Whitman School implements new leadership structure

J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, will serve as Whitman’s executive dean, while Alexander McKelvie will continue to serve as interim dean, a role he has held since July 2022. 

Both appointments are effective immediately, Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a July 28 announcement. Haynie’s appointment to executive dean is for two years, during which time the search for the next Whitman dean will resume.

The new structure is “designed to advance and accelerate growth opportunities and cement the school’s position as a preeminent provider of business education,” Syracuse University stipulated in its announcement.

“The Whitman School has a storied history of producing well prepared, entrepreneurial and successful graduates,” Syverud said in a university news release. “To continue building on that success and to enhance our competitiveness in business education, a new leadership structure is necessary. Under Mike’s strategic direction, and with Alex’s continued leadership, I am confident the Whitman School will continue to build on its legacy and create new opportunities for growth, innovation and excellence.”

Haynie and McKelvie — both of whom are “recognized thought leaders” in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises — will work with the Whitman faculty and staff and the Whitman advisory council to “advance the school’s strategic plan in alignment with the University’s academic priorities,” Syracuse University said. 

In this new role, Haynie will report directly to Chancellor Syverud and McKelvie to Haynie. The processes, norms and policies associated with shared academic governance will not change, and academic personnel issues will continue to be coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs, the school noted.

McKelvie joined Syracuse University more than 15 years ago. When he was tapped to lead the Whitman School last year as interim dean, he was serving as associate dean for undergraduate and master’s education and professor of entrepreneurship. He previously chaired the department of entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises between 2014 and 2019, Syracuse said.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Whitman School, presenting a unique opportunity for our faculty and staff to think differently about how we deliver an innovative, best-in-class business education that prepares our students for success in a fast-evolving world,” Haynie said in the release. “The changing landscape of business education demands outside-the-box thinking and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Together with Alex and the Whitman community, I am excited for the work ahead and look forward to creating the conditions that will allow Whitman and our students to succeed and thrive long into the future.”

In addition to his role as vice chancellor, Haynie is a university professor (Barnes Professor of Entrepreneurship) and has been a member of the Whitman faculty for 16 years.

The search for the next dean will resume in late 2024 while Haynie, McKelvie, and their Whitman colleagues continue to develop the school’s strategic plan and begin implementation under this new leadership model, Syracuse University said.

“Together, Mike and Alex are a formidable leadership team with a passion for the Whitman School and commitment to Syracuse University,” Gretchen Ritter, vice chancellor, provost, and chief academic officer, contended in the release. “They have both led the Whitman School — Mike previously as acting dean and Alex as interim dean — during moments of transition and opportunity. I appreciate their dedication to the Whitman School and have no doubt that, in partnership with the outstanding faculty and staff, the school is poised to experience great growth under their leadership.”