Syverud proposes Agnew remain provost amid chancellor search
Chancellor Kent Syverud removed the interim title from Provost and Vice Chancellor Lois Agnew and delayed the search for Syracuse University’s next provost. Agnew’s term is set to end in Dec. 2026, or June 2027 as needed. Solange Jain | Senior Staff Photographer
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Chancellor Kent Syverud proposed Tuesday that Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor Lois Agnew remain in her position as Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees begins its search for a new chancellor.
Agnew’s term is now set to end in December 2026 or June 2027, as needed, according to Syverud’s campus-wide email. Agnew began her term in 2024.
In the email, Syverud said as Agnew has served in her role for over a year with distinction, the university would typically begin its search for a new provost in the coming weeks. Though following his Aug. 26 resignation announcement, he said the new chancellor should play a role in the search for a new provost.
“In my view, Lois has provided strong and thoughtful leadership in very challenging times and has earned the confidence of our academic community and our board,” Syverud wrote in the email.
Syverud also removed “interim” from Agnew’s title, giving Agnew “more external authority.”
Agnew began her term last year after Gretchen Ritter stepped down from the position.
As Syverud’s proposal is a “deviation” from the university’s normal provost selection process, he wrote that he welcomes thoughts and reactions from the SU community.
