UConn Advance - March 16, 2009 - Board chairman to step down

Dr. John W. Rowe, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the past six years, announced on March 10 that he will step down in June.

Rowe also served on the John Dempsey Hospital Board of Directors for two years before being appointed to the Board of Trustees.

Most UConn board chairs have served six years.

He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Aetna, one of the nation’s leading health care organizations.

Rowe, a professor of health policy and management at Columbia University, is one of the nation’s top researchers in gerontology and public health.

Rowe is the author of more than 200 scientific publications, including work on geriatric medicine and the physiology of the aging process. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and previously served as a member of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.

“Jack Rowe persuaded me to come to UConn and I’m very very glad that he did,” says President Michael Hogan.

“He’s been a generous donor of his time, his expertise, and his own resources. UConn will miss his leadership and his vision, but thanks to his efforts, the University is strong and positioned to grow stronger.”

Before joining Aetna, he served as president and chief executive officer of Mount Sinai-New York University Medical Center and Health System in New York City.

Rowe, known for running a punctual meeting, tried to move the meeting along after his announcement. But Trustee Denis Nayden stopped him and noted that the University is grateful for his leadership. Nayden’s comments were met with a standing ovation from members of the board, administrators, and guests.

Rowe has presided over the University during a period of growth in enrollment and transformation of the campuses as part of the UConn 2000 program.

He said he was pleased with the improvement in the quality of the student body, the way the Board of Trustees handled challenges related to the construction program, and the increase in the University’s national stature during his tenure.

The governor, who is also president of the Board of Trustees, appoints the board chairman.