Kean University Celebrates First Doctoral Hooding Ceremony

Kean University hosted its inaugural Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, conferring degrees on 59 doctoral candidates in a distinguished event at Wilkins Theatre on Kean’s Union campus. 

The event marked a new tradition following Kean’s recent designation as an R2 research university for its research and doctoral activity under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. 

“When you first arrived on Kean’s campus, you were students with potential. Today, you leave with your doctorate and purpose,” Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. told the graduates. “While this chapter of your life is complete, your journey is only just beginning.” 

Kean Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David S. Birdsell, Ph.D., congratulated the graduates and stressed how the world is changing with the growth of artificial intelligence.  

“You have a very interesting challenge as you see how this rolls out,” he said. “Don’t just witness it, be a part of it.” 

Kean awarded six different doctoral degrees: Doctor of Counseling; Doctor of Educational Leadership; Doctor of Occupational Therapy; Doctor of Physical Therapy; Doctor of School and Clinical Psychology; and Doctor of Speech Language Pathology.  

Daniel Harrison of Freehold, who earned a doctorate in physical therapy, and his wife, Alexis, welcomed baby twins last year. He juggled infant care with his clinical rotation and studies. 

“I’m so proud of him,” his beaming wife said, seated with the now-8-month-old girls and other family members. “I don’t know how he did it. It was a lot of dedication on his part.” 

Melissa Jacob of Orangeburg, NY, who earned a doctorate in speech-language pathology, was the 2025 Graduate Student with Distinction. In her address, she spoke of the sacrifices students made and urged them each to build a legacy now. 

“How do I do justice to the intensity and ferocity of the intellectual and emotional labor we have done to get here?” she said. “Following Kean’s core values has led us to be scholars, poised and ready to be leaders in the community and world. Our future stretches before us. It is lush, beautiful, endless, full of opportunities, and ours. I can’t wait to see what you will do with it.”  

The candidates were called individually to cross the stage. Dissertation chairs “hooded” the graduates, many also sharing hugs and handshakes. 

When the ceremony ended, graduates and their guests filled Wilkins’ lobby.  Students posed for pictures together, and the new doctors enjoyed the moment. 

“I feel like I’m ready to take on the world,” said Tamar Mor of Millburn, who earned her doctorate in occupational therapy. 

“I’m very proud,” said Misan Adesanya, who traveled from Nigeria to watch her sister, Omawunmi Iyoha of Spotswood, earn a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. “This is an achievement for her and honor for our family.” 

Therese Meily of Toms River and Matthew Ungerer of Egg Harbor Township both earned occupational therapy doctorates. The couple met in the program and are planning a future engagement. 

“It’s a great experience,” Ungerer said, “to have someone to celebrate the highs with, and be there for the lows.”