Neva Lozada, Ed.D., associate vice president of administration for the Division of Strategic Analytics and Data Illumination (SADI) at Kean University, has been selected as a fellow in a national leadership academy designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education.

Lozada is one of only 45 distinguished higher education professionals nationwide to be chosen for the sixth cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.

"I am honored to join this outstanding group of leaders and to represent Kean University in this important initiative," Lozada said. "This fellowship will provide invaluable insight and resources that will enhance my ability to contribute to Kean’s work advancing equity, inclusion and academic excellence, while also giving me the opportunity to be part of the national conversation on diversifying higher education."

Fellows in the year-long program engage in comprehensive leadership development, including specialized seminars and mentorship from university executives, with a focus on preparing participants for executive and senior-level roles at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), such as Kean, and Emerging HSIs. As part of the program, Lozada will also work on a special project designed to enhance leadership strategies at Kean University.

Michael Salvatore, Ph.D., senior vice president for administration at Kean, said Lozada’s innovative work in SADI has positioned her perfectly for this opportunity.

“Through her efforts within SADI, Dr. Lozada has helped transform how we use data to enhance student success and university operations at Kean,” said Salvatore. “Her selection for the HACU Leadership Academy reflects her dedication to advancing equity and excellence in higher education. I have no doubt this experience will elevate her contributions at Kean and across the national higher education landscape.”

Fellows will participate in webinars and three in-person seminars over the next year, beginning in October at HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado. Additional seminars will take place in Washington, D.C., and internationally, offering a global perspective on higher education leadership which aligns with Kean’s growing global reach. 

Lozada is the latest Kean leader to be named a fellow of the Academy. Assistant Vice President for Student Retention and Dean of Students Marvin Adames, Esq., was selected last year, and Vice President for Administration Carlos E. Rodriguez, Ed.D., took part three years ago.

Diana Calle ’12, ’15 M.A., grew up in a rural area of Ecuador, where a college degree was not needed for success in the region’s primary occupation, farming.

But when she visited relatives in the United States, Calle was inspired when she saw women in business suits heading off to office jobs.

“At age 14, I told my uncles I wanted to be independent and have a career,” she said. “It was hard for them to understand, because none of them had a college degree, but their support never wavered.”

In 2012, Calle became the first in her family to earn a degree when she graduated from Kean University with a B.A. in public administration and psychology. Three years later, she earned an M.A. in public administration from Kean.

Today, she serves as director of Union County’s Office of Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN), in the Department of Human Services, which offers social and recreational opportunities for individuals of all abilities and ages, as well as information and referrals to community resources.

Born in the United States, Calle went to live with her grandparents in Ecuador as a toddler. She returned to the U.S. at age 14 to start 10th grade in Elizabeth.

“It was challenging to learn English, and many times I questioned whether living outside the United States had been the best decision,” Calle said. “Today, I know it was, because I am a professional who is fluent in English and Spanish. Even more, it is truly rewarding to serve in a role where I have the opportunity to assist members of my community, regardless of their language.”

She remains grateful to a high school teacher who invited her to attend a college fair, where she met a representative from Supera, Kean’s Spanish-speaking program, who helped her apply to the University.

Calle faced a language barrier when she entered Kean and said the help she received through Supera made her want to give back. In addition to volunteering and working for Supera, she served as secretary of Kean’s Graduate and Part-Time Student Council and an academic specialist in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program.

As an alumna, she has continued to contribute, joining the board of the Kean University Alumni Association, attending Kean alumni gatherings and speaking at Supera events.

“Diana has gracefully shared her journey with Supera’s community and assisted some of our students by sharing valuable resources related to internship opportunities, scholarships and job openings,” said Supera Director Rosa Paulino. “She is a pleasure to work with and very service oriented.”

Calle also serves as a role model for Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA); a member of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority Incorporated; a board member for the LUPE Fund; and a member of the League of Women Voters.

She said her most important life lesson came from the late Morgan Laury, Ed.D., who was one of her professors in Kean’s public administration program. Laury advised her that her degree would open doors, but her work ethic would prove her value on the job.

With that perspective, she accepted an entry-level filing position in Union County as her first full-time job after earning her master’s degree, aspiring to gain experience and enhance her career development.

Now, as a supervisor, Calle said she feels “blessed to be in a role where I can serve and represent my community.”

Her mentor, Sara Peña ’96, a Kean graduate she met through the multicultural sorority Mu Sigma Upsilon, said she is impressed by Calle’s ability to “lead with compassion.”

“Through her persistence and resilience, she has continued to break down barriers and pave the way for the next generation of leaders,” Peña said.

Calle said one of her proudest accomplishments was recently launching a nonprofit, The Young Women Foundation in Elizabeth, an organization that aims to educate and inspire young women to become leaders within their communities.

