Presidential Announcements

April 26, 2024 - WKU's 10-Year Anniversary

April 24, 2024 - Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., on the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr.

April 19, 2024 - Institutional Giving 

April 12, 2024 - Sharing the Kean Story in Washington, DC

April 5, 2024 - Founders Day

March 28, 2024 - Wenzhou-Kean University

March 22, 2024 - March Madness

March 8, 2024 - Count on Me

March 1, 2024 - Cougar Investigator Research Challenge Shark Tank

February 23, 2024 - Study Abroad

February 16, 2024 - Equity and Access for all

February 9, 2024 - Campus Master Plan 

February 2, 2024 - Black History Month

January 26, 2024 - Kean Global Education and Resource Campus 

January 19, 2024 - Major Acquisition

Dear Kean Community,

This week I am leading a delegation in China celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the China Ministry of Education’s establishment of Wenzhou-Kean University. This marks a pivotal milestone in the growth of WKU and the cross-cultural exchange at the core of our relationships in the Zhejiang province of China. Throughout the week, we have met with government, business and education leaders to reinforce our commitment to the innovative partnership in higher education we have built and continue to cultivate in China. We celebrated the College of Business and Public Management’s recent AACSB accreditation, engaged with students at Student Research Day and attended the inauguration ceremony for the new College of Science, Mathematics and Technology building. We established new relationships with municipal leaders and others.

WKU’s role as an anchor institution in the region is very similar to the role of Kean USA in New Jersey, extending far beyond the borders of our campus. WKU and the Zhejiang province sponsored New Jersey K-12 educators to join us at WKU and exchange ideas about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and artificial intelligence education with local Chinese educators. These two areas hold tremendous potential to shape the future of our societies and economies. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can drive meaningful innovation and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. My thanks to New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda Carter, chair of the higher education committee, and Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, for being part of this important delegation. Read more about our visit in China Daily.

I want to reflect again on the sentiment I shared in my letter about our diverse campuses earlier this week. As New Jersey’s urban research  university, Kean has a moral imperative to lead and demonstrate the power of cooperation and collaboration in transcending hate. Our "people-to-people" exchanges with WKU, celebrated during my visit this week, are shining examples of our efforts in this area. Since the WKU campus opened, 1,700 students from Kean USA and WKU have traveled across the world, immersed themselves in diverse cultures and expanded their personal and professional horizons by participating in exchange programs. The experience is truly invaluable.

I’ve established a new Presidential scholarship program that will cover tuition for selected applicants to help even more students take part. Kean USA students who join our WKU program already have access to free flights, travel within China and many other benefits. Now they’ll also have the opportunity to get a paid position on the WKU campus, and those with a 3.0 or higher GPA will receive a stipend from WKU valued at more than $1,300. We want to break down barriers so all students can benefit from this partnership. We’ve extended the deadline for the Fall, so I encourage all students to apply as soon as possible.

Back at home, yesterday’s Take Your Kids to Work Day event was a huge success. More than 120 children came to campus for staff, faculty and student programming throughout the day. They learned about college life, leadership, social media and much more. They also had a lot of fun along the way. I thank sixth graders Ridhima and Shazmah Munshi, the daughters of Reenat Munshi, director of student research and innovation, for filling in for me and serving as co-presidents for the day. I heard they did a phenomenal job.

This kind of large-scale programming is always a collaborative effort, and I’m grateful to all of the facilitators and volunteers from across Kean who made it happen. Special thanks to Jennifer Peters and the entire team in Human Resources, particularly Nicole Klein, Yrelys Tapanes and Kate DeWan, for organizing the day. This is an annual event, and we look forward to welcoming even more families next year as we prioritize building a faculty and staff culture in which we can all climb higher together.

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President 

The Kean University community mourns the loss of Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., a statesman who leaves an impressive legacy of advocating for New Jersey's urban communities and small businesses. A former Kean student, the congressman was a true friend to the University and offered personal support and encouragement to me whenever our paths crossed. Congressman Payne always had an open door for his constituents. His dedicated work on behalf of New Jersey and its people will be missed. On behalf of Kean University, I send my condolences to his family and all who hold Congressman Payne in their hearts.  

~ President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., Kean University

Dear Kean Community,

This week showcased the unity across our University with giving, research and cultural events that set Kean apart. With all of your support, the Kean University Foundation raised more than $300,000 during our Founders Day celebration. That’s nearly three times last year’s total. All of you – students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends – were united in support of Kean as we continue to grow together as a research institution. I’m extremely grateful to each and every one of you. Our students say it best. Take a look at their Thank You video.

My congratulations to the College of Health Professions and Human Services for winning our college challenge with the most donor participation. They’re taking the trophy from the College of Liberal Arts this year and will be recognized at our Employee Appreciation Day in June. This year, 45 students contributed, and I randomly picked three lucky ones – junior Sara Mora, and sophomores Maddy Thalman and Julius Bonilla – to receive gift cards for their generosity. Julius is our grand prize winner and will get a golf cart ride to final exams! My thanks to the amazing team at the Kean University Foundation – led by CEO Bill Miller, COO Clarinda Joseph-Cumberbatch and Senior Director of Annual Giving Molly McGarry – for spearheading this Founders Day program. They even got me out there running the Founders 5K last weekend. Well done, Foundation team.

