Kean University Leaders Join Choose New Jersey Delegation to Canada, Focusing on International Partnerships and AI

UNION, N.J. — Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., joined this week’s Choose New Jersey delegation to Canada, where he highlighted Kean’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and innovation in many sectors, including artificial intelligence.

Repollet served as a keynote speaker during a roundtable with the American Chamber of Commerce in Toronto, one of three cities on the mission’s tour with Gov. Murphy and government, education and business leaders. The tour is designed to strengthen New Jersey’s ties with Canada.

“At Kean, we are committed to fostering international partnerships that spur economic growth and innovation as well as opportunities for our students,” Repollet said. “This mission has provided invaluable insight that will inform our development of new programs and initiatives, particularly in AI and fintech (financial technology), which are critical to the future of education and the economy.”

Kean Chief of Staff Audrey Kelly also participated in the delegation’s Women in Business roundtable hosted by NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy. Kelly spoke with women business leaders in Toronto about opportunities to build support for women-run organizations.

“It was an incredible honor to participate in the roundtable alongside First Lady Tammy Murphy and some of the most inspiring women business leaders in Toronto,” Kelly said. “This experience not only reinforced the importance of building international partnerships but also highlighted new opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs—an effort that aligns with Kean’s commitment to equity and inclusion.”

Other New Jersey institutions, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Princeton, Ramapo, Rowan, Rutgers and Stevens universities, were also part of the delegation, contributing to discussions on how higher education can drive economic development and international cooperation. NJIT President Dr. Teik Lim, Ph.D., and Ramapo President Cindy Jebb, Ph.D., joined Repollet in representing offices of university presidents.

“It is vital for leaders in higher education to join these economic missions because universities play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of the workforce and driving innovation,” said Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Kean University’s focus on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and fintech exemplifies how higher education can shape the future of our economy. Involving college presidents in these international discussions strengthens the connection between education and economic growth.”

During the American Chamber of Commerce panel on Monday, Repollet announced the University’s new partnership with SENAI, Brazil’s leading technology transfer and education organization. The agreement came together following an economic mission to Brazil facilitated last year by the U.S. Department of State with assistance from Kean Board of Trustee member Barbara Sobel, the spouse of Ambassador Clifford Sobel who previously served in Brazil.

“I am thrilled to see Kean University forging a meaningful partnership with SENAI, which will open new doors for our students and faculty to collaborate on cutting-edge research and technology,” Sobel said. “It’s a unique chance to connect our university with global innovation, fostering relationships that will benefit our students and faculty for years to come.”

The University is facilitating a research exchange by welcoming a visiting scientist from Brazil to collaborate on critical Zika virus research and also applying for a federal grant to support a bilateral exchange program involving students and faculty focused on researching and commercializing palm products.

Kean Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Birdsell, Ph.D., said the Brazil initiative is a testament to the University’s commitment to fulfilling its mission across the globe.

“Our research and teaching partnership with SENAI attests to both our partner’s and Kean’s commitment to driving student and community benefits through scientific discovery,” Birdsell said. “Building the economy, including successful companies and career paths, is at the core of SENAI’s identity, and this is precisely the approach we embrace as New Jersey’s urban research university.”

Repollet said he looks forward to facilitating additional collaborations following this week’s Choose New Jersey delegation visits.

“Initiatives like these economic missions are essential for strengthening international collaboration and building relationships that benefit our students, faculty and the broader community,” Repollet said. “What we have learned during this trip will significantly inform our programs, particularly as we prepare to launch our AI bachelor’s degree program and fintech minor in 2025.”

Kean University’s new AI and fintech programs align with the goals of the delegation’s mission, which included visits to the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Toronto and discussions on fintech development in Montreal.