Syracuse University board of trustees extends Chancellor Syverud’s contract

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse University board of trustees on Tuesday announced it has extended the contract of Chancellor Kent Syverud to 2026.

The announcement follows a review of the chancellor’s performance, leadership, and “vision for the future of Syracuse University,” according to a Syracuse news release. As part of that review, the board collected feedback from campus-community members, including deans, faculty, students, staff, alumni, trustees, and administrators.

“Over the last nine years, Chancellor Syverud, along with the talented leadership team he has built, has worked tirelessly to advance academic and research excellence, elevate the student experience and create a campus community that is truly welcoming to all,” Kathy Walters, who chairs the Syracuse board of trustees, contended. “He has done all this despite facing historic challenges, including a once-in-a-generation global pandemic. We are grateful for his leadership, calm under pressure and distinctive vision for the future of Syracuse University.”

In making this decision, the board also cited the chancellor’s “evolving and distinctive vision” for the university’s future, and the “positive momentum” he has built during his nine years at Syracuse. Sound management of the COVID-19 crisis, the university’s strong financial standing and the transformative physical changes on campus are among the accomplishments that the board recognized in extending Syverud’s contract.

During Syverud’s tenure, Syracuse University’s endowment doubled to more than $1.7 billion. The university also opened Barnes Center at The Arch, a holistic student health and wellness facility; renovated the Schine Student Center; revamped the Dome and renamed it JMA Wireless Dome; and replaced a busy road with a “pedestrian-friendly” promenade, the Einhorn Family Walk through the heart of campus.