Shaping the Future with a Legal Vet
Michael Schade slipping into the VP and General Counsel chair at Long Island University isn't just another nameplate shuffle. It's a solid move for a university looking to tighten its grip on being a major research player.
A Power Player from the University of Oklahoma
Schade isn't new to the world of academic law. He's packing legal chops honed at the University of Oklahoma, a Carnegie R1 institution, which is not some fluff title. Executive Director for Research Legal Strategy and Assistant General Counsel—he knew how to play the institutional game and he played it big, pushing $1 billion in sponsored research deals over five years. That's no small change.
“Michael brings an exceptional combination of legal expertise, executive leadership, and experience supporting a major research university,” says LIU President Kimberly R. Cline.
When your resume's as bulletproof as Schade's, chairmen and presidents talk about you with an air of assurance, like they’ve just hit a jackpot. And LIU seems poised to cash in their prize ticket.
Tying Legal Know-How to Innovation
Why is Schade's appointment the talk? Because LIU has been dialing up its research and innovation game. Recently, they've been rubbing shoulders with Dassault Systèmes and set the spade to soil for a new College of Science building. Rocking these complex partnerships and ventures isn't for the faint of heart but for someone like Schade who's been there, done that.
The Bigger Picture for LIU
So, what’s LIU's game plan? They're gunning for growth in research and tech fields while polishing their academic halo. With Schade playing the part of the legal guardian, they'll have someone who's seen the highs and lows of university governance, partnerships, and legal labyrinths.
Folks like Eric Krasnoff, Chairman of the LIU Board of Trustees, are banking on his know-how in “institutional governance and opportunities facing a growing research institution.” That's boardroom speak for 'we believe he can guide us through the legal mazes of the research landscape.'
The Right Call at the Right Time
Schade's background isn't just about legal briefs and courtroom maneuvers. He's also a registered patent attorney and Certified Licensing Professional. Throw in the fact he's dabbled in academia as an adjunct professor, and you've got someone who can straddle both the world of law and academia with ease.
Why should this shift matter to an observer keeping tabs on the higher education race? Because it highlights LIU's commitment to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive field. His appointment underscores how serious the university is about pushing its research and innovation boundaries, and it's backed by tangible moves like the new AI and innovation center.
A Partner for Ambitious Times
Michael Schade himself openly acknowledges the weight of the task, expressing honor and enthusiasm about charting his path at LIU. “LIU’s commitment to academic excellence and its ambitious research agenda make this an exciting time to join the University,” he says.
For a university with over 16,000 students across campuses and a prestigious top 7 percent national ranking in research activity, that's a narrative worth banking on. It's not just about prestige; it's about creating tangible impact through strategic investments in emerging technology and strong industry ties.
Schade represents a bridge—linking institutional vision with legal foresight, crucial for anyone keeping their ear to the ground in the education sector. Like catching a good wave, when the timing's right and the conditions align, you're in for a hell of a ride. And that's precisely where LIU is positioned with Schade on board.
