Presidential Announcements

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - Important Update on Kean University and New Jersey City University 

Friday, February 28, 2025 - Family Time

February 21, 2025 - Our Path Forward

February 14, 2025 - R2 Research Designation

February 7, 2025 - Celebrating Black Excellence 

January 31, 2025 - Unwavering Commitment 

January 24, 2025 - Spirit of Unity 

January 17, 2025 - Our Shared Purpose  

Dear Kean University Community,  

I am proud and delighted to announce that New Jersey City University’s (NJCU) Board of Trustees this afternoon voted to accept Kean University’s merger proposal. Over the next several weeks, we will negotiate a letter of intent with NJCU that begins a thoughtful and hopefully successful process of bringing the long-serving institution into the Kean University system as Kean Jersey City.  

NJCU has served as an anchor institution for Jersey City for nearly a century, providing an accessible and community-centered education to a diverse student body. Its mission is deeply rooted in student success, community empowerment and economic mobility – all traits we share and will preserve as we work to welcome NJCU into a Kean system, which reaches from Kean Ocean to Kean Skylands to our Wenzhou-Kean University campus in China. That is one of several reasons why this collaboration will present significant benefits and advantages to both institutions and the students we serve. This merger is rooted in shared missions to enhance educational access and opportunities. 

Both Kean and NJCU share missions dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment that empowers students to succeed. By merging our strengths, we can deepen our commitment and resources to diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive and persist through graduation. The integration of academic programs will allow us to expand and enhance the curriculum, creating a more robust educational framework that prepares our students for success. 

Jersey City’s proximity to New York City is a tremendous asset providing students with unparalleled access to internships, cultural experiences and networking opportunities. By leveraging this vibrant urban environment, we can continue to enrich students' educational experiences, equipping them for success in the competitive job market. In joining forces, we will broaden our impact and create more pathways to educational access for every student. We are confident that a Kean Jersey City campus will strengthen our ability to attract and support a broader range of students.  

One of the most significant advantages of this merger is the opportunity to enhance student support services. By combining resources, we will offer more comprehensive academic advising, counseling and mentorship programs tailored to our students’ unique needs. This holistic approach will equip students with tools, guidance and support needed to navigate their academic journeys.  

Kean’s R2 Carnegie research designation positions us to develop an impactful urban research agenda. This merger will enable us to serve as unique anchor institutions within our communities, driving economic development, fostering innovation and addressing local challenges through collaborative research initiatives. Together, we will create solutions that benefit not only our students but also the communities we serve.  

Ultimately, this merger represents an opportunity to create a more inclusive and dynamic educational environment, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many individuals. I first want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the members of the Kean Board of Trustees, whose leadership, support and guidance will help guide the success of this process. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the incredible team leading this effort to date, including Chief of Staff Audrey Kelly; Chief Financial Officer Andrew Brannen; Senior Vice President of Administration Dr. Michael Salvatore; Senior Vice President of Transformational Learning and External Affairs Dr. Joseph Youngblood, II; Senior Vice President of Student Success and Retention Katherine Gallagher; and Vice President of University Relations Karen Smith. Your commitment and leadership have been invaluable. I appreciate all that you have done to make this possible, and I recognize it is just the beginning of a process that will continue to benefit from your expertise. 

I also would like to extend my gratitude to the NJCU Board of Trustees and administration, NJCU Interim President Andres Acebo and State Monitor Henry Amoroso for a transparent and thoughtful process to date. You make it easy to be both confident and excited as we continue our work together. 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement during this exciting time. To learn more, view our proposal and video on the Kean Jersey City website. This is the beginning of a process that will unfold over the months and years to come and will include our faculty, staff, students and communities. Together, we will continue to climb higher toward a brighter future for all our students as we welcome NJCU to the Kean family.  

Sincerely,   

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.   

President   

Dear Kean Community,

This week, we came together for what I call family time here at Kean University. I had the honor of hosting a forum for faculty and staff to discuss the recent federal executive orders and their impact on Kean. It was an opportunity to engage in open and honest dialogue. As a university, we are built on a foundation of trust and shared commitment to our students. When we take time to listen to one another, we strengthen that foundation. More than 460 faculty and staff registered for the event, demonstrating their deep investment in our University and its future. As I shared with the group, while we are moving toward compliance with these federal orders, we are doing so intentionally on our own timetable and in alignment with our mission and values. We are not navigating these changes alone. We are also working collaboratively with other public universities in New Jersey, keeping our students as our north star.

