Professor Brian Tyrrell Named LIGHT Director

Succeeds Jane Bokunewicz as faculty director of Stockton University's Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting an urban lifestyle scene with warm, colorful pools of light, conveying a dreamlike, atmospheric mood.The transition of leadership at LIGHT signals a new era for the influential institute supporting Atlantic City's hospitality and tourism sectors.Atlantic City Today

Professor Brian Tyrrell has been named the new faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University, effective July 1, succeeding Jane Bokunewicz, who will retire on June 30. Tyrrell has served as a faculty member in the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program at Stockton for over two decades and played a role in the institute's initial formation.

Why it matters

LIGHT is a key research and industry engagement hub for Atlantic City's gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors. Tyrrell's appointment marks an important leadership transition as the institute looks to build on its growing reputation and impact under Bokunewicz's tenure.

The details

Tyrrell will succeed Jane Bokunewicz, a professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management at Stockton and former casino industry executive, who has served as LIGHT's faculty director since 2020. Under Bokunewicz's leadership, LIGHT has launched an industry journal, started certificate programs, hosted over 20 webinars, and published a major industry report in collaboration with the Casino Association of New Jersey.

  • Professor Brian Tyrrell's appointment as LIGHT's new faculty director will be effective on July 1, 2026.
  • Jane Bokunewicz will retire from her role as LIGHT's faculty director on June 30, 2026.

The players

Professor Brian Tyrrell

A faculty member in the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program at Stockton University for over 20 years, who has played a role in the initial formation of LIGHT and will now serve as its new faculty director.

Jane Bokunewicz

A professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management at Stockton University and former casino industry executive, who has served as LIGHT's faculty director since 2020.

William Minnis

The interim dean of Stockton University's School of Business, who praised Bokunewicz's leadership and Tyrrell's appointment as the new LIGHT director.

Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT)

A research and industry engagement hub at Stockton University focused on the gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors in Atlantic City and the surrounding region.

Casino Association of New Jersey

The organization that collaborated with LIGHT on the publication of the Atlantic City Casino Industry Impact Report.

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What they’re saying

“Having been part of LIGHT's development from its early stages, I've seen firsthand the impact it can have in connecting research, industry and student opportunity. I look forward to expanding our partnerships, advancing meaningful research, training industry professionals and continuing to support the growth of Atlantic City's gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors.”

— Professor Brian Tyrrell, Incoming LIGHT Director

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as the faculty director of LIGHT because of the privilege of working with our esteemed advisory board of Atlantic City industry leaders and Assistant Director Sarah Grady to advance LIGHT's mission. We have accomplished a lot together in the last six years.”

— Jane Bokunewicz, Outgoing LIGHT Director

“Brian's long-standing commitment to Stockton and his expertise in hospitality and tourism make him exceptionally well suited to lead LIGHT. He brings both continuity and a forward-looking vision that will strengthen the institute's impact on our students, our research enterprise and the regional economy.”

— William Minnis, Interim Dean, Stockton University School of Business

What’s next

Tyrrell will officially assume the role of LIGHT's faculty director on July 1, 2026, as Bokunewicz retires from the position.

The takeaway

Tyrrell's appointment as the new LIGHT director signals a transition of leadership for the influential institute, which has played a key role in supporting Atlantic City's gaming, hospitality and tourism sectors through research, industry partnerships and educational initiatives under Bokunewicz's tenure.