“It took many years of hard work to get where I am today,” she said, “and I want to inspire young women to adopt valuable strategies and reach new heights.”

Kean University is embarking on a comprehensive IT transformation to enhance the campus community’s technology experience. Led by Greg Bellotti, chief information officer, and his team, this overhaul includes migrating to Microsoft 365, improving network infrastructure, and introducing 24-7 IT support. Learn how we deliver world-class IT to support a world-class education.

Kean University's Cougar Re-entry Program recently held its first Jobs Fair  to assist individuals involved in the justice system in reentering the workforce. 

The program partnered with People Ready Staffing Agency to collect information onsite and connect more than a dozen attendees with companies offering long-term employment opportunities. 

The Jobs Fair, held September 8 in Kean Hall, was supported by a portion of a $947,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor to Kean’s Generation 2 Generation (G2G) program.

“The Cougar Re-entry Program embodies Kean University's commitment to equity and social mobility,” said Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., senior vice president for entrepreneurial education initiatives and acting dean of the College of Education. "Through this initiative, we want to provide direct pathways for participants to reclaim and rebuild their dignity by ensuring that they are not defined by their mistakes but by their resilience."

Representatives from ABM, Kean’s facilities management vendor, attended the event and received numerous resumes from participants. 

The Cougar Re-entry program is committed to providing equity by breaking down barriers and eliminating stigmas associated with individuals who have been involved in the justice system. By connecting them with potential employers, the program strives to reduce recidivism rates and create a more inclusive and equitable society. 

“We owe it to ourselves to service the greater community as well as those individuals who paid their debt to society and deserve a true second chance,” said Erik Lowe, program director of Kean’s Cougar Re-entry Program.

Tisan Rasool Dawud, associate director of G2G, who oversees the program’s grant, called the event a success.

“Today our participants are gaining much-needed career skills, such as job training, soft skills and valuable career readiness workshops, that will help them obtain the American dream,” Dawud said.

For more information about the Cougar Reentry Program and its initiatives, visit kean.edu/cougar-re-entry-program.

Kean University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 Best Colleges edition for being one of the top national universities in advancing the social mobility of its students.

This marks the sixth consecutive year Kean has earned this prestigious recognition for its commitment to helping students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds succeed and graduate.

"Kean is committed to empowering students from underserved communities," said Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., president of Kean University. "Our mission is to ensure that every student has the academic and personal support they need to realize their full potential and graduate on time. As an anchor institution, Kean is focused on lifting up our students and the communities we serve.”

Kean ranked 61 among national universities for social mobility, which is calculated by assessing the graduation rates of students who qualify for Pell Grants compared to the overall student population over the past six years.

The University's graduation rates have steadily increased, with the cohort of students who started at Kean in 2020 graduating this year with the highest four-year graduation rate in the past decade.

As New Jersey’s most affordable university, Kean is committed to supporting students financially. Last year, the University increased the amount of Kean University Foundation scholarships awarded to students by about 22%, helping more students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational goals.

Kean has also made significant strides in enrollment, currently serving a record 18,500-plus students across the globe. The University’s continued focus on supporting students from economically distressed backgrounds has helped drive this growth.

“Kean’s strength is rooted in serving students from underserved communities, not only by opening doors to higher education but by helping them on their journey to graduation,” said Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “It’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly because their success defines the mission of this institution.”

Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News’ analysts and editors calculated more than 80 Best Colleges rankings, all with the intent of enabling students and their families to identify colleges that best meet their needs.

Music lovers from across the region gathered at Kean University's East Campus on September 21 for the annual Jazz & Roots Music Festival, a free, outdoor celebration that united the community for a day of lively music, food and festivities.

Under a bright sun over The Lawn at Enlow Hall in Hillside, festival-goers enjoyed jazz, blues and reggae at the event, which Kean has hosted since 2021 in its role as an anchor institution and cultural hub in northern New Jersey.

"Today is an example of Kean University anchoring down, making sure the community understands we appreciate them," said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. "We are rooted in the community. We do this free concert every year so we can come together at a great cultural event, and everyone can see our beautiful campus and get to know Kean better."

The festival featured a stellar lineup of musical talent. Headlining the event was the Grammy-nominated reggae band Third World. Performers included jazz musicians Stefon Harris & Blackout; Harlem-born guitar phenom Solomon Hicks; and DJ Prince Hakim, whose energetic beats kept the audience dancing throughout the day. 

"The festival is growing in prominence,” said festival producer and renowned bassist Mike Griot, who has helped guide the event since its inception. “Who knows how big this can get? All of the acts are great, and our headliner, Third World, is one of the most iconic groups in reggae. I am so happy to bring this remarkable event to our audience."