I attended several Unity Week events, including the Unity Walk on Wednesday which was part of our Well-Being at Work initiative. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed seeing our students, administrators, faculty and staff joining together to get some exercise and celebrate Kean at the same time. The purpose of Unity Week is to recognize our diversity, and each participant contributes to that here at Kean. At another event, the President's Advisory Council (PAC), Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and other health and wellness organizations hosted Kean’s first mental health conference on Thursday. Everyone there learned ways to prioritize their mental health, an important focus for all of us if we want to be our best. Kudos to the members of the PAC, specifically Jason Pleitez and Delia Latini, for leading the charge on this. The PAC helps elevate student voices and these types of student-driven events go a long way toward building a united campus that prioritizes everyone’s well-being.

As we all know, Kean is also united in our focus on research and is well on the way to getting R2 status from the Carnegie Commission. That’s what makes Research Days such an amazing celebration every year, and this one was no exception. A total of 1,253 students and 46 faculty showed us their research and creative endeavors at poster sessions and other events. Word is getting out about Research Days; we also welcomed community members and donors this year. Check out our award winners here. Thanks to Reenat Munshi, director of student research and innovation, and others in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, for organizing another amazing event. Great job.

This weekend I will join the Foundation at our Medallion Society reception recognizing the many donors who have remembered Kean in their estate planning. These are some of the University’s most dedicated supporters who are committed to helping future generations of Kean students. We will honor the late Professor Emeritus W. Carl Burger who generously gave his time and talent – as well as his treasure – to our University over the years. I give special thanks to Distinguished Professor Emerita Dr. Dorothy Grant Hennings, who will speak at the event. Dr. Hennings has generously supported Kean throughout her life and as part of her estate and that of her husband, the late Professor Dr. George Hennings. Her presence is a testament to the power of generosity and unity in the rich history of Kean.

Before I sign off, congratulations to the 18 students, seven staff members and one alumna who were inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha National First-Generation College Student Honor Society’s new Kean chapter this week. They exemplify the resilience and academic strength of our first-generation community. Advisor Appreciation Day is also this Sunday. My thanks go out to our professional advisors, faculty advisors, counselors and staff across Kean University who support and serve our students. We appreciate you. 

Enjoy the weekend.

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,
 

This week Kean University shined on a national level. I was honored to lead a delegation of administrators, faculty, staff and students advocating for Kean in Washington, D.C. Our mission was twofold: To share the Kean story with lawmakers and government officials and to learn how we can better engage with our elected leaders and federal agencies in advancing Kean’s research and student initiatives. As Kean grows into a powerful research institution, this kind of engagement is critical to advancing our goals. This trip exceeded my expectations and set the stage for much more great work to come.

I started off the week with a small Kean team at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Kean is a champion for federal investment in institutions that serve Latino students, our fastest-growing student population. We collaborated with other higher education institution leaders to elevate the voices of more than 5 million students enrolled in HSIs across the country. I also had the opportunity to meet with Sarita Brown, president of Excelencia in Education. I recently joined Presidents for Latino Student Success run by Excelencia so it was a wonderful opportunity to discuss Kean’s growing role in serving Latino students.

Kean Athletic Director Kelly Williams, Cougar football player Matthew Guidetti, and representatives from other universities in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) also joined me in a meeting with Sen. Cory Booker to discuss the future of college athletics. The NJAC covers 10 public institutions in New Jersey, and its 3,500 student athletes compete for the love of their sport. We want to make sure that valuable experience is available for years to come and urged Sen. Booker to remember the importance of Division III athletic programs and student-athlete mental health as Congress considers ways to regulate college sports. My thanks to NJAC Commissioner Terry Small and other universities, including Rutgers-Newark, The College of New Jersey, Rowan and Stockton, for joining our delegation.

Eight Kean students, including members of my President’s Advisory Council, met with lawmakers and staff to talk about their college experiences and learn about career opportunities as part of our second annual Kean Day on Capitol Hill. Thanks to students Danielle Brathwaite, Ayse Elmali, Shane Gagnon, Ashlee Jacobs, Jasmin Langomas, Jason Pleitez, Dyquan Waters and Britney Wilson for representing Kean so well. Many of our administrators met with federal agencies, including the Department of Interior and the National Endowment for the Humanities, to learn more about their operations and strategies for securing federal grants. We also brought faith-based leaders from New Jersey with us so they could learn more about advocating at the federal level.

My thanks to our great team at the Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships, led by Chief Government Affairs Officer Kellie LeDet and Director Craig Coughlin Jr., for putting together such a comprehensive program. We introduced the Kean group to Keith Roachford, an experienced federal policy advisor who is joining the Government Affairs team to continue our important work on the ground in Washington, D.C. Keith brings a level of federal policy expertise that will help us advance our work at the highest levels, and we are excited to have him working for Kean.

