Mon Jan 12 18:50:00 UTC 2026: ### University of Michigan Appoints Kent Syverud as Next President
The Story: The University of Michigan has announced Kent Syverud, current chancellor of Syracuse University and a UM alumnus, as its next president. He will succeed interim President Domenico Grasso, who took over after Santa Ono‘s departure in May 2025. The University of Michigan Board of Regents formally elected Syverud at a special meeting on January 12. Regent Michael Behm lauded Syverud as a “fearless listener” with a proven track record of achieving goals.
Key Points:
* Kent Syverud, chancellor of Syracuse University, will be the next president of the University of Michigan.
* The appointment was formally made at a Board of Regents special meeting on January 12.
* Syverud previously served as dean at Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt Law School.
* He was a faculty member at the UM law school from 1987 to 1997.
* Syverud was a witness for UM in the Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger, which upheld UM Law School’s limited use of race in admissions.
* Syverud will be the fifth president to lead the University of Michigan this decade.
Key Takeaways:
* The University of Michigan seeks stability after a period of rapid presidential turnover.
* The selection of an alumnus with a strong academic and administrative background suggests a desire for experienced leadership.
* Syverud‘s past involvement in the Grutter v. Bollinger case highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to diversity, despite the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ban.
* Regent Behm‘s emphasis on the new president’s ability to listen suggests a need to improve communication and collaboration within the university.
Impact Analysis:
* Stability and Leadership Continuity: Syverud‘s appointment aims to provide a sense of stability after a turbulent period of frequent leadership changes. A longer tenure is expected, allowing for consistent strategic planning and execution.
* Focus on University-Wide Collaboration: Regent Behm‘s comments signal a desire for improved internal communication and collaboration across the University of Michigan’s three campuses. Syverud‘s demonstrated ability to engage with all stakeholders will be crucial in fostering a cohesive university community.
* Navigating Diversity Challenges: With Syverud‘s past involvement in the Grutter v. Bollinger case, the University of Michigan will be challenged to maintain its commitment to diversity and inclusion while adapting to evolving legal constraints regarding affirmative action.
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