In addition to the music, attendees enjoyed picnicking on the lawn and exploring food trucks and vendors. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as families, Kean students, and community members celebrated a shared love of music.

Tracy Burwell, a Kean sophomore computer science major from Union, attended for the first time. 

"This is a beautiful event. I'm wowed by it," she said. "The music is great, and the vibe is very chill and relaxing but very energetic as well. All the tables and unique clothing for sale are amazing, too."

Ron Summers, of Union, attended the event for the second time. This year, he and his family came equipped with a tent and food as they settled in for a day of music.

"There aren't many fall events like this where you can hang out from the afternoon into the evening, hear really good jazz music, and be around a bunch of people who just want to have a good time. So that's why we're back," he said.

Marlene Richardson of Hillside and about a dozen friends made sure to scope out the best location at the event. They claimed their front row center spot more than two hours before the concert began. 

“Everything is wonderful,” she said. “It's a nice outing, and it's free! It's definitely a good time.”

The festival’s performers each brought unique flair. Reggae legends Third World delivered a powerful set that had the audience swaying to their signature island rhythms, and Hicks, a rising star in the blues world, captivated listeners with his soulful guitar work.

“Anytime you're around nature, you just feel more grounded and close to a higher power. It was a beautiful day,” Hicks said. “I had a sense of peace, with the sun shining and the crowd enjoying the music. It was over too fast.”

Steve Cochran, Kean Stage manager, said the Jazz & Roots Music Festival shows the power of live music.

“This festival is all about bringing people together through live music. Every year, we see how much the audience enjoys the energy and talent these artists bring to the stage,” he said. “It’s great to watch the community come out, relax and really connect with the performances. We look forward to making each year even more memorable.”

The event’s sponsors included Prudential, Vermella Union, PSEG, First Bank, the County of Union and WBGO.

The Kean University Board of Trustees this week approved a new five-year contract for President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., securing his transformative leadership as Kean continues evolving as a national research institution with one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation.

Since assuming leadership in July 2020, President Repollet has overseen significant changes at Kean, including three consecutive years of record enrollment and advancing Kean as New Jersey’s urban research university. Today, more than 18,500 students across the globe call Kean their academic home.

“President Repollet has set the tone for transformational leadership at Kean,” said Steve Fastook, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “He also embodies everything we need in a strong, visionary leader. Under his guidance, Kean has grown at a time when many universities are struggling, and he continues to elevate the institution’s standing on the international stage.”

President Repollet expressed gratitude to the Board of Trustees for its continued support, emphasizing that the University’s progress would not have been possible without their commitment. 

“I am excited and honored to continue leading Kean University at this pivotal moment in our history,” Repollet said. “With the support of our Board of Trustees, we have made incredible strides. Kean is now recognized as New Jersey’s urban research university, and our community of students, faculty and staff reflects the rich diversity that drives our success. I look forward to building on our achievements and continuing to make Kean an international leader in higher education.”

Repollet has consistently advanced student success initiatives to improve retention and graduation rates. The freshman class that started with him in 2020 just achieved the highest four-year graduation rate at Kean over the past decade, exceeding all other cohorts. 

Under Repollet’s leadership, the University has hired more than 130 tenure-track faculty, improved labor and government relations, increased philanthropic and grant support and consistently been ranked for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. The University is now classified as a national university and is working toward achieving R2 research institution status by the Carnegie Commission in the next year.

The University’s campus in Wenzhou, China, has also experienced record growth over the past four years and currently serves 5,000 students.

“I am deeply invested in the success of each and every student at Kean,” Repollet said. “My family and I are proud to support the Kean University Foundation in advancing opportunities for our students to succeed and thrive.”

President Repollet has pledged to donate $1 million to the Kean University Foundation. This generous contribution will ultimately support the President’s Future Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for students from all backgrounds. 

Ada Morell, former chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees and a current board member, said she is tremendously pleased with the trajectory of the University under Repollet’s leadership. The new contract runs through 2029.

“When we selected President Repollet in 2020, he outlined a bold vision for Kean’s growth and development, and he has delivered beyond our expectations,” Morell said. “Kean is serving students from all backgrounds, from local communities to countries across the globe, and providing them with the tools to succeed.”

Repollet came to Kean in July 2020 after serving as the New Jersey Commissioner of Education. His career in education began in the classroom as a teacher, and he rose to the roles of principal and superintendent before leading the state’s education system under Gov. Phil Murphy. 

Join us as we explore groundbreaking research at Kean University, where scientists are uncovering the potential of fungi to create safer, eco-friendly insecticides. Learn how these unique organisms could revolutionize agriculture and home pest control.

