Accomplished legal executive joins LIU from the University of Oklahoma, a Carnegie R1 institution, bringing expertise in research, innovation, and university leadership

BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – Long Island University (LIU) has appointed Michael A. Schade, J.D., Vice President and General Counsel, adding an experienced higher education legal executive as the University expands its research enterprise and industry partnerships.

Schade joins LIU from the University of Oklahoma, a Carnegie R1 research institution, where he served as Executive Director for Research Legal Strategy and Assistant General Counsel. He brings nearly two decades of legal experience, with expertise in institutional governance, sponsored research, intellectual property, research compliance, and technology commercialization.

“Michael brings an exceptional combination of legal expertise, executive leadership, and experience supporting a major research university,” said LIU President Kimberly R. Cline. “His counsel will help us strengthen the University, develop strategic partnerships, and advance our academic and research priorities.”

At the University of Oklahoma, Schade advised senior leadership across a three-campus system on institutional legal matters and research strategy. He led negotiations on more than $1 billion in sponsored research agreements over five years and held leadership roles overseeing innovation, corporate partnerships, intellectual property, and commercialization.

“Michael understands both the responsibilities of university governance and the opportunities facing a growing research institution,” said Eric Krasnoff, Chairman of the LIU Board of Trustees. “His experience working with university leaders, governing boards, and industry partners will be a valuable asset to LIU.”

His appointment comes as LIU invests in scientific discovery, emerging technologies, and academic infrastructure. Recent initiatives include a strategic partnership with Dassault Systèmes, the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Academic Innovation (AI²) Center, and the groundbreaking for a new College of Science building.

“Expanding a research enterprise requires expertise in the agreements and partnerships that bring discoveries into practical use,” said Mohammed Cherkaoui, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Research and Artificial Intelligence at LIU. “Michael’s experience in sponsored research, intellectual property, and technology commercialization will help our faculty and industry collaborators move promising work forward.”

A registered patent attorney and Certified Licensing Professional, Schade has held senior legal and executive positions at the University of Oklahoma and worked in private practice. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, magna cum laude, from the University of Oklahoma. He has also served as an adjunct professor in the University’s College of Law and Price College of Business.

“I am honored to join Long Island University and grateful to President Cline and Chairman Krasnoff for their confidence,” said Schade. “LIU’s commitment to academic excellence and its ambitious research agenda make this an exciting time to join the University. I look forward to working with its leadership, faculty, and partners as LIU enters its next century.”

About Long Island University

Founded in 1926, Long Island University is a nationally recognized research and teaching institution serving more than 16,000 students across its Long Island and Brooklyn campuses. LIU offers more than 150 academic programs and advances discovery and innovation through research, industry partnerships, and investments in emerging technologies. Learn more at www.liu.edu.

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