6 Questions with Bentley Trustee and CPA Muriel D. Schadee, MST ’99

Driven by loyalty and a passion for numbers, Muriel D. Schadee, MST ’99 built a 40-year career at Nathan Wechsler & Company Business Advisors. She joined the firm in 1980 and just nine years later was named partner. During her tenure, Schadee concentrated on business and tax consulting and developed extensive experience in a variety of industries, including construction, life science and technology firms. She is a certified public accountant known for her ability to break down complex, multi-tiered tax-related issues to develop creative and practical solutions for clients. 

Schadee’s dedication to leadership and strategic growth is reflected by her participation on numerous boards, including the Bentley Board of Trustees, which she joined in September 2025.

What influenced your path to becoming a CPA? 

Math was my favorite subject in high school, and I excelled at it. My older brother majored in business administration in college, and his stories about working for GE Capital sounded so interesting, I just thought I would do the same. But, while evaluating majors, I determined that an accounting degree would provide specialized technical skills that would be more useful for me trying to succeed in the business world back in 1980, and I got to nurture my love of math. I graduated first in my college class and joined a New Hampshire public accounting firm. Becoming licensed as a CPA was the natural next step as I advanced in my public accounting career.  

What do you consider your most impactful professional accomplishment? 

I am retired now, but I had a career with the same public accounting firm for over 40 years. I am very proud of my longevity and continued enthusiasm for improving all aspects of the firm’s business, from client service and staff development to managing the tax practice and administration — as well as the firm’s strategic planning. 

Through these professional accomplishments, I served as a role model for the women who joined the firm after me. When I started there, I was the only female professional staff member. I later became the first woman principal/owner of the firm. Over the years, the firm has grown significantly and now women make up approximately 50% of the principals and professional staff.  

You have been recognized as an outstanding woman in business. What’s your advice for future business leaders? 

I was honored when the New Hampshire Business Review selected me as an Outstanding Woman in Business in 2015. I spent many years developing high-level technical skills as well as practical business experience in order to advise business owners. Assisting others in meeting their goals was very fulfilling.  

My advice for future leaders is to find the work that you love to do and apply yourself by doing the very best that you can in every role. Be curious, listen, respect and have empathy for every person you work with. Maintain your integrity and never stop learning! 

Was there an experience that led you to establish the Robert J. ’66 and Muriel D., MST ’99 Schadee Endowed Scholarship Fund? 

My husband Bob and I both knew a high-quality college education was critical to our future success in the accounting and business fields. We both struggled to find a way to pay for our education: work, work-study, scholarships, loans. We were so grateful for any scholarships we received. 

Bob was a 1966 graduate of Bentley. He always spoke highly of his Bentley undergraduate experience and attributed much of his business success to his Bentley education. He was grateful and we supported the Bentley annual fund for many years. He always planned to pay it forward in a more significant way. 

Upon his passing in March of 2018, I decided to honor him and his wish to give back by supporting expendable and endowed scholarships through the Robert J. ’66 and Muriel D., MST ’99 Schadee Endowed Scholarship Fund for Accounting majors with financial need. One of my favorite times on campus now is when I meet for lunch with scholarship recipients.  

Which part of the university’s mission excites you most? 

I am honored to join the Bentley University Board of Trustees and to serve on committees including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Audit and Administration and Finance. 

Bentley’s Falcons Forward 2030 strategic plan outlines the university’s critical initiatives to strengthen its long-term competitiveness. I am most excited about the commitment to offering a truly transformative experience to prepare every student to be a capable business leader and a force for good in the world. The Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative, with the reimagined Adamian Academic Center, will provide cutting-edge resources that I look forward to seeing in use.  

You enjoy international travel and a great book on the beach. Any favorite books and destinations?    

I have belonged to a book club for 20 years. We have 10 members and have read a great variety of books, with several focused on historical fiction. Recent favorites include “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon and “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks.  

I love the educational and cultural experience of visiting other countries. Every place has a special museum, church, architecture or natural beauty to explore and people to enjoy. 

My most recent cruise from Barcelona to Venice, with 10 stops along the way, was magical. Venice is my new favorite city — a place everyone should experience. I have a world map on the wall, with pins marking my bucket list destinations. There are many pins.