SARASOTA – New College of Florida, a liberal arts college in Sarasota, has hired Michael Pierce as its general counsel.
Pierce was formerly an adjunct professor and director of bar preparation services at Stetson University College of Law. There, he developed programs to increase student engagement. He has experience in federal higher education regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Title IX and the Clery Act.
“This hiring continues to allow the college to have experienced legal counsel on-hand to deal with regulatory issues and other matters quickly and effectively,” News Services Manager David Gulliver told the Florida Record.
Gullver said it is not the first time New College of Florida has hired a general counsel.
“The previous general counsel was hired in July 2013 and served until June 2016,” Gulliver said. “Before that, we contracted with a law firm for many years. Before that, the college did have a general counsel position but I don't have the details on hand.”
Pierce received his law degree from Stetson in 2011 and graduated from Duquesne University in 2008. After completing law school, he worked in private practice in estate law and asset protection before rejoining Stetson as program attorney in a consumer protection program. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association and the Association of Academic Support Educators.
“We are very pleased that Mike has joined our management team,” said John Martin, vice president of finance and administration at New College, in a statement. “He is well-versed in many of the important legal issues facing higher education today and his experience working closely with students, faculty and administrators will serve the college well.”
Gulliver sad Pierce will not be doing any teaching at the college.
"His duties are strictly to provide legal counsel to the administration," Gulliver sad.