Thomas M. Cooley Law School has formed a new administrative team to oversee the institution.
Officials brought in several new hires and promoted administrators to form a nine-member management team. Cooley is one of the largest law schools in the nation.
“I wanted to do this as to carry out the strategic plan of the school,” Cooley President Don LeDuc said.
The plan was adopted the same day LeDuc was named president, and of the nine team members, six previously held administrative or professorial positions at Cooley.
“(The team’s) nothing new or radical,” said Sharon Matchette, deputy director of communications at Cooley. Forming the team didn’t require re-inventing the wheel, we just filled some new positions.”
Matchette said although they meet as a team, each member has his or her own separate duties that contribute to the success of the law school.
William E. Schoettle, a veteran of Cooley and former chief financial officer for the Michigan Opera Theatre, returns as vice president of finance and chief operating officer.
Matchette said Schoettle is a prime example of Cooley’s usage of experience and expertise.
From 1974-1988, Schoettle served as vice president of finance and controller at Cooley. He also was vice president of finance for BDS Management Group in Sarasota, Fla., vice president of administration for the American Automobile Manufacturers Association in Detroit and chief financial officer for the Michigan Opera Theatre from 1994-1998.
James D. Robb is associate dean of Development and Graduate Programs. Robb formerly served as associate dean for advancement and adjunct assistant professor of law at Wayne State University.
President LeDuc said the fact most of the people selected already were at the law school made forming the team easier.
Duane Strojny, who came to Cooley in 1995 in charge of Information Services, is the now associate dean of Library and Instructional Support.
In addition, four professors have been promoted to the team.
Helen Mickens is now associate dean of Community Relations, Amy Timmer will serve as associate dean of Students and Professionalism, John Nussbaumer will continue as associate dean of faculty and Ann Miller is the new associate dean of Planning, Programs and Assessment. Also, Paul Zelenski was named associate dean of Enrollment and Student Services.
“I was very pleased that I was selected to the group,” said Charles Mickens, the new associate dean of Innovation and Technology and chief information officer for Cooley.
“I fully support the president’s decision to form the group, and, working as a team, we hope to implement the (strategic plan) of the school.”
