Lamont Repollet

Dr. Lamont O. Repollet is a nationally respected education leader and public administrator with over three decades of experience making a positive impact across the education continuum, from pre-kindergarten to postsecondary education.

As the first Black president of Kean University, New Jersey’s Urban Research University, and a newly designated Carnegie R2 research institution, Dr. Repollet leads a dynamic, majority-minority campus of nearly 19,000 students with a global presence in Wenzhou, China, Dubai, Brazil and elsewhere. Under his leadership, Kean has experienced a historic transformation in research productivity, student success, and national visibility.

A champion for equity and innovation, Dr. Repollet has launched groundbreaking initiatives that foster dual-degree programs with elite institutions like Howard University, expand global exchanges, and strengthen workforce development pipelines. His commitment to access and excellence has earned Kean national recognition for advancing social mobility.

Previously, Dr. Repollet served as New Jersey’s first Black Commissioner of Education, overseeing the nation's top-ranked public school system. He led the state through the COVID-19 crisis, designing policy and operational frameworks for remote learning and safe reopening.

A former superintendent, principal, and teacher, Dr. Repollet is a proven change agent, having significantly increased graduation rates and reduced dropouts in underserved communities. He is a sought-after speaker and advisor, serving on state and national education boards and holding memberships in Sigma Pi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma.

Dr. Repollet’s leadership is driven by a vision of inclusive excellence, positioning institutions as engines of innovation, access, and opportunity for the next generation.