Alumni Highlight
Meet Uduak-Joe Ntuk ‘06. He is recognized widely for his leadership in the community, and he is also a proud Cal State University Long Beach (CSULB) alum. Ntuk is also known for being a 2026 49 Under 49 honoree. Before exploring the work he’s doing now, it’s important to understand how he represents his history at CSULB.
Ntuk transferred from Long Beach Community College (LBCC) to CSULB, where he earned his degree in chemical engineering with a minor in business. He also received a certificate in logistics, studied abroad in China, and served as a senator in student government. His involvement in student government helped prepare him for public office because the structure and procedures of those meetings mirror the way government meetings operate. His leadership roles in engineering clubs and student government taught him organization, follow-through, strategic thinking, and collaboration, skills he still relies on today.
He credits his CSULB professors for the opportunities and inspiration they provided. Through them, he conducted extensive research, studied energy and petroleum, participated in engineering competitions, and formed connections with other universities. The knowledge he gained helped him succeed in writing a comparison paper on the Chinese and American oil industries during his study abroad experience in China.
As a leader, Ntuk continues to apply the same principles he practiced as a student: collaborating with others, seeking input before making decisions, following through on commitments, setting clear visions for his team, and delivering meaningful results.
One of his leadership roles includes membership of LBCC’s Board of Trustees. He has served on the Long Beach Community College (LBCC) Board of Trustees since 2018. In this role, he approves budgets, hires and supervises superintendents, sets out campus policy, and advocates for state and federal legislation that benefits LBCC students.
Board of Trustees members are elected by voters, and five individuals serve on the board. Ntuk represents nearly 100,000 residents in North Long Beach. Trustees attend board meetings, travel on behalf of the district, participate in community events, attend ribbon cuttings, celebrate graduates, and more. Many people are unfamiliar with the influence of this board, which is why understanding its positive impact on the community is essential.
Ntuk hopes students take away one core message from his journey: “Go where the work is.” Being willing to travel or relocate opportunities can open doors. His time in Indiana working for General Electric and in plastic manufacturing eventually led to a full-time job with Chevron in California. Those experiences broadened his perspective and helped lead him to his current position with the City of Long Beach. He reminds students to “never get too comfortable because no job will promise forever.” Taking risks may be intimidating, but they can be the key to building a successful career.
He is also part of CSULB’s Black Alumni Network, which he believes helps alumni stay connected to each other, the campus, and current students. Programs like Beach Nexus create mentorship opportunities that support students of color in continuing their education and finding community. Increasing access to educational, personal, and communal resources helps ensure that more students of color graduate and feel supported throughout their journey.
Ntuk recently shared his background and accomplishments on the “It’s A Long Beach Thing” podcast, available on Apple Music and Spotify. The episode gave him a chance to reflect on his past and look back at how far he has come.
