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Principal Lamont Repollet welcomed the new students as he began his fifth academic year at the helm of the school. Kean University And gave a visionary speech to the new students, demonstrating the high standards we set.
He said Kean is working to close social equity gaps while serving as a pillar university in the U.S. and the world.
“We are in the midst of a major educational transformation, a renaissance at Kean, and with that comes a great responsibility,” he told a packed audience at the campus’ Wilkins Theater. “As educators, we have a powerful tool for change at our fingertips, but we have to make sure it works for everyone.”
Repollet cited Kean’s accomplishments, from enrollment growth to $16 million in external funding, and spoke of Kean’s commitment to innovation as it evolves from a respected local university to an innovative national research university.
“Together, we will meet the challenges ahead, exceed expectations, and do our part to ensure Kean University’s longevity,” he said.
Repollet illustrated his speech with a video and slideshow, updating the audience on the university’s accomplishments and goals.
Notable milestones include:
- This fall, Kean will welcome more than 18,000 students from 36 states and 88 countries across Kean University, Kean Online, and Wenzhou-Kean University in China. This number includes record enrollment at Kean Online, with more than 2,000 students currently studying online.
- In 2020, the year Repollet began his tenure as president, Kean’s freshman class achieved the school’s highest four-year graduation rate in the past decade.
- In fiscal year 2024, Kean University received more than $16 million in external funding for community service, academic and research programs.
- Kean University acquired a new building at 1085 Morris Avenue for advanced research, community health programs and clinical services, forming a “research triangle” with the STEM and Hennings Research Buildings on the Union Campus.
- The exchange program between Kean University and Western Kentucky University is expanding, with Western Kentucky University hosting a record number of exchange students at Kean this semester.
- Kean University’s athletic department currently has a record 500 student-athletes participating on 21 teams, including the newly formed men’s and women’s golf teams.
Repollet also announced several projects launching this year, including the creation of an Office of Student Engagement within the president’s office; the addition of undergraduate degree programs in nursing and forensic biology; and, in a surprise onstage reveal, $100,000 in funding to help more students study abroad through the school’s unique Travellearn program.
The president’s overall message focused on furthering its mandate to promote equity and serve as an anchor institution.
“That’s our vision — an urban research university rooted in the community and committed to equality in all its forms,” he said. “Equality is not just about race or gender. It’s about making sure everyone has a fair chance to work hard and succeed.”
The opening day speech won unanimous praise from old staff and students of the university.
Associate Professor Pat Ippolito, who chairs the elementary school and physical education departments and has worked at Kean for nearly 60 years, said Opening Day is “a very special day.”
“Commencement speeches at the beginning of the school year are always hopeful and focused on what we can do to better serve our students and move the university forward,” he said. “It has been an exciting four years so far. As President Repollet begins his fifth year in office, the outlook is even brighter.”
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