NJIT Names Sandy Curko as General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has appointed Sandy A. Curko as the new general counsel and vice president of legal affairs. Curko brings over 25 years of extensive legal experience, having represented corporate entities and educational institutions throughout her career in various legal and regulatory matters. Curko will start Oct. 2, 2024.

Curko joins NJIT from Iona University, where she served as general counsel, providing legal advice and strategic guidance to the president, board of trustees and administration. Her tenure there was marked by her expertise in litigation, labor and employment law, governance, and compliance management. She played a pivotal role in developing and implementing centralized compliance and risk management functions.

Prior to Iona University, Curko served as general counsel and assistant vice president at Queens College of The City University of New York. There, she managed all litigation matters, provided legal advice on a wide range of issues and ensured compliance with federal and state laws.

"Sandy Curko's deep and broad experience will be a tremendous asset to NJIT," said President Teik C. Lim. "Her extensive background in higher education law, coupled with her proven leadership in managing legal operations, makes her a valuable addition to our team. Sandy's strategic vision and dedication to the law will be instrumental in advancing our mission and supporting our community."

In her new role, Curko will oversee and manage NJIT's legal affairs, providing counsel on a wide range of legal, regulatory, policy and governance issues. Reporting directly to President Lim and serving as secretary to NJIT's Board of Trustees, Curko will be responsible for advising on contracts, labor and employment law, intellectual property and risk management.

Simultaneously, the general counsel will serve as a thought leader and advance initiatives in legal operations and processes, while serving the legal needs of a responsive and innovative organization - all essential to our Strategic Plan 2030 to become a Nexus of Innovation that is a physical and intellectual focal point for ideas, actions, and people focused on innovation, including researchers, learners, entrepreneurs, and partners from government, industry, and the community. She will lead a high-performing legal team and collaborate with senior leadership to ensure the university's strategic goals are met while mitigating legal risks.

Curko holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Boston University. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts.

"I am honored to join NJIT and contribute to its legacy of innovation and excellence," said Curko. "I look forward to working with the university's leadership, faculty, and staff to support NJIT's mission and foster a culture of legal compliance and ethical integrity."