Diversity is at the core of who we are — it is what draws so many to Kean, it is part of the mission that drives us, and that will not change. As I looked around Harwood Arena during the forum, I saw the beautiful tapestry of our community. Our actions — how we serve our students and our communities — will remain steadfast. That is our promise, and that is our purpose.

Family time is about listening, and I was grateful to hear directly from our dedicated faculty and staff who work with our students every day. They spoke candidly about their concerns, and I appreciate their honesty. Creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing openly requires trust, and I am proud of the culture of transparency we have built together at Kean. I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. David Birdsell, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who joined me on stage to help lead this important conversation. I also want to recognize Senior Vice President Jerome Hatfield, Vice President Kerrin Lyles, Chief Wellbeing Officer Erika Charles, General Counsel Kristin Ganley, Labor Counsel Zahire Estrella-Chambers, Senior Vice President Felice Vazquez, and our most senior faculty member, Patrick Ippolito, for their contributions to the discussion. The involvement of so many leaders from different areas of the University highlights just how deep and widespread our work is here at Kean.

Following the forum, several people have shared that they walked away with a greater sense of comfort — this is exactly why we hosted it. We will hold a student forum in April to ensure all members of our community are informed and can engage in these important conversations. We are a family, and we will move forward together. But let’s also acknowledge that this work is not easy. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to serving our students and strengthening this institution. This week, our Financial Aid and Information Technology teams worked together to distribute more than 2,900 financial award statements, offering $64 million in assistance. Their dedication ensures that students have the resources they need to pursue their education, and I deeply appreciate their hard work. That is exactly the kind of effort that makes a lasting impact on Kean and our students.

As we look ahead, know that we will continue to assess, evaluate and chart an intentional path forward for Kean. We will not make any decisions in haste. Every step we take will be thoughtful, deliberate and rooted in our mission. And most importantly, we will safeguard the future of Kean University — together. 

Sincerely,

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 
President 

Dear Kean Community,

Just over a week ago, we announced the exciting news of Kean's R2 research designation. This designation continues to open avenues for Kean University, and our students, solidifying Kean's status alongside New Jersey’s top-tier research institutions. Over the past week, I have corresponded with colleagues across the country who recognize how transformational this moment is for our community. Next month, I look forward to sharing how R2 charts our path forward with the Board of Trustees and then the community at large.

This milestone is one we achieved together. It is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff and students who have committed to elevating Kean’s research profile. I know many of you have already heard of this news and shared it with family, friends and colleagues, and I encourage you to share it more broadly. As we enter our Spring recruitment season, this outpouring of Cougar pride will help us continue attracting the best and brightest to Kean. 

As we celebrate our successes, we must also address the challenges that impact our University community. My senior leadership team continues to work diligently to assess the implications of several recent federal executive orders. This week, I met with other university presidents from across New Jersey in a meeting coordinated by New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges. He reiterated the state's strong support for the rights of our students, faculty and staff, and I assure you that Kean stands firmly in that commitment as well.

Our strategy is clear: We will comply with federal requirements while preserving our core values. As part of this effort, the University Planning Council is reviewing Kean’s mission to ensure it aligns with regulations and reflects our principles. Any updates will go before the Board of Trustees for consideration. To keep everyone informed, I will host a faculty and staff forum next week to discuss these executive orders and their impact ahead of Spring Break. Faculty and staff are encouraged to RSVP here. A student forum will follow in April. 

Even in challenging times, it is important that we continue the great work of this University. Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a networking event for student-athletes and alumni, and it was an inspiring reminder of the power of connection and mentorship. Fifty-five student-athletes from field hockey, soccer, football and other teams connected with more than a dozen alumni who generously shared their expertise, career advice and professional guidance. These kinds of experiences are essential to helping our students build networks that will support their success beyond Kean. I also had the opportunity to meet our new Director of Career Services, Rita Ruiz, who will be spearheading efforts to prepare our students for the workforce and connect them with professional opportunities. My thanks to the Office of Alumni Engagement, led by Carol Ann Koert, and B.J. Johnson in Athletics for coordinating this event.

