Our guest today takes us from Iran to innovation. Dr. Ali Houshmand’s journey to the top of Rowan University is anything but typical. Hear how he’s reinventing college with bold ideas, groundbreaking programs, and a hot sauce that funds scholarships.

🌍 From Tehran to Transformation: Born to illiterate parents in Iran, Dr. Houshmand worked his way through college in London, driven by grit and vision.

🏥 Revolutionizing Rowan: He turned Rowan into one of only two U.S. universities with allopathic and osteopathic medical degree programs.

🛠️ Engineering Success: His hands-on education model produces job-ready grads—Lockheed Martin and other giants actively recruit them.

🌶️ Hot Sauce for Scholarships: Raised nearly $3M for student aid by creating and selling hot sauce made from peppers grown on campus.

🧠 Rethinking Education: Believes college should teach students how to apply knowledge wisely, not just memorize facts.

🤝 Leadership with Heart: Leads with transparency, honesty, and dignity—values he believes are essential for real leadership.

🌾 Feeding Minds & Communities: Oversees the growth of thousands of pounds of produce annually to fight food insecurity and teach farming skills.

💡 Silicon Valley of the East? Sees South Jersey’s potential to become a thriving innovation hub thanks to its location and affordability.

Listen to be inspired by transformational leader Dr. Ali Houshmand.

Links!

Rowan University
Dr. Ali Houshmand

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In this episode of "Lost in Jersey," we sit down with Governor Phil Murphy for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. Murphy opens up about his journey from Massachusetts to New Jersey, sharing how his early experiences shaped his path to public service. He reflects on seven years in office—covering major accomplishments, ongoing challenges, and his approach to leadership. With the June 10th primary election coming up, the Governor also weighs in on New Jersey’s political landscape and the broader national picture, including what it’s been like working with the current Trump administration compared to the first one. A few laughs and a nod to Bruce Springsteen remind us there’s always a human side to politics. Tune in for a fresh, insightful look at one of Jersey’s most influential leaders.

Don't forget to vote!

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Early voting is Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Sunday, June 8, 2025

Primary Voting Day is June 10th!

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We're bringing you a star-studded lineup of influential New Jersey figures in our upcoming episodes. From the Governor of New Jersey to the Executive Producer of all the BATMAN movies Jersey-born Michael Uslan. Plus Rowan University's inspiring President Ali Houshmand, and New York Times best-selling author, Laurie Woolever, who was Anthony Bourdain's lieutenant chef. Mark your calendars - Tuesdays are new episodes!

• Governor Phil Murphy joins us for a revealing interview dropping next week, discussing both policy and his fascinating personal journey to governorship

• Michael Uslan, executive producer of all Batman films and Jersey native, shares how he purchased the Batman rights as a young man before taking his vision to Hollywood

• Dr. Ali Houshmand, Rowan University president, discusses his inspiring rise from humble beginnings to leading a rapidly expanding educational institution

• New York Times bestselling author Laurie Woolever opens up about her memoir "Care and Feeding," sharing vulnerable stories about working with culinary giants Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain

Please subscribe and tune in to catch these exceptional conversations on Lost in Jersey!

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