Dr. Lamont Repollet, Our First Black President

By Davaughnia Wilson  | Published by November 15, 2021

It was a momentous day at Kean University when a Kean Alumnus was formally installed as the 18th President and the first Black leader in the university’s 166-year history.

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“A moment of this magnitude really makes you introspective, and reflective about your past. I stand before you today profoundly humble and grateful and with a deep appreciation for each step of my journey,” said President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. at his installation on Oct. 14.

Dr. Repollet was selected by the Kean Board of Trustees on May 11, 2020, and joined the university in July 2020 but his formal installation was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The ceremony began with a marching band procession along Cougar Walk from Harwood Arena to Wilkins Theatre, where the formal installation was held.

In attendance were 18 college presidents and various representatives across the state, New Jersey elected officials, community leaders, Kean administrators, students, faculty, and family and friends.

The university medallion was presented to President Repollet by Ada Morell, past Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Trustee member Matthew McDermott.

“Today we gather as colleagues, companions, stewards, leaders, faculty, students, family, and friends. To witness and to celebrate the installation of the 18th president of Kean University, Dr. Lamont O Repollet,” said Morell.

In his Inaugural address, President Repollet expressed his thanks and gratitude to his family, to the Kean community, and beyond for keeping him grounded and always reminding him of his roots.

“Standing before you as the 18th Leader of Kean University is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly,” said President Repollet. “My journey to this moment has been filled with so many experiences and people that have helped shape who I am today.”

President Repollet thanked his parents for keeping him focused on school and stated that education saved his life.

“My parents gave me the greatest gift of all and that’s the love of learning,” said President Repollet.

His love for humanity and respect for others was shaped by his family and their journey. He shared that growing up was hard and that after his parents left the military they remained unemployed due to the lack of a college degree.

Persisting through his challenges and obstacles is what allowed him to be where he is today. He attended seven schools in 13 years. He was a principal, superintendent, commissioner of education in the State of New Jersey, and now the 18th leader of Kean University.

“As I accept this appointment as president, I acknowledge, to who much is given, much will be required, Luke 12:48,” said President Repollet.

When President Repollet joined the Kean community as a student and later, the Board of Trustees, he felt a sense of belonging and is now determined to ensure that every student feels the same.

He established the Division of Student Success and Retention to help students persist to graduation, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to advance equity across the university, and the Equity and Action Presidential Post Doctoral Fellowship to diversify the faculty and boost research at Kean.

“Because this moment was deferred, you already have a sense of how I will lead this great university. You know me as a leader, today I am opening myself up, to show you who I am as a man,” said President Repollet.

Steve Fastook, Chair of Kean University’s Board of Trustees, stated that President Repollet is moving Kean University on a journey to excellence by setting a goal for the university to become an R2 Carnegie institution by 2025.

“Dr. Repollet is taking Kean University to new heights and honestly with only one year under his belt, I just can’t wait to see what he brings,” said Fastook.

During the invocation led by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., former New Jersey Secretary of State, Fastook had a medical emergency on stage.

According to Margaret McCory, Associate Vice President of University Relations, “We are pleased to share that Steve Fastook, chair of the Board of Trustees, is doing great after experiencing severe dehydration during last week’s Installation ceremony.”

Fastook was rushed off the stage and Rev. Soaries returned to share a prayer for Chair Fastook. After which, the past chair of the Board of Trustees Ada Morell assumed the role as master of ceremonies.

“President Repollet is extremely grateful to Kean University Police and the other first responders who arrived quickly and provided excellent care to Chairman Fastook,” said McCory.

President Repollet was held in high regard by faculty, students and guests at his installation. He was described as a visionary leader, champion for student success, passionate, inspirational leader, a brother, a mentor, a father, a husband, and a good friend.

Jason Pleitez, Executive Board President of Student Organization, spoke on behalf of the student body.

Pleitez explained that he has had the privilege of working closely with President Repollet for almost two years and he has experienced the changes that President Repollet has bestowed upon the university.

“Under his leadership, there is a new life to our institution and in my opinion the beginning of the most influential era of Kean University yet,” said Pleitez.

President Repollet addressed the student body by saying, “my commitment to you is that we will foster an environment where you can learn, grow, take risks, make mistakes, regroup and keep climbing higher.”

Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver explained the history of Kean University and its origins in Newark. Kean was originally housed on Broadway and was referred to as Newark Normal School, a teacher’s college.

Oliver explained that Kean has grown over the years and she is impressed by the continued growth of the university and the work President Repollet is doing on campus.

“During his tenure in the department, I recognized early on that he was a bright star and represented the future leadership of the State of New Jersey,” said Governor Oliver.

She explained that what she is fulfilled with on Kean’s campus is that before President Repollet is finished, Kean will be the most diverse and inclusive institution in New Jersey.

“Dr. Repollet has the passion, enthusiasm, dedication, and the integrity to move this institution as someone said before, to a new height in the State of New Jersey,” said Governor Oliver.

Former student and a mentee of President Repollet for over 10 years, Lloyd Padmore, Analyst, JPMorgan Chase & Co., expounded on his love and appreciation for President Repollet.

He explained that to be a mentor is to be an advocate, a supporter, and a friend, not someone that only gives advice. He has watched President Repollet epitomize excellence in everything he does, but what he was most grateful for was President Repollets investments in him.

“He has surpassed the notion of just being my mentor as I looked to him as a father figure,” said Padmore.

Padmore refers to President Repollet as “Dr. Reps” and considers him family. He explained that Dr. Repollet took him under his wing and taught him different life lessons and values.

Padmore added that he didn’t always understand the lessons given to him by President Repollet, but they eventually became a lot clearer. President Repollet ensured that he was equipped for the different stages of life and he was always present and encouraging. 

“As a member of his chosen family I am committed to being a pillar and supporting him in all of his endeavors,” said Padmore.

Also in attendance was guest speaker, Craig Coughlin, Assembly Speaker for the State of New Jersey; Brian Bridges, Ph.D., Secretary of Higher Education; Senators Joseph P. Cryan, District 20,  Thomas H. Kean, District 21, and Nicholas P. Scutari, District 22; and Chris V. Rey, International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. along with many more notable figures.

“I was very deliberate with who I asked to speak today. Everyone you heard from played a critical role in how I got to be standing before you today. I am sharing all the pieces of me, pieces of a man,” said President Repollet.

President Repollet is determined to build trust, a supportive team, and a culture at Kean. He hired more than 50 new faculty members and is aiming to support the faculty through the creation of a faculty wellness center.

“With Dr. Repollet at the helm, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Kean University, to address the needs of historically disadvantaged students and ensure that earning a college degree in the great state of New Jersey is a reality within reach,” said Bridges.

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