The University of Michigan has officially appointed Kent Syverud as its 16th president, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Regents on Monday. Syverud, who currently serves as chancellor and president of Syracuse University, will succeed interim president Domenico Grasso. Grasso has been fulfilling this role since Santa Ono stepped down in May to accept a position as president of the University of Florida.
Syverud is set to take on his new responsibilities by July 1, 2024, with an annual base salary of $2 million. The Board of Regents expressed confidence in Syverud’s leadership abilities, with Mark Bernstein, chair of the Board, stating, “President-elect Syverud is an experienced and trusted leader who has guided higher education institutions—and their students—to new levels of success.”
Background and Qualifications
The New York native has a long-standing connection with the University of Michigan, having earned his juris doctorate and a master’s degree in economics there between 1981 and 1983. He completed his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University. After his time at Michigan, Syverud practiced law and served as a clerk for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
After returning to Michigan in 1987, he worked as an assistant professor of law for ten years, later advancing to professor and associate dean for academic affairs. Syverud was appointed as the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University in 2014 and has been in that role since.
Prior to his tenure at Syracuse, he held the position of dean at the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis and was the Ethan A.H. Shepley Distinguished University Professor. He also served as dean at Vanderbilt University Law School.
Transition and Future Initiatives
The search for a new president began last summer after Ono’s announcement regarding his departure. Grasso was appointed interim president shortly thereafter. Syverud’s appointment comes at a critical time for the university, particularly following Grasso’s announcement of an independent review into the athletic department. This review was initiated after the firing of football head coach Sherrone Moore, who was dismissed on December 10, 2023, due to allegations of an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member, followed by his arrest for various charges, including stalking and breaking and entering.
In light of these developments, the university has recently hired former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the Wolverines football team. Syverud’s leadership is anticipated to foster growth and stability across both academic and athletic sectors at the University of Michigan, reinforcing its impact on a state, national, and global scale.
In conclusion, Kent Syverud’s appointment marks a significant transition for the University of Michigan, as both the institution and its community look forward to a new era under his guidance.
