SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud is stepping away from the role earlier than expected after announcing in an email to the university community that he has been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer.
The university had originally planned for Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie to take office following commencement on May 11, but Haynie will now assume leadership responsibilities immediately.
The announcement came as a surprise to many on campus.
“It was a really big shock to me, but I figured something was up when he planned to step down earlier in May than I thought,” SU sophomore Cate Galante said.
Others reacted with sympathy for Syverud as he begins treatment.
“I was so surprised and felt so sad. I’m sending him all my thoughts and prayers,” Syracuse University senior Mimi Wade said.
Syverud is currently receiving treatment at the University of Michigan Medical Center. In an email and video to University of Michigan faculty and students, U of M leaders said Syverud will no longer become the institution’s next president.
“Syverud will serve as a professor of law at our law school and a special advisor to the board because we want him to have every opportunity to serve our university even under these difficult circumstances,” University of Michigan Board of Regents Chair Mark Bernstein said.
Syverud said Haynie will assume all leadership responsibilities of Syracuse University immediately, moving up the transition timeline as the university adjusts to the sudden change.
Students said they are optimistic about Haynie stepping into the role.
“He knows what students want, so I think he won’t have any trouble doing this except maybe some logistics, and I think him stepping up in the middle of a term says a lot about his character, so I’m excited to see where he goes with this role,” Galante said.
Wade echoed that confidence.
“As a student in Whitman, I’m always running into him. He really cares about the student body, and I think he’s going to make some great decisions and great changes,” Wade said.
Syverud said in the email he believes the university will be left in good hands and plans to continue sharing updates on his health. At this time, Haynie has not yet commented publicly on his new role or on Syverud’s diagnosis.