Next week, Kean will celebrate both Research Days and Unity Week. From Monday-Wednesday, April 15-17, I encourage you to explore our students and faculty's research and creative works. View the Research Days 2024 schedule. All members of the campus community are also invited to attend the Unity Walk to Liberty Hall on Wednesday, April 17, starting at 1 p.m. at MSC, and to purchase tickets to Kenan Thompson's comedy show that night at Wilkins Theatre. All events aim to celebrate our diversity, foster community and promote well-being.

Before I sign off, I remind you that we start the celebration of Founders Day with the Founders 5K on campus this Sunday, April 14, followed by the Founders Day of Giving on Monday. I challenge all of you to help make this the most successful Founders Day yet. Register for the 5K and don’t forget to make a gift in honor of our founding year, $18.55; this year’s graduating class, $24; Kean’s anniversary, $169; or any amount you choose. Some great challenges and matches will also be announced throughout the two-day celebration. You will be supporting our students, and that’s something we can all get behind. Let your generosity be an inspiration to others. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

This week we met with major donors to Kean University and the Kean University Foundation – people who have generously stepped up for Kean and its students over and over again and continue to do so. Our meetings came as we prepare for Founders Day – marking when Kean got its start as the Newark Normal School – on April 14 and 15. This significant moment in the University’s history compels us to reflect on the profound impact of donor engagement on our institution.

We personally thanked some of our biggest donors for their extraordinary leadership and support. The Foundation honored Sandra Castaldo Williams ’69 ’78 with emeritus status on the Foundation Board of Directors while her husband, Art, continues to serve on the Board. We also caught up with longstanding supporters – Foundation Board Chair Bill Loehning '70 '15H, and his wife Doris; Christine (T.C.) ’73 and Tony ’71 Sa; Beverly ’68 and Arthur ’68 ’73 Kirk; and Dr. Bernice Van Steyn-Weiss, the widow of former Kean President Dr. Nathan Weiss. The unwavering support of these donors, and all of Kean’s supporters, contributes to the transformative educational experience we provide our students.

We are pleased and grateful to announce a $250,000 commitment from Diane ’61 ’18H and Bob Miron, whose previous generosity led to the renaming of the student center. Most of it – $150,000 – will be used for enhancements at the Miron Student Center, an amount that will be matched by the Kean Foundation. The rest will support Founders Day.

We also send special thanks to Dr. Van Steyn-Weiss and T.C. and Tony Sa, who this week made new commitments to support the work and mission of the Kean Foundation. The generosity of these donors continues to make a lasting impact on Kean students and ignites the spark of philanthropy in others, like you, to help shape the future we envision.

Which leads us to the official Kean Day of Giving – Founders Day. The festivities kick off with the Founders 5K on Sunday, April 14. Register to enjoy a day of friendly competition. The celebration continues on Monday, April 15. Join us outside MSC or in the Gateway Atrium at Kean Ocean for a kickoff breakfast starting at 9 a.m. and to make a donation in person. Student donations will be matched dollar for dollar, and there will be a student participation raffle. Once again, the college with the most donor participation will win the Founders Day trophy and, new this year, a donation to the college’s Dean’s Fund. Also, Associate Provost for Faculty Development Dr. Laura Baecher has committed up to $5,000 to match donations to the Kean Fund for Faculty Success. Let’s have some fun together while we raise some serious money for Kean. Visit the Kean Foundation for all of the information you need or to make your donation online.

Donors do make a difference. More than 600 donors, students and their families recently gathered at the Foundation’s Scholarship Recognition Ceremony to celebrate philanthropy that directly helps develop the next generation of leaders. Donors met with the students who received the scholarships they funded. It was a fantastic event, especially as the Foundation turns 40 this year.

With both pride and gratitude, we also report the President Repollet Future Scholarship Fund has grown in the last four years to more than $500,000. It brings us joy to be able to help more students achieve their educational goals.

We have come a long way since the teachers college that started it all, Newark Normal School, opened its doors in 1855, and there is so much more ahead.

Enjoy your weekend. 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President
Kean University

William H. Miller, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer

Kean University Foundation

Dear Kean Community,

Kean University is a vibrant example of how education knows no boundaries and harbors unlimited potential for growth and opportunity. That came into focus on Monday with a historic meeting on campus aimed at advancing Wenzhou-Kean University’s role as an anchor institution for Wenzhou, China, emulating Kean’s impact on Union County’s economic and cultural development. The meeting, led by Union County Manager, Kean Trustee and Kean alumnus Ed Oatman, brought together government leaders from China and Union County with leaders from Kean USA and WKU and highlighted Kean’s dedication to serving as a foundational part of the community. It’s a commitment we are eager to extend to Wenzhou. I thank Ed, Union County Commissioner and WKU Board of Directors member Al Mirabella and the full board of county commissioners for sharing their insights. Their presence demonstrated their trust in Kean and their longstanding support of cross-cultural partnerships that began more than 25 years ago with the county’s sister cities agreement with Wenzhou.

