2026 Presidential Announcements

Friday, February 20, 2026 - Representation matters. Visibility matters. Leadership matters. 

Friday, February 13, 2026 - Celebrating Black Excellence

Friday, February 6, 2026 - Leadership by Design

Friday, January 30, 2026 - La Pica Project 

Friday, January 23, 2026 - Kean’s integral role in shaping New Jersey’s future

Friday, January 19, 2026 -  Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) Merger

Dear Kean University Community, 

People are watching what we are building at Kean University. This week, I was honored to be included in BINJE’s Best: Black Business Leaders 2026 feature, where I was named the No. 1 honoree. I am deeply humbled by the recognition, but it is not about one person. I see this as a reflection of the collective work of our Kean community and the growing role our university now plays across New Jersey and beyond. 

The article highlights several milestones that define this moment for Kean: the integration of New Jersey City University and upcoming launch of Kean Jersey City, which will expand our reach and strengthen pathways for first-generation students; our continued commitment to affordability and social mobility; the growth of our global partnerships; and our leadership in innovation, including artificial intelligence. These accomplishments represent years of sustained effort by our faculty, staff and students. 

BINJE referenced a quote from my Opening Day address last fall that resonates strongly: “Today, we stand at the start of a new era. The question is no longer, ‘Can we achieve big goals?’ We have done that. The real question now is: ‘What will we do with the momentum we’ve built?’” As we prepare to welcome Kean Jersey City into our university family, that question continues to guide our work. The issue is not whether Kean can accomplish bold goals. We have proven that we can. Now we must use that momentum to expand opportunity, deepen our impact and strengthen our culture of belonging.  

I have said for years that representation matters. Visibility matters. Leadership matters. When one of us is recognized, it sends a message to our students that they belong in every room where decisions are made. I hope our students see this moment as affirmation that they should show up fully and confidently. No one else determines where they belong. At Kean, we affirm that they belong here and that their voices and talents are essential to our future. 

That commitment to belonging was on full display at the recent grand opening of the Office of Belonging and Community Engagement in Townsend 107. This new space reflects our shared dedication to fostering a campus culture rooted in care and connection. I am grateful to outstanding students whose insight and partnership shaped this initiative from conception to launch. Their leadership exemplifies inclusivity and wellness in action. 

I also want to recognize Assistant Director Erin Lester, Associate Vice President for Advising, Persistence and Success Dr. Mensah Peterson and Senior Vice President for Student Success Kate Gallagher for their stewardship and support. Their guidance ensured that this vision became reality and strengthened our foundation as a university centered on people, purpose and possibility.  

Cougar pride will be on full display this weekend as the men’s basketball team begins its quest for a New Jersey Athletic Conference title. The Cougars travel to Stockton University on Saturday, Feb. 21 for quarterfinal action. I also want to wish the Kean women’s wrestling team the very best as they compete in their first NCAA regional tournament in New York. We are proud of the way you represent Kean on and off the mat. 

Let us continue to support one another and show what it means to be part of the Kean community. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President 

Dear Kean Community, 

As we continue our celebration of Black History Month, I am reminded of how much representation truly matters. This week, our campus came together for a series of meaningful events that highlighted the power of visibility, storytelling and connection across generations of Cougars. Yesterday, we welcomed Nate Burleson to the beautiful Enlow Hall as part of our President’s Distinguished Lecture Series. I was especially proud to see my wife, Kean’s First Lady Darlene Repollet, host of the Climb Higher With Her podcast, moderate such an engaging and thoughtful conversation with Nate. Together, they explored his journey from a celebrated NFL player to co-host of CBS Mornings and a respected voice in national media. 

Nate spoke candidly about reinvention, perseverance and stepping into new spaces with confidence. His story reflects what is possible when talent meets opportunity and when individuals see others who look like them thriving in competitive industries. When our students encounter leaders who have navigated complex paths and achieved success across fields, they gain a clearer vision of their own potential. Conversations like this reinforce our mission and our core values of inclusivity and public impact. I am grateful to the Kean Stage team for organizing another outstanding lecture and for continuing to bring world-class voices to our campus. 

