By: Nefertiti Nzameyo | Published: March 7, 2025
February 13 marked the day Kean earned a prestigious R2 research university designation under the 2025 Carnegie Classification. The announcement stirred honor on Kean’s campus as students, faculty, and staff reflected on the journey leading to the historical event.
“When I applied for the presidency in 2019, my cover letter outlined a clear vision: to lead Kean to R2 status. That vision has become a reality through the collective efforts of our entire community,” wrote Kean University President Lamont Repollet in a statement.
R2, or Research 2, universities are defined as institutions with high research spending and doctorate production. A minimum of 20 doctoral research degrees and 5 million in research expenditures are requirements of the categories.
According to Kean News, Kean qualified for the designation with over 10 million in research expenditures and was awarded 26 research doctorates in the 2022-23 academic year. The university was recognized in 2022 as a doctoral university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education (CICE).
The new title heightens Kean’s growing prestige which started as regional recognition to now national.
Participating in research revitalizes the student experience as they delve into areas of interest that have the potential to impact academic and professional goals. Nicole Francisco, Associate Vice President of Media Relations, realizes the transformative role of students conducting research.
“Research bridges classroom learning with real-world applications, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills,” said Francisco. “Hands-on research experiences allow students to collaborate with faculty, contribute to meaningful discoveries and develop practical expertise for careers or graduate studies.”
Students express their passion for research and excitement with the new opportunities the University has to offer. Their faith is rooted in the promising projects they’ve done before the R2 announcement.
Scarlett Cruz, a Psychology major minoring in Women and Gender Studies, credits Kean for requiring students to take the Research and Technology course which unveiled an enjoyment for research. She was encouraged by Professor Lydia Kaplan to present at Kean Research Days and found power when sharing the findings surrounding the experience of people of color in their teens. Cruz will continue her role as a student researcher this summer as a participant in the McNair Scholars Program.
“I found the R2 designation really cool! Kean has really pushed for involving everyone in research even if it’s just a course requirement, and I think that’s how you get more involvement in academia,” said Cruz. “ We’re a very diverse university and it shows in the people who helped bring us to this level… I hope it’ll help create even more opportunities…”
Other administrative leaders explained the university’s next steps with clout driven by a mission to expose students of multidisciplinary backgrounds to research and prepare them for post-college.
“Moving forward, this will enhance the trajectory of scholarly output, expand funding opportunities, retain outstanding talent, and strengthen our institution’s commitment to supporting innovative research. This will also translate to more research opportunities for students, preparing them for impactful careers in academia and beyond,” said Sucheta Ahlawat, Ph.D., chair of the University Senate.
This past school year has introduced exciting research projects and moments for students and faculty.
On Saturday, February 22, Kean students and their faculty advisors attended Engage NJ’s 6th Annual THRIVE Conference hosted at Middlesex College; the nonprofit is identified as “the public service backbone of higher education in New Jersey.”
The students are fellows of the Kesselman Foundation and presented their projects related to the foundation’s mission to “advance democracy by finding solutions to connect people across differences and by removing barriers to opportunity faced by people in local communities.”
Holly Van Ness, a Public Relations junior student, was in attendance and had the luxury of conducting research in the new classroom-turned-research lab in CAS. She’s glad to revisit the research role since her last project in high school.
“I love reading about different perspectives and views on my topic and then applying those perspectives to my own insights. I also love sitting down with my research partners and talking about what we found and generating new conversation,” said Van Ness.
The mutual outlook Kean students mirror with faculty and administration instills hope for young leaders curious about the world and brave enough to find answers, making the R2 designation more than a title for the Kean community.
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