As we approach Spring Break, there is much to be excited about on campus. Many students will be embarking on Travelearn experiences across the globe, broadening their horizons through immersive learning opportunities. We look forward to hearing about their experiences. Finally, I want to congratulate our men’s and women’s basketball teams on qualifying for the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) tournament that begins tomorrow. We are proud of their dedication and success, and I encourage everyone to support them as they compete. 

Sincerely,  

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President

Dear Kean Community,

This is a historic week for Kean University. Yesterday, we proudly announced that Kean has earned an R2 research designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Today, as I reflect on this incredible milestone, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work that brought us to this point. This achievement is not just a new classification — it is a defining moment in our University’s history, one that will elevate Kean’s reputation and impact for years to come.

R2 status instantly benefits the University. It enhances our prestige, helping us attract top students, faculty and staff. It opens doors to increased research funding and new collaborations with leading institutions worldwide. Enhanced research experiences will better prepare students for graduate studies and career success. We will strengthen our impact on the economic growth and development across our community and throughout New Jersey, deepening our role as an anchor institution. Ultimately, Kean’s visibility on the national and global stage will continue to grow.

When I applied for the presidency of Kean in 2019, my cover letter outlined a clear vision: to lead Kean to R2 status. That vision has become a reality through the collective efforts of our entire community. I want to recognize and thank the incredible people who played pivotal roles in this achievement. Dr. Jeffrey Toney, former provost and vice president for academic affairs, now a visiting professor at MIT, set us on the right path with support from Reenat Munshi, director of student research and innovation. Senior Vice President for Administration Dr. Michael Salvatore ensured we stayed on the path to reach our goal. Jennifer Strahan and the budget team made sure we had the resources to support this growth. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Birdsell and Vice President for Research Dr. Sue Porterfield built on that foundation. The President’s Cabinet, University Senate, labor unions and so many others contributed to this achievement. Above all, I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for believing in this vision and providing unwavering support. They say that you are the company you keep, and I could not be prouder to stand alongside the people at Kean who work every day to serve our students and advance our mission.

In just over four years, Kean has evolved from a regional institution to a nationally recognized research university. We have achieved doctoral institution status, and now, an R2 designation. But this is only the beginning. Over the next five years, we will deepen our commitment to community engagement through impactful research initiatives. We will expand our research footprint to better serve the state of New Jersey. Working together, we will transform 1085 Morris Avenue into a center for cutting-edge discoveries that benefit our students, faculty and surrounding community. 

The impact of this milestone is already being recognized far and wide. Media outlets, including Yahoo! News, ROI-NJ and NJBIZ, highlighted our achievement, and I have received calls from leaders across the country extending their congratulations. The nation is taking notice of what is happening at Kean. Our momentum is undeniable, and people want to be part of it.

This moment deserves to be celebrated. We are already planning a special R2 celebration later in the Spring semester, and I look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks. For now, let us all take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of this achievement. A couple of years ago, in my Opening Day Address, I shared my vision of elevating Kean from great to elite. This week, we did just that — the Kean way. Cougars keep climbing higher.

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President  

Dear Kean Community,

The spirit of engagement and excellence that defines Kean University was on full display this week as we connected with leaders across New Jersey and celebrated the achievements of our alumni. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., with a small delegation from Kean as part of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Walk to Washington event. This tradition, which was revived for the first time in five years, brings together lawmakers, business leaders and higher education representatives from across the state for important conversations about New Jersey’s future. Kean was proud to be one of the sponsors of the event, which provided a valuable platform to share our story with members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, gubernatorial candidates and other key leaders. My thanks to the Kean and Kean University Foundation staff who supported the event at various train stops along the way — your efforts ensured that Kean’s presence was both visible and impactful. 