Following the lecture, the energy carried into our annual Celebrating Black Excellence alumni event, which welcomed a sold-out crowd. The evening was a powerful testament to the resilience and brilliance of the African Diaspora community and within the Kean family. Black alumni from across generations gathered to reconnect, reflect on their campus experiences and celebrate their achievements. One alumna even traveled from Atlanta to be part of the celebration, a reminder of the deep and lasting bonds that define our Cougar community and the spirit that drives us to climb higher. 

A highlight of the evening was a powerful historical display curated by Erin Alghandoor and the University Archives staff. The exhibit featured materials from the Pan-African Student Union and underscored the lasting impact of student involvement and activism on our campus. It was a moving reminder that today’s students stand on the shoulders of those who came before them, and that advocacy and engagement remain central to our shared story. I extend my sincere appreciation to Carol Ann Koert and the Office of Alumni Engagement for organizing such a meaningful event, and to Erin and her team for preserving and sharing this important history. 

As our celebration continues, I encourage you to participate in another powerful opportunity for reflection and learning. The Division of Student Affairs will host The Underground Experience: A Walk Through Black History on Friday, February 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Miron Student Center. This live, interactive museum experience will bring to life the narratives of Black Americans and guide participants through the history of the Underground Railroad, the Green Book and the coded messages embedded in Black music. Tours will depart every 15 minutes until 4:15 p.m., so please mark your calendars for this great experience. I also want to recognize that many members of our community will be marking a range of religious and cultural traditions in the coming months. Please be on the lookout for helpful information from the University regarding accommodations, prayer spaces, attendance considerations and dining options. When we ensure that representation is visible and celebrated here at Kean, we empower the next generation of leaders.  

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President 

Dear Kean Community, 
 

Today, I want to share a message that calls all of us to recognize our own potential and greatness. As Timo Cruz passionately stated in the movie Coach Carter, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” This profound insight, originally written by Marianne Williamson in her book A Return to Love, challenges us to confront the fears that hold us back. We often find ourselves paralyzed not by our limitations, but by the sheer magnitude of what we could achieve. Too often, we shrink back, worried that our brilliance might intimidate those around us. But I want us to pause and reflect. Why do we shy away from our true selves? Why do we hesitate to shine? 

For me, these questions are deeply personal and sit at the heart of a milestone I am proud to share with you. This week I officially became a published author with the release of Leadership by Design: Winning Hearts, Building Your Brand, and Achieving Success, a book I co-authored with Kean Distinguished Professor Robin Landa. I am humbled to share that the book has already reached No. 1 on Amazon in the education administration category. 

This is a pivotal moment in my leadership journey. English and writing were always challenging subjects for me, especially growing up when I attended seven schools in 13 years. I met my wife, Darlene, in an English class at The College of New Jersey, where she was among the first to challenge me to become a stronger writer and to believe that my voice mattered. Even with her encouragement, it was still difficult to imagine writing a book one day. Opening this book with Darlene by my side was a full-circle moment. 

This process reminded me that you are never too old to grow and that leaders should always challenge themselves. It also reinforced a lesson I hope resonates across our campus. No matter where you come from or what your circumstances may be, you can accomplish what you set your mind to when you are willing to learn, stretch and dream big. 

I am deeply grateful to Robin, who was absolutely instrumental throughout this journey. She is a prolific author, and when she came to me and said her publisher would like to meet, I seized that opportunity. Robin and I met countless times so I could share my stories. She helped transcribe those experiences and worked with me to shape them into written form. This book is a testament to the power of collaboration. 

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This imagery illustrates the strength found in unity. For me, that cord included faith, partnership and shared purpose. For you, it may take a different form through a project you want to pursue, a goal you want to reach, or a new challenge you are ready to take on. I encourage all of you to see the opportunities before you and make the most of them. 

