Rutgers–Camden Welcomes Thomas Kean for Timely Discussion on Inclusive Politics

At a time when political division often dominates the national conversation, Governor Thomas H. Kean offered a perspective grounded in civility, collaboration, and a belief in the power of inclusion. 

Speaking before the Rutgers–Camden community, the former governor, who appeared in April as part of the Chancellor’s Centennial Lecture Series, reflected on decades of public service and national leadership, inviting the audience to consider how thoughtful dialogue and shared purpose can shape a more effective and unified political future.

“Governor Kean has long been recognized for his spirit of cooperation, steady leadership, and a commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity,” Chancellor Antonio Tillis said as he introduced the governor. “His career reflects a rare blend of integrity, humility, and a genuine belief in the power of civic engagement and we are privileged to welcome a statesman whose example continues to illuminate the importance of dialogue, trust, and inclusion in public life.”

Tillis then began the evening’s discussion by highlighting Kean’s record of bipartisanship and the pragmatic approach he brought to his time in elected office. Kean acknowledged that his philosophy of public service was rooted in common sense, emphasizing a clear-eyed commitment to determining what’s right and what’s wrong for the public good. 

Reflecting on his years in the legislature, he noted that while the political climate was different, it was defined by genuine relationships across party lines. That spirit, he said, made compromise not just possible but essential, underscoring his belief that meaningful progress often required working with the other side to get important things done.

Every major accomplishment I achieved, every major piece of legislation that I am proud of, was a result of compromise. Unless you’re willing to compromise and be truly bipartisan, you’re going to have trouble getting anything done

Governor Thomas H. Kean

The 48th Governor of New Jersey

Tillis then shifted the discussion to education, asking the governor to reflect on one of the defining priorities of his administration: his commitment to strengthening educational systems, and which lessons from that work remain most relevant for today’s leaders and institutions.

“You have a limited amount of time to make a difference when you are in office, so you must identify the challenges and take big steps to tackle those challenges and get big things done,” Kean said. “Decide what the solution is and do the work.”

Kean, who served as New Jersey’s 48th governor from 1982 to 1990, is widely recognized for advancing tax cuts that spurred significant job growth, landmark environmental policies, and more than 30 education reforms, which included significantly raising teacher salaries by more than 40 percent.

Re-elected by a historic margin, he later served as president of Drew University and as chairman of the 9/11 Commission, whose 2004 report led to sweeping national intelligence reforms. A respected national leader, he also authored “The Politics of Inclusion” and co-authored “Without Precedent.”

Reflecting on his leadership of the 9/11 Commission, Kean described the profound weight of accepting the role in the aftermath of a national tragedy and the lessons it offered about unity and public trust. He credited the families of 9/11 victims as a driving force behind the commission’s creation, calling them “the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met” for transforming grief into action and demanding accountability. 

Despite early partisan divisions, Kean emphasized how intentional bipartisanship—down to how commissioners were seated and how leadership was shared—helped build trust and collaboration across party lines. The result, he noted, was a lasting model of cooperation in service of the public good, culminating in a report that continues to inform scholarship and policy today.

In closing, Kean offered advice to students considering a future in public service, pairing humor with a deeper reflection on preparation and purpose. After jokingly cautioning, “Don’t do it,” he shared a story about Winston Churchill, whose guidance to a young aspiring politician was simple but enduring: “Study history, study history, study history.” 

Kean echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that a deep understanding of the past equips leaders to navigate the present more effectively and shape the future. His remarks left the audience with a final reminder that thoughtful, informed leadership begins with learning—and that history remains one of its most powerful teachers.