Stockton University Names New LIGHT Director as Bokunewicz Retires

Professor Brian Tyrrell to lead the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism after Jane Bokunewicz's 6-year tenure.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:18am

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of academic books and graduation caps in bold, neon colors, conceptually representing the academic and professional connections of the LIGHT institute.Stockton University's LIGHT institute continues its mission of bridging academia and industry with a new director at the helm.Atlantic City Today

Stockton University has appointed Professor Brian Tyrrell as the new faculty director of its Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT), effective July 1. Tyrrell will succeed Jane Bokunewicz, who is retiring after serving as LIGHT's director since 2020.

Why it matters

LIGHT plays a key role in connecting Stockton's academic research with Atlantic City's gaming, hospitality and tourism industries. Tyrrell's appointment comes at a critical time as the region looks to rebound from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

The details

Tyrrell has been a faculty member in Stockton's Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program for over 20 years and previously served as the Interim Director for the university's New Jersey Center for Hospitality and Tourism Research Center. Prior to Stockton, he taught at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Bokunewicz, a former casino industry executive, oversaw several major LIGHT initiatives during her tenure, including launching an industry journal, starting certificate programs, and publishing research reports on the Atlantic City casino market.

  • Tyrrell's appointment as LIGHT's new director will be effective on July 1, 2026.
  • Bokunewicz will retire from her role as LIGHT's director on June 30, 2026, after serving in the position since 2020.

The players

Brian Tyrrell

A professor in Stockton University's Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program who has been named the new faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT).

Jane Bokunewicz

A professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management at Stockton University who has served as the faculty director of LIGHT since 2020 and is retiring from the role on June 30, 2026.

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

An institute at Stockton University that connects the university's academic research with the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries in Atlantic City and the surrounding region.

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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.”

— 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

What’s next

Tyrrell will officially take over as the new LIGHT director on July 1, 2026, as Bokunewicz retires from the role.

The takeaway

Stockton University's LIGHT institute has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and the gaming, hospitality and tourism industries in Atlantic City. Tyrrell's appointment as the new director comes at a pivotal time as the region looks to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, and he will be tasked with expanding LIGHT's partnerships, advancing research, and supporting the growth of these key sectors.