Being your true, authentic self is essential to that journey. At Kean, we celebrate authenticity, identity and expression. That spirit was on full display at Kean PULSE’s Crowned in Culture event, celebrating Black hair and its cultural power, which kicked off Black History Month. Through a dynamic hair show and shared storytelling, the event highlighted hair as a lasting symbol of pride, identity and self-expression. Co-sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women, United African Student Association and Gothic Curls from New Jersey City University, the event set the tone for a month rooted in legacy, creativity and cultural affirmation.

Let us continue to encourage one another to step into our power, live authentically and support the collective brilliance that allows our entire community to climb higher. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 
President 

Dear Kean Community, 

This week, I had the honor of traveling to Puerto Rico with Kean leaders, New Jersey City University President Andrés Acebo, and other NJCU colleagues to participate in a truly meaningful initiative. We visited Jayuya to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the La Pica Project, a community-led initiative that is transforming a former youth correctional facility into a center for education, innovation and opportunity. This project represents the very best of what public higher education can do. It is about creating pathways for youth, individuals with disabilities, and others too often left out of the new economy. And it is about building systems of support, dignity and possibility from the ground up.

At Kean, where and how we choose to show up reflects who we are. This partnership, coordinated through our Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CRECE), shows that we do not just show up; we stay. Our commitment is long-term, rooted in collaboration, humility and mutual respect. We are not coming with answers. We are coming to listen, learn and work alongside our partners to build something that lasts. Kean’s work on the La Pica Project will provide opportunities for our faculty and students to contribute in the years ahead through teaching, research and service. My thanks to Senior Vice President for Administration Carlos Rodriguez, Ed.D., and Chief Government Affairs Officer Kellie LeDet for their work coordinating this important delegation.

 
The Kean delegation also met with charter school leaders and students in San Juan, and I held a strategic meeting with Zayira Jordán Conde, Ph.D., president of the University of Puerto Rico. I also met with Thomas Rivera Schatz, president of the Senate of Puerto Rico; Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez, speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico; and AFT Vice President Víctor Manuel Bonilla Sánchez, to discuss the project. These conversations reflected our shared belief that education policy is economic policy, and that expanding access and opportunity is critical to community well-being. 

This trip reminded me of the genuine human connection so many in our Kean family have to Puerto Rico. Many of our students, staff and leaders have personal or family ties to the island. Our presence here is about honoring those connections in a way that is respectful, authentic and aligned with our values. Kean is New Jersey’s first urban research university, but our work does not stop at our state borders. Whether in Jayuya, Union, Jersey City or Wenzhou, we are anchoring down around the world and building partnerships that expand equity, access and impact. 

I hope you all used your wellness day to recharge earlier this week. I thank our ABM, DLS and Kean employees who worked so diligently to clear pathways, plow parking lots and make sure the campus was safe for our community to return following the storm. Your work is genuinely appreciated.

Students, whether you have been here for years or just joined us this semester, I encourage you to find your place in this community. The Spring 2026 Involvement Fair is happening this Monday, February 2 from 3-5 p.m. at the Miron Student Center. It’s your chance to connect, lead and grow. Find a way to get involved because here at Kean, Cougars climb higher together. 

Sincerely, 


 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President 

Dear Kean Community, 

This week, I had the distinct honor of attending the inauguration of New Jersey’s new governor, Mikie Sherrill. It was an inspiring moment for our state, and I was proud to represent Kean University at such a significant event. Being present and engaged at milestones like this reinforces Kean’s integral role in shaping New Jersey’s future. 

Throughout the day, the energy around Kean was unmistakable. The pending merger with New Jersey City University is on the minds of leaders across the state, and our leadership in this effort signals an exciting period of growth and transformation. As we enter this new era for both New Jersey and our university, we look forward to working closely with the Sherrill administration to expand access and opportunity for students statewide. 

