Kent Syverud, currently the chancellor and president of Syracuse University, has been appointed as the 16th president of the University of Michigan. The university’s Board of Regents voted unanimously to select Syverud during a special session held on January 12 in Ann Arbor. He is expected to assume office by July 1.
Syverud is the first U-M alumnus in nearly a century to be named president. He holds a Juris Doctorate from Michigan Law (1981) and a master’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan (1983). His career includes leadership roles at Syracuse University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Vanderbilt University Law School.
“The University of Michigan proudly welcomes President-elect Syverud,” said Mark Bernstein, chair of the Board of Regents and co-chair of the presidential search committee. “President-elect Syverud is an experienced and trusted leader who has guided higher education institutions—and their students—to new levels of success. The Board of Regents is eager to bring his experience and passion back to U-M, where he is uniquely qualified to grow our impact across the state, nation and world.”
Syverud’s time at Syracuse included record enrollment numbers, academic achievements, research breakthroughs, and growth in economic impact for upstate New York. Before leading Syracuse since 2014, he served as dean at both Washington University School of Law and Vanderbilt Law School.
“I believe Michigan has been, is now and must remain the best public research university anywhere,” Syverud said. “That has been my experience. This university gave me everything I have become.
“These are challenging times for Michigan, for higher education, and the world. We have a choice in how to respond. We can curl up in a ball … or we can do what Michigan has always done at its best: We can lead,” Syverud said. “We can lead not by arrogantly lecturing others, but by modeling each day in small ways and in big ones, the values, the ideas and innovation, and the civil engagement that this world so badly needs. I want to help us do that, always remembering our special obligation to the people of the state of Michigan … who created this institution and who merit our priority.”
After graduating from law school at U-M, Syverud worked as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor before joining academia full-time with positions including assistant professor at U-M Law School.
Regents Vice Chair Michael J. Behm noted that Syverud understands current challenges facing universities: “During the search process, we learned that President-elect Syverud is a fearless listener,” Behm said. “He’s extremely talented at imagining and implementing goals for the future, and a gifted collaborator with students, faculty, and statewide stakeholders. These qualities will benefit all Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint.”
The appointment comes after an extensive search process beginning July 2025 that included input from students, faculty members across campuses—including Ann Arbor—the wider community through listening sessions attended by nearly 600 people plus an online survey with around 900 responses.
Syverud succeeds Domenico Grasso—an interim president since May following Santa J. Ono’s departure—who praised U-M’s dedication: “As a university chancellor you already know you’ll encounter bright dedicated creative opinionated faculty students staff,” Grasso said Jan 12.“Michigan will amplify those encounters.I sincerely believe collective dedication to UniversityofMichigan unmatched higher education.We all want best jewel academic excellence transformative research public service.”
His compensation package includes an annual base salary of $2 million along with standard benefits provided under university policy such as housing at President’s House expense allowance use automobile driver retirement contributions.
U-M was founded in Detroit in 1817 before moving its main campus to Ann Arbor; it also operates campuses in Dearborn and Flint (official website). The university offers undergraduate through professional programs while advancing knowledge development among future leaders (official website). Its athletic teams are known as Wolverines (official website).
Syverud brings additional experience leading philanthropic campaigns; under his tenure Syracuse doubled its endowment above $2 billion by 2025 while raising over $1.59 billion during its Forever Orange Campaign ending December 2024—a period paralleling U-M’s own Look to Michigan campaign aiming for $7 billion with over $4 billion raised so far toward societal challenges.
Leaders from both universities welcomed his appointment:
“Kent Syverud leads with integrity which I’ve experienced first-hand for past twelve years,” Mike Tirico vice chair Syracuse trustees NBC Sports commentator Ann Arbor resident stated.“I know how much UniversityofMichigan means him Dr.Chen.His experience skill set passion great fit…thrilled welcome neighbor.”
“President-elect Syverud is leader who understands both structural complexity human dimensions universities.An award-winning teacher effective champion research excellence brings student-centered perspective thoughtful steady approach stewarding complex academic institutions clear commitment ensuring universities contribute meaningfully locally globally,” Celeste Watkins-Hayes Ford School dean search committee member said.“With deep ties…he demonstrates strong appreciation history strengths alongside engaged forward-looking view evolving opportunities.”
“We were looking for leader who shares morals listens voices champions diverse perspectives make U-M world-class leader.We found that leader,” Eric Veal Jr Central Student Government president added.“President-elect Kent Syverud doesn’t just understand Michigan Difference he embodies it…dynamic leader leads empathy genuine heart people serves profoundly student-centered…I have no doubt he will show tireless dedication fostering authentic relationships every corner campus.”
