Union County Review

The Kean University Board of Trustees has approved a new five-year contract for President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., who has been at the helm since July 2020. This decision secures his leadership as the university continues its development as a national research institution with a diverse student body.

Under Repollet's guidance, Kean University has experienced significant growth, including three years of record enrollment and advancements in its status as New Jersey’s urban research university. The university now serves over 18,500 students globally.

“President Repollet has set the tone for transformational leadership at Kean,” stated Steve Fastook, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “He also embodies everything we need in a strong, visionary leader. Under his guidance, Kean has grown at a time when many universities are struggling, and he continues to elevate the institution’s standing on the international stage.”

Repollet expressed his gratitude to the Board for their support and highlighted the progress made during his tenure. “I am excited and honored to continue leading Kean University at this pivotal moment in our history,” he said. He emphasized that with the board's support, Kean is recognized as New Jersey’s urban research university and noted its diverse community as a key driver of success.

During Repollet's presidency, student success initiatives have led to improved retention and graduation rates. The freshman class from 2020 achieved the highest four-year graduation rate at Kean in ten years.

The university has also hired over 130 tenure-track faculty members under Repollet's leadership and improved relations with labor and government entities. Philanthropic efforts have increased alongside consistent rankings for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. The goal is to achieve R2 research institution status by next year according to the Carnegie Commission.

Kean University's campus in Wenzhou, China, currently serves 5,000 students after experiencing record growth over four years.

“I am deeply invested in the success of each and every student at Kean,” Repollet said. He announced a $1 million donation to the Kean University Foundation to support scholarships through the President’s Future Scholarship Fund.

Ada Morell, former chair of the Board of Trustees and current board member, praised Repollet's leadership: “When we selected President Repollet in 2020, he outlined a bold vision for Kean’s growth and development, and he has delivered beyond our expectations.”

Repollet joined Kean after serving as New Jersey Commissioner of Education under Gov. Phil Murphy. His career began as an educator before advancing to principal and superintendent roles.