On Tuesday, we also had the privilege of celebrating Kean’s diverse and vibrant alumni community at our Celebrating Black Excellence event. The energy in the room was inspiring as we connected with alumni at various stages of life, all of whom maintain strong ties to our University. The event paid special tribute to the Divine Nine, the historically Black fraternities and sororities that have played an essential role in shaping leadership and service in our community. As a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, I was honored to celebrate these organizations and their lasting impact at Kean and beyond. It was especially meaningful to share this moment with my wife, Darlene, who along with our daughter Lauryn, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. I extend my gratitude to Carol Ann Koert and Breanna Hernandez from our Office of Alumni Engagement, Lisia Aikens from the Center for Africana Studies, and alumni Craig Morris and Kerel Cooper for their hard work organizing this event and bringing together alumni from across the region.

 
This is also always an exciting time of year for Kean Athletics as we kick off spring sports. In the coming days, our men’s lacrosse and baseball teams will begin their seasons, bringing a new wave of Cougar pride to campus. Meanwhile, our winter sports teams are entering a crucial final stretch. I encourage all students to come out for the Division of Student Affairs Night of Support on Wednesday, February 12, to cheer on both our men’s and women’s basketball teams. The first 100 students will get a free Kean t-shirt, and you will also have the chance to show your Cougar pride and support our student-athletes. Additionally, our women’s swimming team, which was just ranked no. 25 in the country among Division III teams, is gearing up for the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship next week. Good luck to all our athletes as they continue to represent Kean with excellence. 

Best, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
President 

Dear Kean Community,

This has been a challenging week for many in our community. During this time of uncertainty, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to maintaining an inclusive learning environment across our campuses. We understand the concerns many of you have expressed regarding recent presidential executive orders affecting immigration, diversity initiatives, gender expression, federal funding and more. I want to assure you that my senior leadership team is thoroughly analyzing these executive orders, assessing their impact on our university community and developing comprehensive strategies to uphold our educational mission. We are actively engaging with labor unions, student representatives, fellow university presidents and industry groups nationwide to inform our approach. We will continue to share updates with relevant stakeholders. 

In times like this, it is easy for rumors to spread and fear to grow so I would like to address some immediate concerns: There have been no confirmed reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on our campuses. If you ever see such activity on campus, please inform the Kean University Police Department (KUPD). However, please remember that there are often police and public safety officers from other jurisdictions on campus for routine matters. KUPD has a close eye on our campus and is here to safeguard everyone. I also want to emphasize that we protect student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and do not release student records unless legally required. 

Even in challenging times, our community continues to exemplify Kean's values through our vibrant campus life. This week, we celebrated our diversity through two significant events: Kean Pulse hosted a joyous Lunar New Year celebration where 250 students and guests welcomed the Year of the Snake in the Miron Student Center, while Harwood Arena came alive for 500 students during Meet the Greeks, highlighting our 25-plus Greek organizations that reflect our rich cultural diversity. Next week, we will honor our legacy through a Celebrating Black Excellence alumni event on Tuesday, February 4, followed by a campus Black History Month kickoff in the Miron Atrium on Thursday, February 6. These gatherings represent authentic expressions of our university's values.

As we navigate this period, our mission remains steadfast: Kean University, New Jersey’s first Urban Research University, creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research and impactful public engagement. This mission guides every decision we make. 

I ask each of you to support one another during this time, recognizing that some face greater challenges than others. The Kean Counseling Center and Employee Assistance Program stand ready to support those in need. I encourage everyone to take a step back, take a deep breath, and continue with the important work that we are doing here at Kean. Remember what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. teaches us about persistence: "If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."

Together, we will continue moving forward, staying true to our values and mission. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President 

Dear Kean Community,

As we conclude another week at Kean, I draw inspiration from pastor and author Charles Swindoll's wisdom: "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." By viewing the events around us through the lens of our reactions, we can find greater peace and strength in our own power. At Kean, we approach our mission with purpose and strategic vision, proactively shaping our path forward rather than impulsively reacting to events around us. We embrace our diversity, overcome challenges and guide our growth with student success as our compass. This commitment remains steadfast regardless of external circumstances or changing political climates. I invite you to reflect today on your role at Kean and consider how this mindset can strengthen your own work and our university community.

This week we hosted our first Muslim Heritage Month celebration, exemplifying Kean's commitment to diversity. Our Muslim students, faculty and staff enrich our campus community through their scholarship, leadership and dedication to excellence. During the ceremony, I invited our Muslim faculty members to join me on stage to recognize their vital contributions to Kean. Experience has taught me that meaningful understanding develops through authentic connections with people of different faiths and backgrounds. When you work or study with someone every day, you learn to appreciate their perspectives and beliefs. My thanks to Dr. David Jefferson and others who organized this great event. 

