Kent Syverud, the longtime chancellor and president of Syracuse University, has been elected the 16th president of the University of Michigan, marking the first time in nearly a century that a U-M alumnus has been appointed to the role. The Board of Regents voted unanimously on Jan. 12, with Syverud expected to assume office by July 1.
Syverud returns to Ann Arbor after more than three decades in academic leadership and legal scholarship. He has led Syracuse University for the past 12 years, overseeing record enrollment, expanded research capacity and a growing role for the university in the economic revitalization of upstate New York. Regents Chair Mark Bernstein described Syverud as “an experienced and trusted leader” uniquely positioned to strengthen the university’s impact across Michigan and globally.
Academic leadership and national service
Before joining Syracuse, Syverud served as dean of the law schools at Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University. His career also includes public and private legal practice, including a clerkship with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. A specialist in constitutional and administrative law, he has held visiting professorships in Japan, Portugal and across leading U.S. institutions.
Syverud earned his law degree and a master’s in economics from the University of Michigan, later returning as a faculty member and senior academic administrator at Michigan Law. “This university gave me everything I have become,” Syverud said, calling Michigan “the best public research university anywhere” and emphasizing its obligation to serve the people of the state.
Growth, fundraising and innovation
At Syracuse, Syverud expanded faculty hiring in interdisciplinary research areas and launched one of the nation’s first fully online J.D. programs. He also led major fundraising efforts, more than doubling the university’s endowment to over $2 billion and closing the $1.59 billion Forever Orange Campaign in 2024.
His fundraising record aligns with Michigan’s ongoing $7 billion “Look to Michigan” campaign, which had raised just over $4 billion by the end of fiscal 2025. Syverud also brings experience in major collegiate athletics governance, having chaired the Atlantic Coast Conference Board of Directors and led its commissioner search.
Selection process and transition
The appointment follows a six-month national search led by a representative committee and executive search firm Spencer Stuart, incorporating broad campus and public input. Regents Vice Chair Michael Behm said Syverud stood out as a “fearless listener” with a collaborative leadership style.
Syverud succeeds interim president Domenico Grasso, who will remain in the role until the transition is complete. Grasso praised the university’s culture of engagement and public service, qualities Syverud has pledged to uphold as he takes on oversight of Michigan’s academic, research and financial priorities.
Syverud will serve a five-year term and receive a base annual salary of $2 million, along with standard university benefits.
