A Message from Lamont Repollet, Ed.D.

Dear Kean Community,

I am tremendously proud and excited to assume the role of president of Kean University, an institution whose mission has been close to my heart for more than 20 years. 

As a Kean graduate, I know firsthand how a world-class education can change your life — no matter where you come from, what you look like or how much money you have. Kean offers equal access and the promise of social mobility, two things to which I have dedicated my professional life as an educator. I look forward to making sure that mission continues to thrive and pledge to work tirelessly for the good of the students and the entire campus community.

As you may know, I am currently serving as commissioner of the Department of Education under Gov. Phil Murphy. At Kean, I expect to further Gov. Murphy’s student-centered vision for higher education outlined in the state’s Student Bill of Rights, which focuses on student success, affordability and accessibility to make New Jersey the hub for American innovation and economic opportunity. 

I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for the confidence that they have shown in me with this appointment and appreciative of the tremendous work that the Search Committee members put into this process. The faculty, students and alumni on the committee asked tough questions that clearly showed their devotion to Kean for which I am thankful.

I also want to thank Dr. Farahi for his tremendous leadership over the past 17 years. Through his vision, Kean has expanded its geographical footprint across New Jersey and internationally, and the University’s reputation for world-class academics and student services has soared. He left big shoes to fill, but I look forward to taking on the challenge and earning the trust of the campus community along the way.

Every one of us knows all too well that these are challenging times. I’m writing this letter while practicing social distancing, a phrase most of us never heard of before 2020. My heart goes out to students and others in the Kean community who have suffered from COVID-19. Although the fight is far from over, I have great faith that there are brighter days ahead sooner rather than later. We will have tough decisions to make as we move this University forward amid the health and economic upheaval caused by COVID-19, but I know we can do so together with great success.

In my current role as commissioner, I have committed to working with public schools in New Jersey to establish plans for the Fall that ensure all our students, especially those in underserved communities, get back on track.

With the governor’s support, I will begin transitioning to my role at Kean as my K-12 work is complete and look forward to meeting with many of you — virtually and in person — in the process. 

I am excited to get started. Be well and see you soon.

With gratitude,

Lamont Repollet, Ed.D.