New Leader for New Era at Kean University

Lamont Repollet: A New Leader for A New Era at Kean University

Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. believes all students — no matter where they grew up, the color of their skin, or their family’s income — deserve an equal shot at success. And he brings that mindset to the top.

Fresh from overseeing the creation of The Road Back, a plan to guide the reopening of schools for 1.4 million K-12 students in New Jersey, the state’s former commissioner of education this summer stepped into a new role as president of Kean University, one of the state’s largest universities with 16,000 students on campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson, and Wenzhou, China.

The first African-American president in Kean’s 165- year history, Repollet now oversees one of the most diverse universities in the nation amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide calls for social justice. He is already setting goals based on three pillars — safety, equity and academic excellence.

“This is an extraordinary time; we face challenges that were unimaginable just a few months ago” Dr. Repollet told the campus community. “Unprecedented times call for unprecedented acts of leadership and humanity.

A personal, student-focused approach has defined Repollet’s career since his days as a high school principal in Carteret, followed by his tenure as superintendent in Asbury Park and then his two and a half years as the state commissioner under Governor Murphy. It is one of the reasons that the Kean University Board of Trustees chose him unanimously as Kean’s 18th leader, succeeding Dawood Farahi, Ph.D., who served as president for 17 years.

He is already setting goals based on three pillars — safety, equity and academic excellence.

“Dr. Repollet steps into the presidency with confidence and experience, and with the strength needed to lead Kean forward on its path of access and excellence,” said Ada Morell, chair of the Board of Trustees. “He knows our mission. He lives our mission, and he is committed to ensuring that Kean provides the world-class education and experiences that students demand.”

A Kean alumnus, Dr. Repollet was a first-generation college student like many at Kean. He recently shared with the community his own experience as a young, “preppy,” college student stopped by police for fitting the profile of a carjacker. “You never know how you will feel until you have a gun put to the temple of your head.” he said.

He also offered his thoughts on the legacies of U.S. Representative John Lewis and civil rights leader Reverend C.T. Vivian “as exemplars of an unwavering, lifelong commitment to equity and justice.”

In one of his first decisions as Kean’s president, Dr. Repollet approved scheduling in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 to ensure all of the graduates had a chance to walk across the stage to celebrate their achievement.

“2020 will be remembered for many things in the years to come, including some difficult times and some extraordinary accomplishments,” Repollet told graduates from behind a mask amid a July heatwave. “I believe what we will remember are the victories we are celebrating right here today.” Photos: Courtesy of Kean University

Berkeley College Graduate El Mehdi Bendriss Speaks at Commencent

Berkeley College graduate El Mehdi Bendriss delivered remarks as the student speaker during the college’s all-virtual Commencement ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2020. Bendriss, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and a 4.0 GPA, is employed in the Division of Personnel with the City of Passaic, NJ. He is a resident of Bloomfield, NJ.

In his message to graduates, Bendriss acknowledged the unexpected times in which we are living. “Tenacity is your defining feature,” he said in his remarks. “It’s what brought you to the end and it’s what will propel you through all the obstacles that still lie in front of you.”

Bendriss also shared his pride in the diversity of the Berkeley College graduating class. More than 50% self-identify as either Hispanic or Black, and 72% of the graduates are women.

“We’re professionals, we’re mothers, we’re fathers, we’re high school graduates, we’re high achievers, we’re first-generation Americans, we’re immigrants,” he said. “But above all that, we are now college graduates supported by the degree that will follow us from this moment.”

As a student, Bendriss received awards for his thesis work and for community service through the Berkeley College Honors Program, a highly selective opportunity that exposes students to theme-based interdisciplinary seminars. He also served as a student ambassador, worked in the college’s Government Relations office, and completed an internship in the Office of the Mayor in Passaic, NJ. He plans to continue his education and hopes to one day serve the public with a law degree.

“It is my mission to one day be a benefit to my community, fight for and defend people when they are at their most vulnerable, and protect the sanctity of knowledge and learning,” Bendriss said.

Each Berkeley College student was invited

El Mehdi Bendriss

to create a commencement slide featuring personal messages, videos and photos that was shared during the virtual ceremony.

Virtual attendees heard from Berkeley College speakers and honorees, including special video messages from New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. The Berkeley College Class of 2020 reflects a diverse population of graduates who will join a network of more than 60,000 Berkeley College alumni eligible to receive lifetime career assistance. Berkeley College offers a career-focused educational experience with students able to take advantage of traditional classes and online education, with programs in more than 20 fields of study.

Be

a role model

“Imagination doesn’t have an expiration date. Never let the world dictate what you see for yourself. ”

– Troy Scott of Harlem, NY

Author and Professional Mentor, Friends of the Children Berkeley College Alumnus of the Year, 2020 Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, Berkeley College, 2011

BerkeleyCollege.edu

We find ourselves in different, unusual and unprecedented times. We bear witness to moments that none of us imagined, that many didn’t anticipate seeing. This is a moment. This is a movement. The world is shifting. Society is being re-defined. Communities and ministries are being re-imagined. In the midst of a global health pandemic, racial unrest and a divisive political climate so many are asking the question: Where is God?

The Theological School at Drew University is “Rooted, Innovative and Courageous”. Rooted in our Christian heritage, innovative in our approach and passionate in our courageous fight for social justice. For more than 150 years, the Theological School has been a leader in theological education while training persons for ministry to impact the world. There is no theological institution more diverse than Drew. In fact, we have no majority. We have students from around the world, in community with us, to make a difference in the world.

Currently, our classes are offered online. Our Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity and Master of Theology & Ministry degrees can be earned completely online. Online education is nothing new to the Theological School. We have been offering online programs for more than 40 years.

Where is God? God is found in our desire to be a voice for those who have no voice. Let Drew be a point of intersection on your ministry journey. Join us! Be an active participant in change. Empower your calling. Connect with us today!

Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Miller

Executive Director, Drew Graduate Admissions

ARE YOU

a Believer? an Activist? a Seeker? a Thinker? a Counselor? a Preacher? a Teacher? a Poet? a Dreamer?

Commit to courageous Christianity. Mix it up for ecological and social justice. Change your church, your neighborhood.

AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY.

At Drew Theological School, our engagement is deep. And diversity is not a slogan—it’s our reality. Students, faculty and staff pray, learn, sing and travel together. We disagree, misunderstand and struggle—together. Our community reflects the diversity, and the challenges and rewards that go with it, of the real world.

Learn more or apply online for one of our six specialized degree programs.

Drew University | Madison, NJ | 973.408.3111 gradm@drew.edu | drew.edu/positive