TU president receives 'Smart 50 Award'

Tiffin University is proud to announce that Lillian Schumacher, president, has been selected as a 2024 Smart 50 Award honoree. Since 2014, the Columbus Smart 50 Awards recognize the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in Ohio for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. Presented by Hylant, eligible Smart 50 nominees must be a top executive of an organization with a physical office in Ohio. All 50 winners were honored at a special celebration in August. As recognized by Smart 50, President Schumacher was honored for her strategic vision and innovative approach in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education. Her strategic approach has driven positive change at Tiffin University and globally, notably through the creation of the "CCU@TU" initiative, which integrates cultural competencies into campus culture and curriculum. President Schumacher's innovative approach is further demonstrated through her establishment of the Tiffin Innovation Program, designed to help students develop and launch innovative start-ups. Additionally, she orchestrated the 2023 Innovation Summit, which brought together C-suite executives to discuss industry trends and future workforce needs. A cornerstone of her innovation efforts is the development of the new Center for Innovation and Learning, a 30,000-square-foot facility featuring 14 state-of-the-art classrooms. This Center, which includes the Gary and Laura Robinette Entrepreneurship Center, will serve as a hub for collaboration and interactive learning, embodying President Schumacher's commitment to empowering students with the skills necessary for driving positive change. Her ability to infuse creativity, design thinking and critical reasoning into the Center's ethos has set a new standard for educational innovation. President Schumacher is a proactive leader in the area of higher education mergers and acquisitions as well as strategic partnerships, possessing a deep understanding of the evolving dynamics in higher education and the necessity for institutions to adapt to ensure their sustainability. Students describe her leadership as visionary, always creating an environment where students are not only encouraged but also empowered to explore, grow and innovate. Her dedication to excellence serves as a constant source of inspiration, driving everyone on campus to reach higher. "I am honored to be recognized by the Smart 50 Awards," said President Schumacher. "We have diligently worked to establish a sustainable culture at Tiffin University, and to have this innovation acknowledged is a testament to the dedication of the entire Tiffin University community. I eagerly anticipate many more years of collaboration with my team, striving to transform the lives of our students." "Effectively building and leading a private university is not an easy task," said Andrew J. Felter, president of Tiffin University Board of Trustees. "We are extremely pleased for President Schumacher in receiving this deserved award and recognition. The Tiffin University family is fortunate to have her commitment and passion for driving innovation, impact and sustainability for the benefit of the university's students, faculty and staff. We have seen it reflected in TU's success and are excited that others recognize her exceptional leadership as well. We take immense pride in celebrating this milestone. On behalf of TU's Board of Trustees and the entire university community, we congratulate President Schumacher on this accomplishment. It is truly a great day to be a Dragon!" For more information about the Smart 50, visit sbnonline.com/events/smart50col/.