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Thomas H. Kean |
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| Governor of New Jersey 1982-1990 | ||||
| Thomas H. Kean served as governor of the State of New Jersey from January 1982 to January 1990. A member of one of New Jersey's most prominent familes, he is descended from the State's first governor--William Livingston--who served 13 years in office after his election in August 1776. During his two terms in office,Governor Kean promoted the State's identity through "The New Jersey and You--Perfetct Together" advertising campaign; initiated such educational programs as mandating minimum Statewide teacher salaries, providing alternative routes to teacher certification and encouraging stronger ties between higher education and private sector technology resources; expanded support for the arts through increased program funding and development of new facilities such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center; and extended protection of such critical environmental resources as inland waterways and freshwater wetlands. After leaving office, Governor Kean served as the president of Drew University from 1990 until retiring in 2005. He also received wide acclaim for his service as chair of the National Commission on Terrorism Attacks Upon the United States that investigated the government's response to the 9/11 attacks. See full biography. | ||||
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| Provincial Assembly minutes of joint meeting at which William Livingston, ancestor of Thomas H. Kean, was elected as the first governor of the State of New Jersey Click here for larger image. Image source: NJ State Archives | ||||
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