Schools introduce new general counsel position
CSB/SJU created their first ever general counsel and corporate secretary position. Cheryl Stanton will take on the role to oversee the instiutions' legal matters.
Cheryl Stanton is set to pioneer the position of general counsel at CSB/SJU.
In the wake of both presidents’ chiefs of staff leaving the institution and an increase in the need for legal counsel, the schools reassessed necessary leadership skills and created the position of general counsel and corporate secretary.
In this position, Stanton will serve as the chief lawyer for CSB/SJU, overseeing the schools’ legal matters and advising the board of trustees and presidents.
“There was a clear opportunity at that time to assess what leadership skill sets were needed to best move our institutions forward,” Stanton said via email. “Many more issues require the use of legal counsel than even a few years ago, particularly with our process of strong integration, and strong board relationships.”
Stanton cited the school’s increased use of outside legal counsel for Title IX and human rights complaints as one driving force behind creating her position.
Fall 2021 saw cases such as the alleged sex competition in St. Patrick hall. Students are hoping the creation of a legal position on staff will lead to positive change.
“I think this was a much-needed position at CSB/SJU as recent events such as the Pat Hall incident have taken place,” CSB first-year Maddie Prickett said. “With matters such as Title IX and human rights, it’s super important to hire someone with lots of experience [who] can manage it best for the institutions.”
Stanton’s 24 years of legal experience in private practice and in house, as well as eight years of experience of general counsel in house, set her up well for carving out the new legal role at CSB/SJU.
“My skill set aligned well with the needs of the schools, particularly at this time with the launch of Strong Integration, and given similar experiences I had in my prior job history,” she said.
Stanton is no stranger to CSB/SJU either.
Her brother and sister-in-law are both alumni of the schools, as well as her nephews and their partners. Stanton also has friends and former law partners who are CSB/SJU alumni and former trustees.
“I guess you could say I am an alumna by osmosis,” Stanton said.
Familiarity with the schools and extensive legal experience bode well for Stanton’s anticipated success at creating a new role and new change at CSB/SJU, making the decision to join the community easy.
“I saw the job posting, it piqued my curiosity, I love both of these schools, so I looked into it further. The rest is history.”