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Meet Dr. Cortlan J. Wickliff

Dr. Cortlan J. Wickliff, Esq. is not just a Lawyer, Engineer, Educator, and Entrepreneur, but also a Motivational Speaker whose words have inspired many. His impressive list of accolades is a testament to his multifaceted expertise.


Academically, he graduated with a Bioengineering degree from Rice University, a Harvard Law Degree, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering from Texas A&M University before his 26th birthday. Along his academic journey, he became the Youngest Engineer in the Nation (age 19), one of the youngest African American graduates of Harvard Law School in 200 years (age 22), and the youngest licensed attorney in the state of Texas (Age 23).


Dr. Wickliff’s meteoric academic journey has been accompanied by an exceptional professional journey as a researcher/engineer, entrepreneur, practicing attorney & consultant. His work as Assistant General Counsel for a Texas-based pharmaceutical company, Kalon Biotherapeutics, LLC, led to a public-private partnership that will build the largest concentration of pharmaceutical production in his region of the U.S.A. (Bryan/College Station’s Biomedical Corridor). His contributions continued as he assisted Kalon in being acquired by Fujifilm, and then became the youngest member of Fujifilm’s North & South American legal team, responsible for all legal matters for over 20 Fujifilm subsidiaries located in North & South America. His Impact is further seen in his independent legal practice, where he provided IP, business, and contract law services to companies ranging in size from individuals and start-up companies to Fortune 500 organizations.


In addition to his legal work, Dr. Wickliff has served as a technical researcher, an educator (in law, business, and STEM), and an executive leader at a tier-1 research institution. His career has also included extensive research in biomedical devices, microbiology/physiology, oil and gas technology (including National Science Foundation-sponsored research into alternative energy sources), and how scientific understanding can better inform policy decisions. His biomedical research has included the development of an apparatus for testing hearing in severely premature infants, a cardiologic device prototype that earned a grant for its commercialization potential, and he completed modifications research in heart failure detection in next-generation pacemaker leads. However, Dr. Wickliff has conducted the most research on how scientific principles can be applied to better manage and bolster organizational compliance with contractual requirements and legal regulations.


He is currently the Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Rice University, where he applies his expertise to craft university policy, ensure adherence to appropriate regulatory requirements, and ensure healthy strategic growth for the university. He also serves as an Adjunct Law professor at the University of Houston Law Center, where he teaches students the role of attorney in starting and growing businesses. 


Because of this unique journey, Dr. Wickliff has become an internationally known young leader quickly becoming a household name. He authored a book titled Young and Driven, detailing the exercises, lessons, tools, and life experiences from his journey that have allowed him to achieve such extraordinary milestones at such a young age. Following his interviews on PBS, Fox, ABC, & NBC, and his features in the Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle & Austin American Statesman, and his guest appearances on radio & television, which include South Africa’s DJ Sbu Radio Show, the Tom Joyner Morning Show with Roland Martin, the Tavis Smiley Show, and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson’s Radio Show, he has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker at commencement exercises, leadership events, professional conferences, conventions, universities, and corporations.


Throughout his remarkable academic and professional journey, Dr. Wickliff has consistently given back, demonstrating his commitment to community service through mentoring, STEM outreach & education programs, academic admissions assistance, and motivational speaking to church groups, youth, young adults, and communities. His efforts have impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people, and he remains committed to improving the lives of hundreds of thousands more.  Dr. Wickliff sincerely believes that each of us has a calling to uplift those around us and apply our gifts for the betterment of others. His decades of community service in underserved (& often ignored) communities is a testament to the sincerity of that belief.

Dr. Wickliff's favorite quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Reflects his belief in the power of personal responsibility. He encourages us to recognize that we all have someone looking up to and emulating us, and it is our duty, whether one or one million, to provide those looking up to us with a good example. His daily embodiment of the core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, faith, respect, and selfless service is a powerful inspiration for us all.

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