Administrator for job creation

As senior vice president for research and technology for Case Western Reserve University, Michael Oakes managed the research enterprise—and helped turn discoveries into patents and companies.

A new title emphasizes the regional economic impact of that role. On Jan. 1, Oakes became executive vice president for research and economic development.

University President Eric Kaler said the position reflects the increasingly vital function that research universities like CWRU play in driving innovation, launching startups, and creating jobs.

“Greater research impact is central to our vision,” added Julie Gerberding, chair of CWRU’s Board of Trustees. “This appointment will help translate CWRU’s strengths into jobs, investment, and societal benefit—here in Northeast Ohio and beyond.”

Oakes came to Case in July 2022 from the University of Minnesota, where he was associate vice president of research, and quickly made his mark. Research expenditures grew from $440 million in 2022 to $660 million in 2025, according to a university press release.

Oakes is leading the scientific design of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB), the $300 million research flagship scheduled to open in October. He’s working with the Case School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences to design spaces for collaborative, trans-formative research.

He also created the 11000 Cedar Startup Incubator, a 40,000-square-foot business incubator in the former BioEnterprise building just off campus.

“This promotion is an honor and a responsibility,” he said in a statement. “In this increasingly dynamic environment, universities must evolve, be more agile and responsive, integrate AI across fields, and deliver measurable results for students, patients, companies, and communities.”