Yesterday, we announced that Tuesday will be a Winter Wellness Day for the entire campus community. I know many of you are keeping an eye on the snow forecast for the weekend, but this day is about more than the weather. It is a reminder that we all need time to pause, take care of ourselves and reset. Whether or not snow blankets our neighborhoods, I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to connect with your family and friends, get some rest and take a moment to reflect on your intentions for the Spring semester. 

Even in the cold, our campus is alive with energy and activity. The Miron Student Center, Residence Life and the Office of Student Government hosted a festive Winter Carnival to welcome students back to campus. From Kurly Kurtosh and Matcha to interactive tables hosted by Involvement, Service and Cougar’s Byte, the event set a warm tone for the semester. Kean PULSE kept the momentum going with roller skating, vinyl records and cotton candy at Disco Fever in Downs Hall. Thank you to all the student leaders, staff and departments who made these events possible. Your dedication to building an inclusive and engaging campus culture is what makes Kean such a special place to learn and grow. 

Before the snow arrives, I hope you will cheer on our men’s and women’s basketball teams tomorrow as they take on The College of New Jersey in a doubleheader. Let’s fill the stands, show our Cougar pride and start the weekend strong. Stay safe and warm. 

Sincerely, 

 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President 

Dear Kean Community, 

Welcome back. It’s always exciting to begin a new semester, but this week feels especially meaningful as we celebrate a historic moment in Kean University’s journey. 

This week, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the legislation advancing the merger between Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU). While we have already shared this news publicly, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a powerful start to the semester this is, and what it represents for the future of public higher education in New Jersey. 

This milestone reflects the vision, hard work and collaboration of many individuals across both institutions. I extend my deepest thanks to the dedicated leaders who helped bring us to this moment: Chief of Staff Audrey Kelly; Executive Vice President for Academic and Administrative Operations Michael Salvatore, Ph.D.; Senior Vice President and Chief University Counsel Kristin Ganley, J.D.; and Vice President for Labor Relations Zahire Estrella-Chambers, Esq. I also thank NJCU President Andrés Acebo, J.D., and the transition teams at both Kean and NJCU for their exceptional leadership throughout this process. 

We are especially grateful to Senate President Nicholas Scutari ’89, Assemblywoman Linda Carter and all the lawmakers who championed this transformative legislation. This merger will reshape New Jersey’s higher education landscape for generations to come. Of course, the work will continue. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is now reviewing the merger, and we anticipate a site visit this spring. We remain on track to officially close the merger by July 1, 2026. 

We are already seeing this partnership come to life. Over winter break, students from NJCU joined their peers from Kean’s main campus, Kean Ocean and Wenzhou-Kean University on a Travelearn experience in the United Arab Emirates. These immersive global programs help our students grow academically and personally through firsthand cultural exploration. I had the opportunity to join our group of 20 students and their chaperones at points during their time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I was truly inspired by how quickly they built connections, with each other and the world around them.  

Thanks to Vice President of Innovation and Engagement and Deputy Chief of Staff Itunu Balogun and Associate Vice President and Chief Librarian at the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons Muhammad Hassan, Ed.D., for their leadership in organizing this impactful Travelearn. During the trip, several students also joined me for a visit to GEMS Modern Academy in Dubai, where Kean signed an exciting new partnership to offer graduate programs and professional credentials. With this agreement, our global pawprint continues to expand.  

And we are just getting started. Seven Travelearn trips are already full for spring break, and eight more are planned for later this year. I encourage all students to reach out to the Center for International Studies to learn how they can take part in one of these life-changing programs. 

As we head into the long weekend, I encourage you to take time to rest, recharge and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His teachings continue to guide us as we strive to build a more just, inclusive and service-minded society. I invite you to join the Faith-Based Institute of Public Policy for Honor the Dream. Serve the People. This is a day of action, service and community impact celebrating Dr. King’s life and values. 

Let’s carry this momentum forward for the rest of the semester. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President