Kent Syverud Appointed 16th President of University of Michigan

Kent Syverud has been appointed as the 16th President of the University of Michigan. The university’s Board of Regents made the announcement during a special meeting held on Monday afternoon, where they unanimously voted in favor of his election. Syverud, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, is set to take on this prestigious role following his tenure as Chancellor and President at Syracuse University, which began in 2013.

In August 2022, Syverud disclosed his plans to step down from his positions at Syracuse University, with his departure scheduled for June 2026. His extensive experience in higher education leadership also includes serving as the dean of law schools at both Vanderbilt University from 1997 to 2005 and Washington University from 2005 to 2013. Currently, he holds the position of chair of the Atlantic Coast Conference Board of Directors.

Educational Background and Early Career

Syverud’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown University. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981. Two years later, he earned a master’s degree in economics from the same institution. His early career included a prestigious clerkship for U.S. District Judge Louis F. Oberdorfer and later for Sandra Day O’Connor, who was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the leading research institutions in the United States. As president, Syverud will be tasked with furthering the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement.

Regents expressed confidence in Syverud’s leadership abilities, citing his robust academic credentials and experience in navigating complex institutional challenges. His selection reflects a strategic move to enhance the university’s standing on both national and international stages.

As he prepares for this new chapter, there is anticipation regarding how his vision and leadership will shape the future of the University of Michigan. With a strong foundation in law and economics, Syverud’s appointment could signal a renewed focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and academic rigor within the university community.