Kean Expands International Partnerships During New Jersey East Asia Economic Mission

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., signed partnership agreements with three higher education institutions in Asia this week as part of a historic New Jersey East Asia Economic Mission with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. 

The agreements establish new research and education connections with Osaka University of Economics in Japan and build on partnerships already established with Soongsil University and Sangmyung University in South Korea.

“Under President Repollet’s leadership, Kean University has really begun to make significant strides and impact on research,” said Governor Phil Murphy, who officially witnessed each MOU at the signing events. “These partnerships demonstrate the strength of Kean University and its global reach.”

Repollet and Kean Chief of Staff Audrey Kelly joined leaders from six other New Jersey higher education institutions, business executives and government officials on the nine-day trade mission to Asia. The trip was organized by Choose New Jersey. 

“This is a pivotal moment for Kean University as we expand our presence in Asia to better support research initiatives and education offerings for students,” said Repollet. “I’m grateful to Governor Murphy for his leadership in advancing higher education across the globe and honored to be part of this trade mission.”

Kean has a long-established presence in Asia through its Wenzhou-Kean University campus in China. The partnerships signed this week will further expand study abroad and exchange experiences for students as well as increase research collaborations.

As New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean is committed to expanding innovation and discovery across a range of disciplines.

A team from Osaka University of Economics visited Kean’s campus in Union, New Jersey less than two months ago, solidifying the synergy between the two institutions. Plans call for collaborating on research projects, lectures and other academic initiatives. 

A Kean delegation visited Sangmyung University in the Summer of 2022, and leaders of Sangmyung visited Kean’s campus in Union, New Jersey, that same year. 

Soongsil University and Kean first signed a partnership agreement in early 2020. Together, the institutions received a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad grant to help fund an initiative that brought 18 Kean students to study in Seoul in the Summer of 2022. The students lived at Soongsil University for a month, immersing themselves in the culture of South Korea as they earned college credits.

“These educational and cultural experiences prepare students for the global workforce,” Kelly said. “We are excited to expand our offerings for students and learn more about the many ways Kean can contribute to the innovation ecosystem between New Jersey and East Asia.”