Brian Rowan received the Athletic Director of the Year (ADOY) award from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). This award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions, and Junior College/Community Colleges), recognizing 28 outstanding recipients across the country. Rowan was honored alongside the other recipients at the 60th annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, FL.
Brian Rowan, Executive Director of Athletics at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), has been named the 2024-2025 Athletic Director of the Year (ADOY) by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). This award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions, and Junior College/Community Colleges) and recognizes 28 outstanding recipients across the country.
Rowan was honored alongside the other recipients at the 60th annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, FL. The ADOY award recognizes not only competitive success but also exemplary leadership, commitment to student well-being, and meaningful contributions to both campus life and the community.
This is Rowan's first time receiving ADOY, but he's no stranger to success, having received other accolades for his ongoing commitment to RCSJ's athletic programs, including the prestigious 2023-2024 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup. This honor recognized the RCSJ Roadrunners as the top overall two-year program in the nation. Under Rowan's leadership, 13 of RCSJ's 16 intercollegiate teams had qualified for national championship tournaments.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Rowan shared: “That's like a crown of achievement. I don't know how often you can get that. We've had it twice in the history of our program. There have only been a few other schools that have won it. Mostly, they're in the Midwest. They're really big two-year colleges, but for us as a small school, that's the biggest."
Throughout his career, he has held the ongoing belief that success breeds success. By having a network of positive attitudes and dedication, the Roadrunners develop an atmosphere where not only do athletes thrive during their season, but they leave the program wanting to stay in touch or support however they can.
Rowan spoke on the relationships that form out of this ongoing dedication: “It [Roadrunners Athletics] is part of something that's bigger than just your one season here. I think that leads people to want to come back. We hear all the time... 'I wish I could stay two more years...' That's the positive experience we want all our students to have, so they do think of us, and they connect."
This experience is something Rowan also directly shares with the athletes, having been a student athlete himself when he attended RCSJ – then Gloucester County College (GCC) – playing both basketball and tennis.
“I started here; I played both basketball and tennis – great experience." Rowan shared, “I had two great coaches. My basketball coach was Steve Solomone; he's in our hall of fame. He's in the NJCAA basketball hall of fame. He's a local guy, and he was always good... We made it to the national semi-final one year and that was great, and I loved it."
“Tennis, my coach was RC Goetter," Rowan continued, “Who also taught classes here and was a great person. I'm still in touch with him – and he actually came out to support our team this year. It was great to see him."
After transferring to Rutgers, Camden to complete his bachelor's degree, Rowan maintained close ties with the program. His connection to former Athletic Director, Ron Case, brought him back, not just as an alumnus, but as a mentor and leader to a new generation of athletes. He began serving as the men's head tennis coach, producing 40 NJCAA All-Americans and 14 individual NJCAA national champions.
Rowan's career continued to evolve, taking on an administrative role as Assistant AD, then eventually becoming Executive AD, overseeing all RCSJ's athletic programs. His leadership has since transformed the Roadrunners into a nationally recognized powerhouse and home for student-athletes who value hard work and commitment.
Just this spring, the Roadrunners Baseball Team achieved its third straight NJCAA DIII title. This historic three-peat is a first for the college and a testament to the success of RCSJ's athletic programs.
“Something we've never done is win three in a row, so it's a new accomplishment." Rowan said, “It's very difficult to win one. Going back-to-back is a great accomplishment. Three in a row was unbelievably impressive. Coach Valli did a great job with the team, and the assistant coaches were terrific this year. I don't know, but I feel like we're getting better and better. So why not keep it going?"
As Rowan looks toward the future, he's mindful of the legacy he hopes to leave behind: “I hope that we can turn it [Roadrunners Athletics] over to people that want to have the same values and commitment that we've had. I hope that all the student athletes who were here have felt like they're part of something bigger than a team, but a true program that cares about them and will remember them and is committed to hard work, student-athlete success, and a great experience for everybody involved. I hope to always leave things in a better place than I found them."
Rowan also acknowledged the tremendous support Roadrunners Athletics receives at the institutional level: “We've been supported, and that's part of our success here, from the board of trustees, Nick Burzichelli, who's the vice president, and of course, Dr. Keating [President of RCSJ]. So, we're always looking to look the best, play the best, and with that support, we're able to do so."
From student athlete to head coach, and now award-winning administrator, Rowan has proved success comes with the willingness to perform at your highest level. He's embodied the spirit of Roadrunner's Athletics through working hard, leading with heart, and always aiming higher. No matter what role he finds himself in, he gives it his all.
For more information about RCSJ's athletic programs, visit
RCSJ.edu/Athletics.