Today, I also had the privilege of joining the Faith-Based Institute of Public Policy for their rescheduled Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and his commitment to nonviolence and service to the community. The participants assembled 500 care packages of food items, toiletries and more to donate to local colleges, including Kean, and high schools for students in need. My thanks to the team from the Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships for teaming up with the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ to organize such a wonderful celebration.

Building on our spirit of unity, Kean will introduce a new tradition this Spring with a combined graduation ceremony for our undergraduate and graduate students on Tuesday, May 13. This consolidated celebration aligns with practices at other research universities and reflects our evolution since integrating the Nathan Weiss Graduate College programs into our academic colleges. Doctoral candidates will participate in a separate hooding ceremony on Thursday, May 8. Every graduate will still walk across the stage and hear their name announced, preserving this important Kean tradition. The size of the Prudential Center allows us to provide four guest tickets per graduate, an increase from previous years for our graduate students. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I understand the significance of this milestone. Commencement season is my favorite time of year, and this unified celebration promises to be our most memorable yet. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President 

Dear Kean Community,

"Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education." These words, written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Morehouse College's Maroon Tiger 78 years ago, resonate just as powerfully today. As we prepare to honor Dr. King on Monday, I reflect on how his legacy shapes many facets of life, particularly in higher education and our role as an urban research university deeply anchored in our community. Our commitment is steadfast: deliver academic excellence and support our students' overall personal growth, well-being and mental health.

Yesterday, I joined New Jersey Higher Education Secretary Dr. Brian Bridges and others for an American Federation of Teachers webinar discussing the future of higher education. Our conversation explored the shifting demographics and enrollment patterns across our state. As I shared during the discussion, Kean's innovative approaches to expanding our student pipeline and our comprehensive student support initiatives have become a model for success. Our growing enrollment numbers attest to that. Kean’s position as an anchor institution serving the broader community also emerged as a distinct strength. The dialogue reinforced what we already know: Kean is leading the way in building a sustainable future in higher education.

Kean’s innovation is on full display this first week of the Spring semester. We are hosting an academic delegation from Wenzhou-Kean University, building upon our October visit to China and strengthening the bonds between our campuses. This visit ensures continued engagement and collaboration between our two campuses, and we are delighted to have WKU faculty members and administrators here. I also toured the new home of the Cougar Connections Center for Social Work on the first floor of the Center for Academic Success. This strategic relocation emphasizes how student wellness and support services are a central focus at Kean. I encourage everyone to visit this impressive new space. 

Earlier this week, we welcomed New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and dozens of diverse business owners from across the state to campus. We kicked off a new NJEDA-led program providing essential business development training to construction professionals from all backgrounds. We could not be prouder of this partnership, which demonstrates our expanding vision for strengthening our state's economy through inclusive education.

I also had the pleasure of joining our Physician Assistant Studies students for their white coat ceremony, which marks a pivotal moment in their journey as healthcare professionals. The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, and I’m so proud of their contributions to equitable patient care. As I told the students and their families, they exemplify the excellence that defines our university.

Our commitment to service and support continues tomorrow. We are hosting the Statewide Dreamers Conference and Resource Fair, organized by the Latino Action Network Foundation in collaboration with CRECE: The Hispanic Leadership Center at Kean. This free event, featuring state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin as keynote speaker, will provide resources to Dreamers and undocumented immigrants. Find more details here. Additionally, I encourage all of you to sign up for the Faith-Based Institute for Public Policy service event to honor Dr. King's legacy on Friday, January 24.

As we begin this semester, let us remember our shared purpose. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, we each play a vital role in fulfilling our mission: "Kean University, New Jersey's first Urban Research University, creates a world-class, innovative and inclusive society through equity and excellence in teaching, learning, global research, and impactful public engagement." By keeping this mission at the forefront of our efforts, we advance toward Dr. King's vision of true education — the powerful combination of intelligence and character.

Enjoy the long weekend. 

Sincerely, 

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. 

President