Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke Chosen Senior Fellow Of Yale University Governing Board

Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke has been named Senior Fellow of the Yale Corporation, the University’s governing body, President Richard C. Levin announced today.

Schmoke, the first African-American to be named Senior Fellow, was appointed a fellow of the Yale Corporation in 1989. He is currently serving his second six-year term as a member of the Corporation.

“Yale has benefited over the years from Mayor Schmoke’s strong devotion to the University,” said Levin. “He has very high standards for the University in all dimensions, and I look forward to working with him.”

The Senior Fellow is chosen by the members of the Corporation. Levin, who presides over the Corporation, consults regularly with the Senior Fellow between the scheduled meetings of the Corporation. Schmoke will preside over Corporation meetings in Levin’s absence. Traditionally, the Senior Fellow also appoints the search committee when the Yale presidency becomes vacant.

Schmoke will succeed Richard J. Franke, who has served as Senior Fellow since 1994. Franke’s second six-year term as a member of the Corporation ends this year. Franke, who is active in arts and humanities projects around the country, retired as Chairman and CEO of John Nuveen & Co. Inc. in 1996.

Schmoke, who is serving his third term as Mayor of Baltimore, is a 1971 graduate of Yale College. After studying at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, he earned a law degree from Harvard University. After serving in the administration of President Carter, he served as a U.S. Attorney and State’s Attorney for Baltimore City prior to his election as Mayor.

While an undergraduate at Yale, Schmoke co-founded the Calvin Hill Day Care Center. He was the Yale College Class Day speaker, chosen by the graduating seniors, in 1995.

The Yale Corporation is made up of the President of the University, ten Successor Fellows, and six Alumni Fellows who are elected by Yale alumni. The governor and lieutenant governor of Connecticut are ex-officio members.