Syracuse University appoints COO

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud on Monday announced the appointment of John Papazoglou as its chief operating officer (COO), effective Feb. 1.

In this role, Papazoglou will be responsible for multiple on-campus and off-campus operations, including dining, housing, hospitality and food services, Syracuse University said.

Papazoglou comes to Syracuse from Pennsylvania State University. The executive committee of the Syracuse board of trustees will be asked to approve his appointment at its next meeting.

“John’s extensive experience in higher education combined with his deep understanding of hospitality and customer service will make him an immediate asset to Syracuse University,” Syverud said.

Papazoglou, a New Jersey native, has served as associate VP of auxiliary and business services at Penn State since July 2017. In that role, he’s been responsible for multiple administrative units including housing and food services, the Bryce Jordan Center (a multi-use facility for academic programs and entertainment and sports events), hospitality services, transportation services, multimedia and print center, campus mail, and the University Park Airport.

He also served as the primary liaison for the Penn State Bookstore contract and the University’s pouring rights contract.

As Syracuse COO, Papazoglou will oversee the non-academic units that interact most frequently with students and guests on campus, including housing, retail operations, catering and the commissary.