. Each accomplishment reflects the strength of our collective commitment to Rowen’s mission. We look forward to deepening our collaboration in the year ahead as we continue to build in Georgia and share our vision across the United States and worldwide.

Mason Ailstock
President & CEO

 

Rowen Region Ready

Rowen stands at the forefront of Georgia’s future growth. This 11-county area is expected to generate 43% of the state’s population increase by 2050, and it will provide nearly half of Georgia’s prime working-age talent. Notably, 85-95% of people who move to the Rowen Region remain in the region year after year, highlighting its strong retention and desirability.

Thanks to strong college graduation rates and a well-educated workforce, Rowen is rapidly gaining recognition as the prime location for industries like healthcare, technology, and engineering. It’s clear—Rowen is uniquely situated to drive progress across Georgia.

Learn How Rowen Drives Georgia’s Economic Future

 

A student studying the effects of surface water runoff, highlighting Rowen’s support by opening its campus to researchers and educators

Rooted in Rowen

Rowen’s Living Lab projects transform the campus into a collaborative laboratory for students, researchers and industry leaders to advance research, innovate and create a sustainable impact. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

  • HALOS Study: UGA and Weatherstem installed hydrometeorology equipment to begin climate and land-cover data collection.
  • Watershed Monitoring: UGA, GGC and Spelman are assessing Rowen’s streams and wetlands to understand how development interacts with natural resources.
  • Sustainable Timber: A full 2,000-acre timber survey was completed to guide responsible forest management and offer experiential learning opportunities.
  • E-Mobility Lab: Early research is complete, with new student capstones and hands-on e-mobility projects in development.
  • Tri-State Collaboration: Rowen supported UGA’s e-mobility engine MAGNET proposal connecting innovators in the southeast.
  • AI.Xperience: Rowen provided funding to support a summer experiential learning program, led by Emory University’s Center for AI Learning, culminating in a project showcase featuring students across Metro Atlanta.
  • Smart City Collaboration: Rowen and Curiosity Lab are collaborating to accelerate innovative smart transportation and smart city research.

Looking ahead to 2026, these projects are expected to progress even more as new research phases, experiential learning opportunities and industry partnerships are introduced.

Learn More About Rowen Living Labs

 

Rowen in the Media

In 2025, Rowen was featured in 20 articles spanning more than 10 media outlets, demonstrating the distinctiveness and significance of Rowen’s mission.

Discover More News and Media

 

Rowen on the Road

Rowen hit the road like never before in 2025. We joined over 70 events, sponsoring more than 10, across six U.S. states and two countries (Germany and Sweden). Each trip strengthened connections, raised awareness and showcased Rowen as a top destination for business growth.

Where can you find us next?

The Science of Art in Discovery, Research and Innovation

Board Meetings

Public Notice: Rowen Foundation February 2026 Board Meeting

Digital Meeting Details: Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 1:00 – 1:30PM EST Click here to register!  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting.

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Blog

Insights from the 2025 Convergence Summit: Nature

If you’re ever driving around Georgia and see a man on the side of the road, staring at the clouds, there’s a chance you just saw Dr. Marshall Shephard. As a certified Weather Geek™, Dr. Shephard is an extremely successful meteorologist and professor at University of Georgia who sincerely appreciates the beauty in our skies. […]

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Newsletters

Rowen Newsletter: December 18, 2025

A Milestone Year Marked by Leadership, Investments and Engagement Rowen 2025: A Year of Growth, Community, and Impact. We are incredibly proud of the progress Rowen has made in advancing our mission to shape a healthier, more sustainable and innovative future for Georgia. This year was marked by strategic growth, new partnerships and collaboration that established a strong foundation for our vertical development.

LEARN MORE