That evening, we marked the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of WKU being established by the China Ministry of Education with a banquet at Kean Hall. Dignitaries from Zhejiang Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Consulate General's Office, the WKU Board of Directors, as well as New Jersey state and county leaders, members of my leadership team and exchange students from both campuses celebrated a decade of bridging continents and cultures through higher education. We reflected on our accomplishments, but more importantly, we looked to the future with an eye toward strengthening our ties to further innovate and expand our impact. My thanks to the Center for International Studies team for coordinating the event and members of the Kean Gospel Choir for the exceptional entertainment.

I also had the pleasure of attending the Association of Governing Boards Conference in Boston this week with members of the Kean USA and WKU boards. The conference provided us a common language centered around best practices, student success and board fiduciary responsibilities, promoting a unified approach to governance and strategic oversight across our global campuses. It also offered both boards a platform to engage in fellowship, enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening our bonds. 

A big congrats to Vice President Karen Smith and the creatives in University Relations for winning four national 2023 Collegiate Advertising Awards. They were among just 5% of submissions by universities of our size to win gold awards – for the college brochures and the compelling video they produced about the women's swimming team. They also picked up two silver awards. Their work elevates the stature of Kean on the national stage. Kudos to the UR team!

Students, I invite you to attend the next Student Town Hall on Thursday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m. at the MSC Little Theatre. This is an opportunity to engage in dialogue and share insights and suggestions with members of the University’s leadership team. Your participation is invaluable as we climb higher, together, and continue to shape the future of our University.

This weekend, I urge all of us to lean into the season of hope and renewal, the power of faith, wisdom in reflection and significance of community. 

From my family to yours, blessed Easter wishes to all who are celebrating.  

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

President

Dear Kean Community,

It’s March Madness time here at Kean. I’m not referring to college basketball, although I have a bracket filled out, and the University celebrated with watch parties all week. I'm talking about a time of year when we have so much going on that it’s hard to keep up with all of the activities. Each time I attend an event I’m reminded of how much they are all interconnected and share one goal: to advance our University and the students we serve.

We started off the week strong with the Spring 2024 Career & Internship Fair in Harwood Arena. It was terrific to see more than 650 students networking with 180 employers and making valuable connections. I'm proud of all the students who polished their resumes, dressed for success and put themselves out there to help launch their careers. My thanks to Assistant Vice President John Raue and the Career Services team, especially Laura Hurley and Paul Casey, for all of their hard work.

 
We also offered fantastic opportunities for our prospective students to visit Kean and find out what we have to offer. Last weekend, Accepted Student Day had a new twist — an Amazing Race-style competition across campus. As I watched the teams compete, I realized how important this unique approach is to setting Kean apart and showing these students how special this University really is. This weekend, we will welcome more prospective students at Open House. These events are very complex and organizing them involves months of planning from people across the University. I would particularly like to thank Associate Director Jordan Cascino and the rest of the Enrollment Services team for the energy and effort they bring to this important work all year.

March also brings a celebration of Women’s History Month, and everyone knows how grateful I am for the women in my life. I was once again impressed by the Entrepreneurial Education Initiative (EEI) division’s Women’s Empowerment Conference last weekend. I also joined Kean Athletics as they welcomed Morgan Cato, assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the Phoenix Suns, for this year's Jacqueline Towns Women's Empowerment Series. There was a great turnout and lots of insightful discussion. Next week, on Thursday, March 28, Maria Cardona, CNN and CNN en Español political commentator, will discuss Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at 4:30 p.m. at NAAB. Please register today and join us.

Today I also had the opportunity to meet with members of a South African national education delegation that is visiting campus for an EEI conference on leadership and collaboration. EEI is partnering with Rutgers University and this team from South Africa to research the connections between school leadership and governance with student outcomes and school climate. It’s just the kind of work EEI is well positioned to complete, and I was pleased to once again see Kean’s international reach.

I want to put two more items on your radar: I encourage all employees to take the short, confidential Kean Employee Well-being Pulse Survey to share your campus well-being experiences and help shape our future efforts. The survey will come out next week. If you complete it by Monday, April 8, you have a chance to win a Kean fleece. Also, Founders Day is coming up. It marks the anniversary of the first day of classes at Newark Normal School in 1855. We will kick off a day of Cougar spirit and camaraderie at the Founders Day 5K on Sunday, April 14. Then we’ll continue the friendly competition on Monday, April 15 during our Founders Day of Giving. The Kean Foundation will host fundraising competitions among the colleges and challenge matches to help raise money to support Kean students. Check out this video to get you into the giving spirit and visit the Kean Foundation for all the details.

No matter how busy life gets, I am still a proud dad, so l’ll sign off by congratulating my daughter Taylor Repollet, team manager of the New York University women’s basketball team, on the team’s big win in the Division III National Championship. I was thrilled to see it in person.

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

This week we celebrated the “Count on Me” spirit that defines our University. That was the perfect theme for yesterday’s Mid-Year Convocation focusing on how we can use data to bridge equity gaps through our Moonshot for Equity initiative. The “unconference” event called on everyone who attended – faculty, staff and students – to contribute their insights. We dove deep into discussions about research, enrollment, advising and more, proving once again that we're not just talking about equity – we're consistently taking purposeful action to support all of our students.

