Administration
Nelson Ruiz
Principal
Nelson Ruiz was born and raised in the city of Newark, New Jersey. His parents migrated from Puerto Rico in search of a better life and greater opportunities for their three children. Their dream of providing a quality education and a path to success deeply shaped Mr. Ruiz’s values and life mission. Growing up in Newark, he experienced many formative moments that influenced his character, from riding his bike through Branch Brook Park to spending countless spring and summer days playing baseball. He credits his family, teachers, coaches, and community members for guiding him to make positive choices and instilling in him a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.
Mr. Ruiz attended Seton Hall Preparatory School and Essex Catholic High School before continuing his education at Rutgers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Arts degree. He later completed his Master’s degree in Education at St. Peter’s University, further solidifying his commitment to educational leadership and lifelong learning.
As his professional journey has continued to unfold, Mr. Ruiz is proud to dedicate his career to influencing the lives of Newark’s children and fostering a shared commitment to the value of education. He has served the Newark Public Schools for more than 25 years, including 16 years as a School Principal. During his tenure, he has led Barringer 9th Grade Success Academy, Abington Avenue School, and currently serves as the proud principal and founding Principal of the Newark School of Global Studies, a role he has held for the past six years.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ruiz has witnessed the growth and success of countless students, and he takes great pride in being part of their achievements. He remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring academic excellence, high expectations, and student success at the Newark School of Global Studies. Together with a dedicated staff, he works to uphold core beliefs that drive high-quality instruction, support student achievement, and prepare all students to reach their full potential and be college ready.
Monikk Gray
Vice Principal
My name is Monikk Gray, and I'm both honored and delighted to be a member of Newark School of Global Studies. Having grown up in the vibrant city of Newark, NJ and proudly graduated from Newark Public Schools, Newark holds a special place in my heart.
I earned my Bachelor's degree from Temple University and pursued Master's degrees at both Montclair State and Kean University. For the past 17 years, I've dedicated myself to education, spending 8 years in the classroom teaching science and the last 9 as an administrator.
But education isn't just about facts and figures; it's about nurturing the minds of our future leaders. As Albert Einstein wisely said, "Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think." We recognize that students require the unwavering support of both their educators and families. Together, we form the cornerstone of their development. It is through this collaboration that we empower our students to make positive decisions, equipping them for success in an ever-changing world.
Shagun Kukreja
Department Chairperson- ELA
My name is Shagun Kukreja and I am a Department Chairperson for the Newark School of Global Studies. I serve in the areas of English Language Arts, World Language and Resource departments. I value the arts in all forms and I have really dedicated time in exploring my own craft and helping my students do the same. I am a proud graduate of Newark Public Schools and I really take pride in coming back and working with the community I grew up in. I taught ELA and Drama at Technology High School. I look forward to collaborating with everyone as I step into this role.
Thelma Robinson
Department Chairperson- Social Studies
My name is Thelma Robinson, and I am proud to be at the Newark School of Global Studies as a Department Chairperson, specializing in Social Studies, Dual Enrollment and CTE. After earning my bachelor’s degree in secondary education from New Jersey City University, I started my career as an educator. I have more than eleven years of experience as a high school Social Studies teacher. I have taught Advanced Placement US History, US History I & II Honors, World History, and other history elective courses. In addition to teaching, I enjoy exploring historical sites within the United States and abroad. Oprah Winfrey stated, “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”
Priyank Bhatt
Department Chairperson- Mathematics
Hello everyone, my name is Priyank Bhatt and I am looking forward to be a part of the NSGS family as a Department Chairperson for Math and Science. I believe that a good education can lead to numerous opportunities for our students and want to do everything I can to help them succeed in High School and beyond. I am a graduate of Montclair State University, where I received my Bachelor and Masters degree in Math Education and Education Leadership. I have worked for NPS for 10 years in various capacities, both as an educator and a leader. I look forward to our partnership throughout this school year.
Meshele Hardy
Department Chair of Science
Hello everyone! My name is Meshele Hardy and I am elated to be a part of the NSGS family as the Department Chairperson of Science, World Language and Visual & Performing Arts. I believe all students deserve the best education that will afford them immeasurable opportunities as a result of being career and college ready. I’ve served as a Science Educator for over 14 years, teaching and leading in various capacities in middle and high schools in Newark and East Orange. I am a proud graduate of Montclair State University, holding a B.S. in Molecular Biology, Masters in Teaching, and Masters in Educational Leadership. In addition to education, I highly value family, great food and music, as well as high quality relationships. I look forward to working with everyone as I serve in this capacity.
Ambassador A. Shabazz
School Provost at the Newark School of Global Studies
A producer, writer and diplomat, she has spent over 4 decades offering keynote addresses, while developing curriculums and programs for the Newark School of Global Studies as well as Malcolm X Shabazz High School and other educational institutions, executive forums, diplomatic networks, NAFSA, conferences and human service organizations globally– with the purpose to motivate and encourage the young and mature alike to recognize the value in and appreciation of — diverse cultural engagement, traditional rights of passage and perspectives, thus a genuine respect for oneself and others. She is recognized as a masterful creator and an astute businesswoman. Fondly termed by her colleagues as an “ideas architect”, she is a strategist and technician quick to discern the integrity, theme and ultimate goals of each endeavor, while realizing a vision of execution and successful outcome.
- Diplomat, Lecturer, Professor and Strategic Advisor for Corporations, Academia, Foundations and Global Forums
- Ambassador at Large of Belize