Interview: Tom Kean: after 15 years at the helm of Drew University in Madison, NJ, President Tom Kean is set to step down next year. The former two-term governor of New Jersey, and chairman of the 9/11 Commission, sat down with Editor In Chief Tom Halligan to discuss his career, the state of education, and his achievements at Drew

University Business, Nov, 2004 by Tom Halligan

I've taken on more controversial stuff. Personally, I don't believe people should be running around with guns, the semi-automatic weapons. I've taken very strong positions on that.

I get letters from alumni saying they'll never contribute to the place as long as I'm there. But they're your principles. Is that a reason for a university president not to say anything because two or three alumni are going to get mad? I think it's a way to engage the debate. And if we're not going to speak out, who is?

That's my only criticism. I wish they would be out there more, taking more positions on more issues and showing leadership, not only in the university but outside the university.

UB What's next for President Kean?

I don't know. I've been the university president longer than I've held any other job. And I decided about a year ago that this should be my last year because the university is in better shape than it's ever been in. I'll see what comes along. I've got probably one more job left in me. What it'll be, I just don't have any idea.

UB Any government aspirations?

If I could help, yes. Full-time, probably not. I don't think I want to go down to Washington, but if it's a part-time thing or something where I could be an advisor or help government in some way, yes. It's an obligation as a citizen to help out.

Profile Tom Kean:

Age: 69

President, Drew University: 1990 to 2005

Chairman, 9/11 Commission: 2002-2004

Governor, New Jersey: 1982-1990

New Jersey Assembly: 1968-1977

Education:

B.A. Princeton University 1957

M.A. Columbia University Teachers College 1964

Books: Politics of Inclusion, 1988

Columnist: The Star Ledger

Commentator: New Jersey Network News

Teaching: Governing a State, Political Science

Family: Wife: Deborah Twin sons: Tom and Reed Daughter: Alexandria Dog: Willie

Favorite Book: War and Peace

Favorite Author: Leo Tolstoy

Current Read: Lyndon Johnson, Portrait of a President

Person I Most Admire: Christopher Reeve

President I Admire: Abraham Lincoln

Place to Escape: Anguilla