Karl Herrmann, vice president of student affairs and former two-time class president for the Student Organization of Kean University, Inc., has spent the last two years undergoing radical personal change. It’s hard to believe, but this fourth-year scholar in the prestigious five-year B.A./M.P.A. in Public Administration program claims that he had a lack of academic focus when he first arrived at Kean. Herrmann says there were many reasons for the transformation: his growing maturity, the inspiration of Kean professors and the influence of his father, who has a Ph.D. and is a longstanding state official. Regardless of the initial cause, Herrmann has since devoted himself to his studies and to the Student Organization. He was also the undergraduate student representative on the University’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee.

When Herrmann decided to become more involved in his school life, he thought a good step would be to serve as a student representative. "During the first sophomore class meeting I attended, a vice president needed to be elected," Herrmann recalled. "I decided to run and was chosen for the position that same day. At the next class gathering, the president had resigned. So, I became president of my class during my second encounter with the Student Organization."

Since that auspicious day, Herrmann went on to serve as president of the junior class, and, this year, he was elected to the position of vice president of student affairs. The magnitude of his new role was immediately evident. "As class president, I ensured that positive events, like ski trips and dances, occurred," Herrmann said. "Now, students also ask me for help with their grievances." Herrmann’s not complaining; he is enjoying his role to the fullest. "I like that I’m in a position to make positive, lasting change," he said.

When he graduates, Herrmann wants to enact change on a larger scale. "With New Jersey population’s growing at a rapid pace, there will be an increased need for public transportation. My goal is to work for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and help create the best public-transportation system in the country," he said. This aspiration is connected to a personal interest in protecting the environment. Herrmann cites a trip to the Environmental Protection Agency through Kean’s Washington Center Program as being a highlight of his education, and his love of nature has led him to devote every Saturday to a non-funded Student Organization outdoors club to engage in activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting.

Time for leisure pursuits is hard to find. Every weekday, Herrmann wakes at 5 a.m. and works full time at Peerless Beverage Co. before arriving on Kean’s campus to attend class or hold office hours at the Student Organization. Even after that rigorous schedule, Herrmann spends several hours each evening studying. He’s able to balance his many obligations effectively because of his outstanding organizational skills. "In the past, I just didn’t have the motivation to do anything. Well, now, I want to do something," Herrmann said.

As dedicated as Herrmann is to academic excellence and serving in public office, a hint of the nonconformist is still evident in his modish appearance. "It’s so hard for me to take on that conservative look that my parents would like me to have. I took out my tongue ring, I took out my eyebrow ring, but I like my hair to be interesting," Herrmann explained. "My dad always says that a public servant needs something unique about them to stand out from the crowd. So, I asked him, ‘What about my hair?’ My dad said, ‘No.’" Stylish hair or not, Herrmann distinguishes himself with his enthusiasm and dedication.