Union County Review

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., joined the Choose New Jersey delegation to Canada this week, emphasizing the university's dedication to international collaboration and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence.

Repollet was a keynote speaker at a roundtable with the American Chamber of Commerce in Toronto, one of three cities visited by Gov. Murphy and other leaders from government, education, and business sectors. The tour aimed to strengthen New Jersey's ties with Canada.

"At Kean, we are committed to fostering international partnerships that spur economic growth and innovation as well as opportunities for our students," Repollet said. "This mission has provided invaluable insight that will inform our development of new programs and initiatives, particularly in AI and fintech (financial technology), which are critical to the future of education and the economy."

Kean Chief of Staff Audrey Kelly participated in a Women in Business roundtable hosted by NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy. Kelly discussed opportunities for supporting women-run organizations with women business leaders in Toronto.

"It was an incredible honor to participate in the roundtable alongside First Lady Tammy Murphy and some of the most inspiring women business leaders in Toronto," Kelly said. "This experience not only reinforced the importance of building international partnerships but also highlighted new opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs—an effort that aligns with Kean’s commitment to equity and inclusion."

Other New Jersey institutions involved included New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Princeton, Ramapo, Rowan, Rutgers, and Stevens universities. These institutions contributed to discussions on how higher education can drive economic development and international cooperation. NJIT President Dr. Teik Lim, Ph.D., and Ramapo President Cindy Jebb, Ph.D., joined Repollet in representing university leadership.

"It is vital for leaders in higher education to join these economic missions because universities play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of the workforce and driving innovation," said Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey. "Kean University’s focus on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and fintech exemplifies how higher education can shape the future of our economy. Involving college presidents in these international discussions strengthens the connection between education and economic growth."

During Monday's American Chamber of Commerce panel, Repollet announced a new partnership between Kean University and SENAI, Brazil's leading technology transfer and education organization. This agreement followed an economic mission to Brazil facilitated last year by the U.S. Department of State with assistance from Kean Board of Trustee member Barbara Sobel.

"I am thrilled to see Kean University forging a meaningful partnership with SENAI, which will open new doors for our students and faculty to collaborate on cutting-edge research and technology," Sobel said. "It’s a unique chance to connect our university with global innovation, fostering relationships that will benefit our students and faculty for years to come."

The University plans a research exchange welcoming a visiting scientist from Brazil for Zika virus research while applying for a federal grant supporting a bilateral exchange program focused on palm products research.

Kean Provost David Birdsell noted that this initiative underscores Kean’s global mission.

"Our research and teaching partnership with SENAI attests to both our partner’s and Kean’s commitment to driving student and community benefits through scientific discovery," Birdsell said. "Building the economy, including successful companies and career paths, is at the core of SENAI’s identity, and this is precisely the approach we embrace as New Jersey’s urban research university."

Repollet expressed eagerness for further collaborations following this week's visits.

"Initiatives like these economic missions are essential for strengthening international collaboration and building relationships that benefit our students, faculty, and broader community," Repollet said. "What we have learned during this trip will significantly inform our programs as we prepare to launch our AI bachelor’s degree program and fintech minor in 2025."

The new AI and fintech programs align with the delegation's mission goals that included visits to Toronto's Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence along with fintech development discussions in Montreal.