The convocation highlighted how interconnected we are here at Kean. Each unit is tied to others, and only together can we create student-centered strategies that eliminate systemic barriers to student success. This event was a powerful reminder of our unity and shared goals. My thanks to Senior Vice President Dr. Michael Salvatore, Vice President Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, Associate Vice President Dr. Neva Lozada and their teams for pulling together such a meaningful convocation.

This week I also had an exciting meeting with Choose New Jersey, which helps promote our state around the world. As a follow up to our trade mission in Japan and South Korea with Choose New Jersey in October, we had the opportunity to talk about new ways to share Kean’s story with an international audience. As you know, our global presence is expanding with new international partnerships to provide our students with the global education they deserve. We are eager to elevate those partnerships even further and enhance the Kean brand at the same time. Stay tuned for more information as that work continues.

Our Cougar Pop-Up Shop this week was off the charts. We hit new highs in donations and volunteer participation, serving 420 students who had the opportunity to select business clothes, accessories and more for their career wardrobes. I stopped by the Miron Student Center to check it out and was so impressed. Moments like these really highlight the heart and soul of our Kean community. A massive thank you to everyone involved, especially our co-chairs, Viviana Zambrano and Carla Vitola. Also, hats off to Arely Ayala for leading the charge on the new Campus Resource Room next to the event – what a game-changer. 

Congratulations to our newest student trustee, Danielle Brathwaite, who was sworn in to the Kean University Board of Trustees this week. I can already tell she’s going to be a wonderful addition.

As we head into Spring Recess, I wish you all a safe and relaxing week. For our adventurers heading out on Travelearn programs, soak up every moment, learn all you can and bring back stories to share. 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

Kean’s expanding horizons in student research were on full display this week. As a “Guest Shark,” I had the privilege of watching our students present at the Cougar Investigator Research Challenge Shark Tank event. Teams from WKU, Rome and Kean's main campus showcased their groundbreaking research proposals, competing for a chance to win $10,000 to support their ventures. Congratulations to the three winning teams! This event underscores the strides we've made in bolstering our research infrastructure and marks a pivotal moment in Kean's journey as a leading institution that fosters both faculty and student research.

A heartfelt thank you to Reenat Munshi, director of student research and innovation in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, for coordinating such an inspiring event. Reenat’s dedication to fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation is invaluable to the University. I can’t wait to see more of Kean's research prowess at Research Days, scheduled for April 15-17. This will be a fantastic opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable contributions our faculty and students are making across various disciplines.

In our final nod to Black History Month, the Government Affairs and Community Partnerships team organized a Leading Legislative Ladies event with six Black female legislators from across our state. I learned a lot about leadership and representation from these incredible women. Their stories of resilience and purposeful governance were not only enlightening but also empowering. Events like these are crucial for reinforcing Kean's role as New Jersey's urban research university, committed to fostering civic engagement and social responsibility.

Our Spring sports season is off to a great start. Did you catch Kean Baseball on ESPN's SportCenter on Saturday morning? Watch it here. Also, special thanks to Andee Perseponko, a dedicated junior on our softball team, for inviting me to their season opener against Muhlenberg College this week. Andee’s enthusiasm and commitment to the team are commendable. 

Director Kelly Williams and members of his Athletics leadership team also represented Kean at the United States Golf Association (USGA) headquarters. As part of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Speaker Series, Kelly shared his personal career journey and the forthcoming launch of a golf team this Fall. Way to put our University on the map, Kean Athletics! And congratulations to field hockey player Jenna Flemings, this year's recipient of the NFHCA Division III National Scholar-Athlete award. By achieving an outstanding 3.94 GPA, Jenna exemplifies the academic success and dedication we cherish at Kean.

I remind everyone that the ReelAbilities Film Festival, taking place in-person at NAAB and online, continues until tomorrow, and tickets are free for students, staff and faculty. This event is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive community that embraces diverse narratives. Students, we also have several career events coming up for you. The Spring 2024 Careers in Education Job Fair is on Tuesday at Kean Union and on March 20 at Kean Ocean. And the big Kean University Spring 2024 Career & Internship Fair for all majors will take place right after Spring Break on March 18. These events are golden opportunities to connect with potential employers and pave the way for successful careers.

Two final shout outs to assistant vice presidents Marsha McCarthy and John Van Brunt from our Enrollment Services division. They both defended their dissertations for their doctorates this week. Congratulations! 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

President

Dear Kean Community,

This week I was blown away by the power of Team Kean once again. As you all know, we lost power to six of our residence halls on Wednesday. Our Facilities, Public Safety and Student Affairs teams immediately came together to identify the source of the problem, transport hundreds of students to temporary housing and ultimately bring the buildings back into full service. This was truly a collaborative effort. We received support from three Union County agencies, two transportation companies, eight hotels, PSEG and Travis Electric as well as Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. We are grateful to every one of those organizations for stepping up to support our students and our institution.

