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Syracuse University will welcome Mike Haynie as its new chancellor earlier than originally planned, with Haynie set to take over on Monday, May 11. The current chancellor, Kent Syverud, will leave the university after commencement on Sunday, May 10, to become president of the University of Michigan, moving up his departure date by several weeks.
Haynie, who is currently Syracuse University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, was initially meant to begin his new role on July 1. Instead, the leadership change will align with graduation weekend. Syverud stated, “Over the next six weeks, I will work closely with Chancellor-elect Haynie to ensure a seamless transition and handover of responsibilities,” according to a message shared with the university community and reported by syracuse.com.
The university’s Board of Trustees selected Haynie after a months-long search process, as detailed by News.Syr.edu. Haynie has been part of the Syracuse University community since 2007, starting as an associate professor and later leading key initiatives for veterans, including the creation of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the National Veteran Resource Center.
Syverud, who has led the university since 2014, is credited with guiding Syracuse through significant changes and improving its financial stability. The leadership shift comes as the university experiences other major changes, including new hires in athletics and men’s basketball, as noted by CNY Central.
Looking ahead, Haynie will take the helm during a period of transition and ongoing development for the university. Syverud has expressed confidence that the campus is “in exceptionally capable hands” as the leadership changes take effect.