College Profile:
Kean University

Providing Opportunities and Excellence for New Jersey’s Students

Founded in 1855, Kean University has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest institutions of higher learning while staying true to its original mission of providing an excellent and accessible education. Though it trains more teachers than any other college or university in the state, Kean also offers more than 45 undergraduate and 50 graduate degree programs and options leading to degrees, certifications and professional diplomas. Serving some 13,000 students across four undergraduate colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, Kean’s academic offerings cover an exceptional range of disciplines, ranging from science and technology to the fine and performing arts. “Today, the role of a university is more pivotal than ever before,” says Kean president Dr. Dawood Farahi. “The 21st century has brought with it a broad array of scientific breakthroughs and the ever-present promise of more. There are always new frontiers of knowledge to conquer.”

To that end, the University developed two programs that will have a beneficial impact on the Garden State: The New Jersey Center for Science and Technology Education (NJCSTE) and the School of Visual and Performing Arts. Starting in the fall 2004, NJCSTE is accepting students into five-year Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts scientist-teacher and Bachelor of Science/Master of Science professional-researcher programs. The B.S./M.S. program will concentrate on producing scientists rich in physical, chemical, biological and computational theory, whereas the B.A./M.A. program will prepare these scientists to relate their knowledge in K-12 classrooms. To support students interested in the exciting and rewarding careers in science, mathematics and technology, NJCSTE offers full-tuition scholarships for all students admitted to the program for their first two years of study. Those following the teacher-education track who pledge to teach in New Jersey for a minimum of three years after graduation will have their full tuition paid for the five years of study.

Kean recently centralized all its stellar arts programs under the new School of Visual and Performing Arts, which will offer 12 full-time tuition scholarships to talented students. This will further improve upon the University’s longstanding tradition of distinction in the arts, which is evidenced by the many alumni now leading as directors and curators of some of the finest museums in the state and country, creative directors and publishers of national magazines, and Broadway performers and visual artists. “Within the next three to five years, Kean will be known as the visual and performing arts center of this area,” Farahi says. “We will continue to expand on our history and turn many of our programs into the best in the state.”

At Kean University, being the best includes maintaining small class sizes where students can get one-on-one feedback from professors of international stature in their fields. Some have made made scientific discoveries, others have penned seminal academic literature, but all have dedicated their lives to teaching young people. This commitment has been recognized by Octameron Associates, a higher education publishing and consulting firm based in Alexandria, VA, which lauded Kean University in its book, Great Colleges for the Real World. In its profile, Kean receives the highest possible marks in the category of overall college experience. Octameron made note of Kean’s tuition rates – the lowest of the four-year universities in the state – and the opportunities provided to students in potential career development, as well as Kean’s Adult Re-Entry Program Into College (EPIC), established to provide guidance to students 25 and older who are entering the University for the first time. Just as much support is offered to incoming freshmen through the Center for Academic Success, where peer liaisons and instructors work closely with young people to insure a smooth and successful transition from high-school to college.

In addition to the personal assistance that helps students take full advantage of a Kean education, a wealth of extracurricular activities promise a well-rounded college experience. The Student Organization of Kean University, Inc., the full-time governing body for undergraduates, is one of the most unique and reputable in the country. Comprised of elected student officers receptive to the needs of all Kean University students, the organization strives to enhance the scholastic, cultural, and social environment of Kean University and funds approximately 30 clubs, special projects and programs. Young people may also choose to devote their time to one of the 30 active sororities or fraternities that have chapters on campus. Or, they might root for the Cougar athletic teams as they represent the University in football, women’s and men’s basketball, track and field, volleyball, lacrosse and many other sporting events. Students may also attend discounted performing-arts events at Wilkins Theatre, which offers quality and diverse entertainment that people would normally travel to Manhattan to find. Or, they might choose to perform on stage instead, in one of the theatre or dance events directed and choreographed by the University’s professors. With solid academics, nurturing administrative support, and activities that foster creativity, athleticism, responsibility, and public service, Kean has everything that students – and parents – might want in an institution of higher education.