When I asked my senior leadership team to send me a list of every individual involved in that effort, they identified more than 80 Kean employees, including professional staff and student staff. The work of these individuals was truly remarkable, and my personal thanks goes out to all of them, particularly Vice President for Student Affairs Kerrin Lyles and Vice President for Facilities Steve Remotti and their teams. We can’t always control these types of incidents, but we can control how we respond. Extensive planning and strong relationships and partnerships across the state helped us to quickly and safely care for our students. I want to thank our residential students for their patience and cooperation as well. I know this was disruptive. We are currently analyzing our response to learn from it moving forward.

As you know, we take great pride in the global reach of our institution. This week I had the good fortune to attend the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) international conference in Barcelona, Spain. It was a great opportunity for Kean to connect with other accredited business schools across the world since we received the prestigious AACSB accreditation last summer. Joined by the dean of the College of Business and Public Management, Dr. Jin Wang, I met with the President and CEO of AACSB Dr. Lily Bi. Kean, which sponsored the conference, is one of just 6% of business colleges across the country to receive this important accreditation. It is already opening doors for our students and faculty, and we look forward to many additional opportunities in the future.

While in Europe, I also signed a new agreement to open up international study abroad opportunities for our students in Italy. We met with ISI Florence, a top American center for higher education. Our new agreement will allow Kean students to study for a semester in either Florence or Perugia next year for the same tuition and room and board as they would pay on our New Jersey campuses. This is a tremendous chance for our students to broaden their horizons. It follows similar agreements we announced with three higher education partners in Japan and South Korea in October. We also have a number of Travelearns, which provide shorter study abroad experiences, for students on the horizon. Trips to China, Ireland, London and Paris, Costa Rica and the Texas/Mexico border are already booked for Spring Break, but students can still apply for others to South Korea, Belize and elsewhere this summer. Students, I strongly encourage you to learn more about these programs and explore our world. It’s a valuable part of your global education.

Before I close, I encourage you to reserve your free ticket to the ReelAbilities Film Festival, at NAAB and online, from Thursday, February 29 through Saturday, March 2. This event is a reflection of Kean’s mission of diversity, equity and inclusion as it highlights the extraordinary talents and narratives of people with disabilities through award-winning films.

Have a terrific weekend. 

Sincerely,
 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

This week I had the great privilege of participating in a panel organized by NJ LEEP, a college access and success program serving more than 350 young people in the Newark area. This was a tremendously important conversation with students, their families and stakeholders about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last summer to strike down the use of race-conscious admissions policies at American universities. This ruling is causing confusion and concern, particularly among Black and brown families that have traditionally been marginalized from higher education.

I made it clear that Kean continues to be a champion of equity and access for all. I explained that we don’t use race as a factor in deciding who gets in. We do ask about race and ethnicity because it matters to us to know who our students are, but it doesn't change our admissions decisions. Given all the talk around diversity in higher education, it’s important for middle school and high school students in our surrounding communities to understand that institutions like Kean welcome them and value who they are and where they come from. I hope the conversation helped ease some of their worries. Thanks to NJ LEEP for having me.

We know that when all students have an equitable chance to succeed, we all thrive. With that in mind, we announced this week that we are joining many other New Jersey colleges and universities in moving our Decision Day to June 1 due to nationwide delays and processing issues with the updated federal application for student aid, or FAFSA. This one-month extension will help ensure that prospective students have time to fully assess the aid package available to them. As New Jersey’s most affordable university, Kean takes great pride in delivering an outstanding education at an economical price, and we always want to be upfront and transparent about the cost for each student. We expect far fewer issues with financial aid processing for current students, but I encourage all students to reach out to FinAid@kean.edu if they have any questions.

At Kean, we know teamwork is essential for success, and our athletic teams lead by example. I want to give a big shout out to our women's and men's basketball teams. They ended the regular season ranked third and sixth, respectively, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and are on their way to tournament play tomorrow. The women's swimming team set not one, but two school records on the opening day of the first-ever NJAC Swimming and Diving Championships at the University of Maryland. Cougar Baseball also opened up their 2024 season with a win. Phew, that’s a lot of strong performances from our teams. Go Cougars!

Before I sign off, I invite all of you to the University’s Mid-Year Convocation “Count on Me” to discover how Kean measures up on equity, high-impact research and community engagement. The event will run from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7 at the Miron Student Center. Register to attend today.

Enjoy the long Presidents Day weekend. 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

This week I am once again reminded just how much I enjoy the fellowship of the Kean community. I hosted the interim president of Grambling State University, Dr. Connie Walton, at the Kean House and also joined other members of Team Kean at the Big Brothers Big Sisters / Divine Nine Bowl-a-Thon with Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way.

It was also a joy to see faculty and staff come out to support our student athletes during the Student Affairs Night of Support at the women’s and men’s basketball games on Wednesday. Brittany Graff, a senior on our women’s team, scored her 1,000th point for Kean in its game against Rutgers-Camden. Yes, you read that correctly – 1,000 points. The women’s team went on to score 120 points in that winning game. Congratulations to all! I like a little healthy competition so I offered student fans the chance to earn free tuition for a semester if they could score a half-court shot. Kudos to Syncere Simon, a senior recreational therapy major, for winning the contest. I bet he’s glad he went to cheer on the Cougars.

