In an event delayed more than a year by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kean University celebrated this week the formal installation of Lamont Repollet as its 18th president.
Repollet, the university’s first Black president, and a former state commissioner of education, was named to the post in May 2020 and took office later that summer.
His installation Thursday was a campuswide ceremony featuring university faculty and students, public officials and more.
“As I accept this appointment as president, I acknowledge, ‘To whom much is given, much will be required,’” he said in his inaugural address.
He also talked about his goals in office.
“Building a positive climate and culture is what we’re all about,” he said. “As Kean emerges as the urban research university of New Jersey, I am committed to leveraging the resources of Kean University to contribute directly to solving our state’s most challenging social and economic challenges.”
Board of trustees Chair Steve Fastook said Repollet has already achieved success in his short time in office.
“President Repollet is already moving this incredible university — this beautiful, state-of-the-art, vibrant and diverse community — forward on its journey to excellence,” he said.
