Leadership Update

Dear Kean and NJCU Communities, 

This week, we proudly signed the definitive agreement that advances the historic merger between Kean University and New Jersey City University. It is a major step toward the launch of Kean Jersey City. 

With our signatures, we affirmed a shared commitment to expanding access, advancing equity, and building a more inclusive, student-centered system of public higher education in New Jersey. This merger will empower generations of students to climb higher. It lays the foundation for what will become a model of innovation and collaboration across the state and the nation. 

We are grateful to the boards of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and leadership teams at both institutions for their vision, partnership and hard work in reaching this milestone. Still, we know that this is only the beginning. Much work remains to be done. The path forward will require thoughtful planning, transparent communication and active participation from our university communities. 

To that end, we invite you to join us in person or via livestream for a joint Town Hall on Wednesday, October 8, at the NJCU campus. We will share updates, answer your questions, and continue the dialogue as we shape this next chapter together. Please be sure to RSVP and submit your questions by Friday, October 3. 

We also encourage you to read more below in this issue of Inside the Integration. You'll learn about the Culture of Care and Enrollment Services Integration Teams, get answers to frequently asked questions specifically for alumni, and find links to recent news coverage about our pending merger.  

Thank you for the energy and commitment you bring to this moment. We are excited for the journey ahead and we are honored to take it with you. 

Let us keep climbing together. 

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

Andrés Acebo, J.D. 
President, New Jersey City University 

Dear Kean and NJCU Communities,  

Welcome to the first edition of Inside the Integration, a monthly newsletter designed to provide open, timely and transparent communication throughout the ongoing integration of Kean University (Kean) and New Jersey City University (NJCU). This publication will serve as a central resource for updates, milestones and opportunities to engage with the process as we move forward to create Kean Jersey City.  

Over the summer, over 15 integration teams comprised of dedicated faculty, staff and administrators from Kean and NJCU have been working diligently. Each team is focused on key operational and academic areas to learn from one another, build bridges between our institutions and lay the groundwork for a successful merger. The process is dynamic, and its timeline is dependent on a series of essential approvals by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. While the exact pace of progress depends on these approvals, our shared goal is to complete the integration by July 1, 2026.  

To support this effort, Inside the Integration will include a visual timeline highlighting key milestones as they emerge. Each edition will also spotlight the work of the integration subcommittees, share upcoming events and feature a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section where you can both submit and view questions and answers. We aim to keep everyone at Kean and NJCU informed and engaged.  

We will continue to emphasize transparency throughout this process by ensuring that both the Kean and NJCU communities receive important information at the same time, starting with this message. In that spirit, I invite you to mark your calendar for an Integration Town Hall on the NJCU campus on Wednesday, October 8, from 2-3:30 p.m. I hope you will join me in person if you are at NJCU or via a virtual link if you are part of the Kean community. Details will be shared soon.  

This integration is more than a structural change; it is a transformational opportunity. Together, we are building a new model for higher education in New Jersey, one that is deeply committed to serving students from urban communities like Hudson County with equitable access to an outstanding education. We are setting a precedent that other institutions may look to as a model for inclusive, student-centered collaboration.  

I want to recognize and thank New Jersey City University President Andrés Acebo for his steady and collaborative leadership throughout this process. His commitment to NJCU’s students, faculty and staff is helping to guide this integration with care and purpose. I also thank all of you, faculty, staff and students. Together, we are creating something truly remarkable in Kean Jersey City.  

Sincerely,  

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