I had the opportunity to meet with the team leading our campus master plan project this week. This group, led by DIGroupArchitecture, will be working collaboratively with stakeholders across Kean to develop a blueprint for our University over the next 10 years. The goal is to ensure we have the facilities and services that meet our needs as New Jersey's urban research university and uphold the core values of the institution.

The process will look at everything from literal pathways between buildings to lab space, classrooms, technology, residential housing, traffic patterns, parking and more across the entire campus. Among other things, they’ll help us build a roadmap for our research triangle that connects the 1085 Morris Ave. building that we recently acquired with STEM and George Hennings Hall. This is all part of a collective effort. Many of you, including students, will be asked to contribute to this process in the coming months so I thank you in advance for your participation and insight. My thanks also to Senior Vice President Felice Vazquez and Vice President Steve Remotti for directing this project.

While the campus master plan progresses, my Cabinet team continues its work leading strategic planning for the University. This week, I asked each member of the Cabinet to demonstrate how their divisions are embracing a "Built to Last" mentality and action plan, as described by author Jim Collins. I was impressed to see how each is striving to be a "clock builder," by implementing programs, initiatives and systems designed to thrive far beyond their time here at Kean and beyond any single leader. This is the type of work that will sustain Kean University long into the future. I encourage each of you to read Built to Last and to consider how you, too, can be a clock builder in your areas.

As most of you have seen, Kean made national news this week with our announcement of a dual degree partnership with Howard University. The new program allows chemistry students the chance to apply for and begin Howard’s Doctorate of Pharmacy, or Pharm.D. program, early so they can ultimately save a year of time off their studies. We were very excited to see all of the attention coming from this connection with one of the nation’s best historically Black universities. From Gov. Murphy’s social media post to my interview this week with NPR’s Philadelphia affiliate, this news is helping to expand the reach of the Kean brand.

We also signed another agreement for a dual degree Pharm.D. program with Fairleigh Dickinson University this week. This program will follow a very similar model as the Howard agreement and provide another option for chemistry students who want to stay close to home during their graduate studies. We will continue to explore other post-secondary pathways for our students to help them maximize their potential across disciplines. That’s what we mean by Cougars Climb Higher. 

Enjoy the weekend.

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

As Black History Month begins, I'm excited to participate in a series of events - both on and off campus - that celebrate Black culture and achievements throughout our shared history. For the second year in a row, I’ll join a group of students at the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, which is a men's basketball showcase for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) created by award-winning actor, producer and director Michael B. Jordan. As a Minority Serving Institution, Kean has a great deal in common with HBCUs, and we can learn a lot from the culture of those institutions. I look forward to bringing a diverse group of students to this great event.

This week I was thrilled to announce the establishment of the Center for Africana Studies. Housed in the College of Education, the Center will focus on scholarly research, community engagement, and educational programs, particularly supporting the Amistad curriculum's implementation in K-12 schools. This vital curriculum highlights the African slave trade, America's history of slavery, and Africans' extensive contributions to society.

The Center for Africana Studies marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to cultivate an environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is pursued with intention, and inclusivity is prioritized in every endeavor. This initiative is a tangible embodiment of our roles and responsibilities as New Jersey’s urban research university and as an anchor institution for the state. The Center aims to inspire students, educators and the broader community to engage in meaningful discussions and impactful initiatives that advance social justice and cultural understanding. Now the work begins. I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

Yesterday's symposium with Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights on combating bias and hate was a testament to our commitment to social justice. Kean Hall 127 was packed with more than 150 of our students, faculty and staff. AG Platkin saw hope in our numbers; for me, it was an affirmation of who we are and what we stand for as a university. It wasn't just about attendance; it was about unifying against bias and hate. It's clear: Kean is leading by example in fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity in action. Together, we are not just part of the conversation; we are driving it, shoulder to shoulder, as one Kean community. And for that, I couldn't be more proud.

I can’t end this message without thanking my lovely wife Darlene for leading the discussion with author and vegan foodie Tabitha Brown on Monday as part of our President’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Even watching it remotely, I was impressed by how effortlessly she stole the show. It was great to see a full audience, too, soaking up all of Brown’s infectious positivity and valuable insights. 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

With classes underway, now is the time for our Kean students to be thinking about their career development. This week I had the opportunity to connect with two Kean alumnae, Tameka Harris ’99 and Tristine Harris ’06, who work for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the chief human resources agency for the federal government. We spoke about all of the opportunities available for our students, and we will be sharing more information about an exciting new program in the coming weeks through our Career Services office. Whether students need help brainstorming potential careers, editing their resumes or exploring internships and job openings, the team in Career Services is ready to help. Students, please start off the new year right by taking advantage of these services. Don’t wait!

I strongly believe that education is the great equalizer, and everyone deserves the same shot at unlocking their potential with a college degree. That’s why this week I was so proud to introduce the new Kean Global Education and Resource Campus. Under the direction of our Division of Transformational Learning and External Affairs, this initiative gives adults who have some college credit but no degree the chance to return to school and finish what they started. The program offers credit for professional and military experiences so these students can complete their degrees faster and at less cost.