 Kean University is proud to announce a generous legacy gift from Bernice “Bernie” VanSteyn-Weiss, Ed.D., a longtime state higher education leader and supporter and former first lady of the University. 

VanSteyn-Weiss has committed this significant donation of nearly one-half million dollars through her estate plans, ensuring that her decades-long legacy of dedication to the University will continue to benefit Kean students for generations to come.

A member of the Kean University Foundation Medallion Society, VanSteyn-Weiss ensured her generous gift will be allocated to the University’s most essential needs, as determined by the President’s cabinet. This transformative contribution is a testament to her deep understanding of higher education and her unwavering belief in Kean’s potential to climb ever higher.

“Dr. VanSteyn-Weiss has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the future of Kean University,” said President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Her generosity and vision will ensure that Kean continues to provide world-class opportunities for our students. We are immensely grateful for her enduring support.”

William Miller, chief executive officer of the Kean University Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for VanSteyn-Weiss’s gift. 

“Dr. VanSteyn-Weiss’s generosity and lifelong dedication to Kean are truly remarkable,” Miller said. “This gift not only reflects her enduring connection to our University but also her belief in our mission to provide students with the resources they need to thrive.”

VanSteyn-Weiss’s relationship with Kean University spans more than four decades, beginning in the 1970s when she was a rising star in higher education administration. It was during this time that she met the late Nathan Weiss, Ph.D., then president of Kean, while working together on state college collective bargaining teams and professional administrators committees. The professional relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership when the two married in 1981.

For nine years, VanSteyn-Weiss served as Kean’s first lady, while also advancing her own distinguished career in higher education. She held leadership positions at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where she served as vice president for finance and administration.

VanSteyn-Weiss has remained deeply connected to Kean, supporting the University both personally and philanthropically, even after her retirement. Together with President Nathan Weiss, their contributions have impacted critical areas such as the Kean Fund for Excellence, the Steven J. Weiss Memorial Scholarship Endowment and the Skarbnick Endowment Fund. After her husband’s passing, she established the Nathan and Bernice Weiss Graduate Scholarship. 

Her most recent contributions have been in support of the Cougar Pantry. 

“No student should go hungry,” she said. “If universities such as Kean can provide the means to help them, we have a humane responsibility to do so.”

VanSteyn-Weiss said she hopes her gift will inspire others to recognize the challenges faced by many college students.

Kean University embraced the rich culture and legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this month, hosting a series of dynamic events in its role as the official New Jersey Education Partner of the HBCU NY Classic football game.

The University held an energetic step show, an education fair and a lively tailgate gathering leading up to the game at MetLife Stadium on September 14, where Howard University defeated Morehouse College.

“As a minority-serving institution, Kean University shares many of the core values of HBCUs – namely, a commitment to equity, access and the empowerment of students of color,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “Partnering with the HBCU NY Classic is a way to celebrate Black excellence and recognize the shared mission we have of creating opportunities for underrepresented students. We are committed to ensuring that our programs reflect and honor the diverse spirit and culture of our students.” 

The step show, held on campus, featured thrilling performances from historically Black fraternities and sororities from Kean and other universities, alongside multicultural groups that brought the crowd to its feet with vibrant routines, pounding music and electrifying lights.

“This event is about more than just fun – it’s about community, culture and celebrating our students,” said Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., senior vice president for entrepreneurial education initiatives and acting dean of the College of Education. “As an anchor institution, Kean takes great pride in fostering a sense of belonging and unity, and what better way to kick off the HBCU NY Classic than by bringing that spirit to life here at Kean?”

Earlier in the week, Kean hosted Education Day at Harwood Arena, where over 1,400 high school students met with representatives from HBCUs, Kean University and other institutions, learning about opportunities for their future academic careers.

“This wasn’t just a college fair – this was about immersing students in the HBCU experience,” said David Jefferson Jr., Ed.D., acting director of the Kean Center for Africana Studies. “It’s important for students to see the connection between the values of HBCUs and the work we’re doing here at Kean. We are proud to highlight the transformative power of education and to showcase what Kean can offer.”

Kean students eagerly took part in the festivities. Kean senior Ben Antoine, a recreational therapy major and resident assistant from Roselle, attended the step show with residents from his building. 

“I was looking for events that could bring more social interaction,” Antoine said. “I feel like Kean has always had a mini-HBCU culture, and this is something for the public to see.”

Sisters Angelina and Samantha Diaz, both forensic psychology majors and sophomores at Kean from Hoboken and Union City respectively, were among the first in line to enter the step show. 

“We heard ‘step show’ and said we want to go,” Samantha said. Angelina added, “It’s cool to have this opportunity to look at other schools. Kean gives the option to experience other cultures, like HBCUs. We have Latin frats and sororities. Not every school has that.”