UNION, N.J. – Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., stood before a full audience in Wilkins Theatre on the University’s Union campus and announced record enrollment numbers for the institution. The speech was also streamed to Kean’s satellite campuses in Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China.
Repollet, who became President in 2020, emphasized the University’s transformational journey filled with innovation, progress, and success. “We now stand at the threshold of a new era, marked by growth, innovation, and equity,” he stated.
The President announced that Kean will welcome the largest number of new students in its history this fall, with total enrollment surpassing 17,000 from 82 different countries and 35 states. Repollet also cited the University’s commitment to its role as an urban research university and an anchor institution, contributing economic and cultural value to the area.
In his address, Repollet congratulated the College of Business and Public Management for its recent accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and noted that Kean faculty secured over $18 million in grant funding this past year.
Upcoming changes were also unveiled. These include a Student Bill of Rights for Advising, a revised General Education curriculum, the Moon Shot for Equity initiative aimed at closing equity gaps in higher education, and additional resources for ongoing health and wellness programs.
Repollet also mentioned that the Kean.edu website is now available in Spanish, appropriate for an institution that serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
The President concluded by introducing the University’s proposed new mission statement and core values, which will be submitted for approval to the Board of Trustees in September. The new draft mission statement emphasizes Kean University’s commitment to innovation, equity, and public engagement.
Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Fastook ’06H and the University’s mascot, Kean Cougar “Keanu,” made appearances before Repollet took the stage.