Overview

• Benno Schmidt Jr., renowned constitutional law scholar, transformed Yale and CUNY as president.
• At Yale, he restructured the budget, improved finances and refocused the curriculum.
• He turned around CUNY, hiring more faculty, starting new graduate schools and raising standards.
• Schmidt also led Edison Schools, contributing to the rise of charter schools and for-profit education companies.
• Known for expertise in constitutional law and improving Yale’s campus, Schmidt dedicated his career to changing higher education.