NJIT Leaders Named to NJBIZ's 2025 Education Power List

Three members of New Jersey Institute of Technology's leadership are included in NJBIZ's 2025 Education Power List, which highlights influential figures shaping the state's education landscape.

The annual list emphasizes the people navigating higher education's shifting environment - balancing policy changes, economic pressures and workforce demands - while advancing innovation and opportunity. NJIT's President Teik Lim, Dean Oya Tukel of the Martin Tuchman School of Management and New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) President Michael Johnson are among this year's honorees.

President Teik C. Lim

Since his arrival in 2022 as NJIT's ninth president, Lim has emphasized academic excellence and broader access for students. NJBIZ noted his role in positioning NJIT as a national leader in science and technology, with a focus on innovation and economic impact.

Lim has overseen initiatives that strengthen NJIT's role in advancing artificial intelligence, data science and entrepreneurial activity while reinforcing the university's mission as a public polytechnic. His recognition reflects efforts to ensure NJIT remains central to statewide discussions on higher education's role in economic development.

Dean Oya Tukel

Dean Oya Tukel was recognized for aligning NJIT's Martin Tuchman School of Management with the needs of today's marketplace. Under her leadership, the school has introduced new programs in financial technology, technology management and sports and data analytics.

Her approach underscores the value of adaptability in business education, ensuring that students are prepared to meet industry expectations and that corporate partners have access to a talent pipeline equipped for emerging sectors. NJBIZ highlighted her ability to connect curriculum with both local and global business priorities. She was previously highlighted by NJBIZ as one of the Leading Women in Business for 2025.

NJII President Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson, president of NJII, was cited for his leadership in advancing initiatives across artificial intelligence, defense, health care and entrepreneurship. His trajectory from scientist and startup founder to executive highlights the entrepreneurial orientation NJBIZ highlighted in his profile.

At NJII, Johnson has expanded programs that bridge academic research with commercialization and workforce training, like the launch of COMET. His recognition reflects NJII's evolving role as an anchor for industry partnerships and as a catalyst for translating innovation into tangible economic outcomes for New Jersey.