From left: Renee Knake and Gretchen Whitmer. (Knake photo courtesy of Arnold Adler).
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Renee Knake as a new member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees today.
She will fill the remainder of Nancy Schlichting's term, which ends in 2023. Schlichting resigned in late October, citing the university's failure to move forward on an independent investigation into Larry Nassar's abuse.
“I know Renee will work with President Stanley to ensure that Michigan State embodies a culture that respects diversity and values, listens to all survivors, and makes college education more affordable and accessible for Michigan families,” said Governor Whitmer, in a press release. “I’m confident that Renee’s professional background and unique skill set is what Michigan State University needs right now.”
Knake is currently a professor at the University of Houston Law Center and the Joanne and Doherty Chair in Legal Ethics. She is also the director of Outcomes and Assessments as well as a member of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality Committee.
Prior to joining the University of Houston in 2016, Knake spent more than 10 years at MSU, where she received tenure in the College of Law and taught in the Eli Broad College of Business and the Honors College.
While at MSU, she also directed the 21st Century Law Practice Summer Program in London and co-founded the Reinvent Law Laboratory for Law, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
Editor's note — This article has been updated to more accurately reflect Knake's roles during her time at MSU.
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