We know this program will open doors for students from all walks of life, particularly those from underrepresented communities that have traditionally been marginalized from higher education. But there’s more! As a testament to our commitment to equity and academic excellence, we are starting with our core by giving Kean employees – and their families – first dibs at this incredible opportunity by enrolling as early as March. Visit kean.edu/finish to see if you or your loved ones qualify. My thanks to Senior Vice President Dr. Joseph Youngblood and Vice President Jay O’Callaghan for making this happen. We look forward to seeing this program grow.

Last night, Kean Artist-in-Resident Ricardo Roig ’08 unveiled his solo exhibition, Layers of Life, at the Karl and Helen Burger Gallery in CAS. I really enjoy the unique energy, emotions and experiences that come through the color and artistry of his work. Inspired by his time at the University this past year, Ricardo and his wife, Michelle, also etched a legacy – announcing the Roig Family Art Endowed Scholarship for students majoring in fine arts at Kean, for which I am truly grateful. I also had the chance to visit an art exhibition called Ephemeral by student Charely Paulino in the Student Gallery at Vaughn-Eames. What amazing work!

Just one month into the new year, our student athletes are making waves. Women's basketball is currently tied for first place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference with a 10-2 record, while the women's swimming team is preparing for their first NJAC Championship meet next month. Go Cougars!

As February rolls in next week, campus is in full swing. We will kick off Black History Month next week with vegan author and influencer Tabitha Brown on Monday for the sold-out President’s Distinguished Lecture Series event. Our alumni team will also host a Celebrating Black Excellence alumni reception following the event. On Thursday, February 1, I encourage all of you to attend the Breaking Bias Combating Hate event, where Kean student leaders and I will join Attorney General Matthew Platkin and representatives from the Division of Civil Rights for this open discussion about bias and hate in New Jersey. The event runs from 2-4 p.m. in Kean Hall 127, and I hope to see you there.

While you’re adding events to your calendar, consider learning about the many master's, doctorate, certification or professional diplomas you can earn right here at Kean at the Graduate Open House on Saturday, February 3.

Enjoy your weekend. 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

As we kick off the 2024 Spring semester, I am celebrating both how far we have come and where we are going as a research institution. Our bright path forward came further into focus this week as members of my senior leadership team and I toured 1085 Morris Avenue, the sprawling building next to STEM that is about to become a new anchor facility of our entire University. As some of you know, the Board of Trustees approved the acquisition of this building, with strong financial support from the state, at its meeting in December. Our vision for this facility is as immense as the building itself. In the coming years, it will become the new home of research and the University's community health initiatives and clinical services. 

In a full-circle moment for me, I donned a hard hat once again, just as I did during my days as superintendent in Asbury Park, to show how much we are truly building together as a team. As Kean moves closer to achieving an R2 research designation, it’s imperative that we have the facilities to match our ambitions. Over the past three-plus years, we have worked to make our transformation a reality here at Kean. This building offers us the chance to customize many spaces for our research needs and to serve the community as well. It will become a centerpiece for research activity on campus, forming a triangle with STEM and George Hennings Hall, which also both house our science programs. 

I thank Chief of Staff Audrey Kelly and Senior Vice President Felice Vazquez, and their teams, for making this acquisition a reality. It’s been a long process and will leave a legacy that generations of Kean students will benefit from for decades to come. This is truly one of the most exciting developments in my tenure at Kean. Did I mention it comes with a parking garage that has more than 600 parking spaces? I’ve heard all the comments about parking loud and clear over the years. The garage, next to Hynes Hall, should be ready for student use by the 2024-2025 school year. It is a short walk across Morris Avenue to our main campus. I look forward to sharing more about this exciting project in the months and years ahead. 

Speaking of exciting developments, I’m sure most of you have seen our new Kean.edu website. Under the direction of University Relations, we overhauled the main site to better showcase the University’s research and online initiatives as well as to offer a better mobile experience. The website is Kean’s digital front door and the first place prospective students and others come to learn about all we have to offer. I specifically thank Vice President Karen Smith and Webmaster Danielle Ford for their enormous efforts to bring the new site to life. Great job, team UR.

Today, I had the honor of celebrating a Kean milestone – the first cohort to complete our Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. These 18 students are trailblazers who embody the spirit of resilience, dedication and innovation that characterizes our University, our students and our alumni. They are entering the field equipped to provide equitable, quality patient care, to effect change and save lives. I am proud of all they have accomplished thus far and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the healthcare industry. 

We will be kicking off our Black History Month celebrations a few days early this year, as the University welcomes author, actress and vegan foodie Tabitha Brown on Monday, January 29 as part of the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series. She will inspire us with her positivity and empowering story during a fireside chat with my wife, Darlene Repollet, followed by a Q&A with the audience. Kean students, faculty and staff, be sure to reserve your free tickets before we are all sold out.

I hope you’re all enjoying the snow as you settle into the semester. Let’s make it a great one.

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President