Stockton University on Monday announced a leadership transition at the helm of its gaming and tourism think tank. Professor Brian Tyrrell has been named the new faculty director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT), effective July 1.
Tyrrell succeeds Jane Bokunewicz, who is set to retire on June 30 after a transformative six-year tenure that solidified the institute’s role as a national authority on the Atlantic City economy.
Tyrrell is no stranger to the institute’s mission. A veteran faculty member in Stockton’s School of Business for over 20 years, Tyrrell previously served as the Interim Director for the research center that predated LIGHT and was instrumental in the institute’s initial formation.
“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,” Tyrrell said. “I look forward to expanding our partnerships and continuing to support the growth of Atlantic City’s gaming and tourism sectors.”
Tyrrell brings a wealth of academic and geographic expertise to the role, having previously served on the faculty at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and earning his Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Since taking the lead in 2020, Bokunewicz—a former casino industry executive—elevated LIGHT into a trusted data source for media outlets across the country. Under her leadership, the institute reached several major milestones:
- Academic Innovation: Launched the International Journal of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism.
- Industry Collaboration: Published the high-profile Atlantic City Casino Industry Impact Report in partnership with the Casino Association of New Jersey.
- Professional Development: Established two industry-focused certificate programs and hosted more than 20 webinars.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Bokunewicz said, reflecting on her work with the institute’s advisory board and Assistant Director Sarah Grady.
William Minnis, Interim Dean of Stockton’s School of Business, praised the transition as an “exciting new chapter.”
