NJIT Business School Dean Joins Board of Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Regional Business Partnership announced that Oya Tukel, dean of New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Martin Tuchman School of Management, is the newest member on its board of directors.
Tukel joined NJIT in 2019 and is the first NJIT representative on the partnership’s board, which started including academics in recent years. The organization itself traces its roots as a chamber of commerce function beginning in 1869 when Newark was among the nation’s most populated cities.
“A nationally recognized academic and business leader, Tukel brings a deep entrepreneurial mindset to her role at NJIT, leading MTSM with a clear vision centered on innovation, applied learning and the integration of technology and business,” NRBP stated. “Now in her seventh year as dean, she has guided the school’s transformation into an institution known for data-driven decision-making, fintech education and preparing students to lead in a technology-driven world.”
“Oya is a visionary leader who understands how education, technology and business intersect to drive economic growth,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO of NRBP.
NJIT itself has long been an NRBP member. The university sponsored NRBP’s Engage and Exchange podcast for two years, hosted the 2025 Regional Economic Outlook forum and sponsored the 2026 Leadership Summit.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve on the NRBP Board,” Tukel said. “I have had a strong and productive working relationship with NRBP and its president. This role provides an opportunity to further align the missions of NJIT and NRBP. I see this as a way to strengthen collaboration and jointly support the economic and community development of Newark.
“I would like to see NRBP continue to expand its membership and deepen collaboration opportunities among its businesses. In particular, there is strong potential to create more structured partnerships where larger organizations actively engage with and support NRBP members through shared projects, mentorship and access to services and opportunities,” Tukel added.
“Serving on this board will help further integrate NJIT students and faculty into Newark’s community and economic development efforts. It creates pathways for students to engage in meaningful experiential opportunities and for faculty to contribute their expertise to organizations and initiatives that directly support the city’s growth and long-term vitality.”