President Repollet Delivers Keynote on Advancing Equity Through Artificial Intelligence at International Conference in Beijing

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., this week delivered a keynote address at the prestigious International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) 2024 Conference in Beijing, highlighting the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance equity and support student success in higher education worldwide.

The 20th Annual IAUP conference drew university leaders and educators from around the world to discuss emerging trends and challenges in higher education. This year’s theme, AI and the Future of Higher Education, offered participants a platform to explore AI’s potential impact on teaching, research and student outcomes.

“It is an honor to speak to this esteemed group of international leaders about a topic that holds such promise for the future of education,” Repollet said. “AI is a revolutionary tool that can foster equity and transform how we engage with students and support their success.”

Repollet underscored the importance of international collaboration in building inclusive education systems, noting that Kean operates the nation’s only public university campus in China at Wenzhou-Kean University and has built strategic partnerships in Brazil, Italy and South Korea, among other countries.

“Together, we are committed to using AI to create a global education network where learning is not limited by boundaries but defined by possibilities,” he said.

The conference also featured prominent speakers from top global institutions, including Prof. Michael Levitt, Ph.D., a 2013 Nobel Laureate, and Prof. Zongkai Yang, Ph.D., president of Wuhan University of Technology. Tomás Morales, Ph.D., president of California State University, San Bernardino, moderated the keynote session, which showcased a diverse lineup of thought leaders from across the world.

Kean is currently working on several AI initiatives, including using predictive analytics to support student success and streamlining advising and course planning. Kean’s Career Services team is also working to integrate an AI-based platform to enhance students’ job readiness through personalized resume feedback and interview preparation.

During his keynote, Repollet explored how AI is already improving equity by delivering targeted resources in real time to struggling students. He cited AI’s potential to eliminate bias in grading and admissions processes, ensuring that all students – regardless of background – receive fair and equitable treatment.

“AI has the power to help close achievement gaps and ensure that every student, no matter their challenges, has access to high-quality educational resources,” Repollet said. “By offering personalized learning experiences, AI empowers historically marginalized students with the tools they need to succeed.”

Repollet emphasized the need for careful oversight as institutions integrate AI, noting that technology should not perpetuate biases or widen the digital divide. Kean focuses on using AI ethically and effectively, ensuring data privacy and digital equity remain priorities. 

Looking to the future, Repollet challenged international leaders to embrace AI as a bridge connecting institutions and students around the globe. He envisioned a world where students in different countries collaborate seamlessly using AI-powered tools to overcome language barriers and time zone differences.

“At Kean and Wenzhou-Kean, we are preparing students for a future where learning is borderless,” Repollet said. “AI offers us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a truly global education community—one that promotes equity and empowers students to achieve their dreams.”