‘I will not let you down’: Haynie makes 1st remarks as SU chancellor-elect

Syracuse University's 13th chancellor-elect Mike Haynie promised student-focused leadership during a special event Tuesday held in the Bisignano Grand Hall of the National Veterans Resource Center. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

By Brenne SheehanNews Editor

March 3, 2026

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In his first remarks as Syracuse University’s 13th chancellor-elect, Mike Haynie promised student-focused leadership as he prepares to take office on July 1.

Haynie spoke to attendees at a special event Tuesday held in the Bisignano Grand Hall of the National Veterans Resource Center — an integral project of Haynie’s tenure. The event marks the official announcement of the Chancellor Search Committee’s pick for SU’s next chancellor.

During the event, SU announced Haynie’s appointment with a news release and a campus-wide email announcement from Haynie himself.

Introduced by Board of Trustees Chair and search committee member Jeffrey Scruggs, Haynie told attendees his upcoming months will consist of conversations with students, faculty, staff and alumni — who he calls the “heart” of the university — to prepare for his tenure.

“I didn’t come into this role with a predetermined strategy already drafted and ready to execute,” Haynie said. “That would be the wrong way to start, because it would not reflect the respect that I have for this community. I want to hear from all of you. What’s working? Where do we excel? Where do we need new investment? Where do we need to refocus our time, attention, our resources? All of those conversations will shape what comes next.”

The chancellor-elect is currently SU’s vice chancellor of strategic initiatives and innovation as well as the executive dean of the Whitman School of Management. Starting as an entrepreneurship professor at Whitman in 2006, he rose through the ranks of outgoing Chancellor Kent Syverud’s administration, including his appointment as vice chancellor of Veteran and Military Affairs in 2014 and University Professor — SU’s most prestigious faculty title — in 2017. He is the third internally-selected chancellor in SU’s history and the first since Melvin Eggers in 1971.

During his remarks, Haynie thanked members of the search committee for a selection process “marked by rigor and integrity.” The new chancellor also made it a point to thank Syverud and his wife, professor Ruth Chen, for strengthening SU “academically, financially and reputationally” — prompting a lengthy applause from the audience.

Syverud will leave the university at the end of the academic year, he announced in August. He’ll go on to serve a five-year term as president at the University of Michigan, his alma mater. Syverud did not speak during the event.

The search committee tasked with selecting Haynie consisted of 24 members, including members of SU’s Board of Trustees, several SU faculty and Student Government Association President German Nolivos. Board of Trustees members Lisa Fontenelli and Shelly Fisher co-chaired the search committee that was formed in September.

Mike Haynie speaks to attendees at a in the Bisignano Grand Hall. Haynie told attendees his upcoming months will consist of conversations with students, faculty, staff and alumni — who he calls the “heart” of the university — to prepare for his tenure. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

At Tuesday’s event, Fontenelli labeled the search committee’s process as “fair, open and competitive,” detailing its several listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, alumni and greater Syracuse residents. The search committee hosted several listening sessions during the fall semester.

While Fontenelli said there was “no perfect candidate,” the committee made its decision based on SU’s “evolving landscape,” including changes to college athletics, technology and demographics.

“From those conversations, a portrait emerged of a leader who would dedicate themselves to our mission, our people and our future, who would sustain tradition as well as create and transform,” Fontenelli said. “Someone with entrepreneurial instincts, deep academic credibility and an unwavering commitment to students.”

Nolivos, the search committee’s only undergraduate representative, said his biggest motivator during the chancellor search was finding a leader who loved the university and showed up to student events, encouraging campus transformation.

“Today is not just an announcement. Today is a reminder that leadership is love made visible,” Nolivos said. “We wanted someone who knows that Syracuse University is not perfect, but he knows and is sure that it’s worth fighting for. I am proud that today we’re announcing that leader.”

Scruggs, who officially introduced Haynie by his new title, boasted the chancellor elect’s several SU accomplishments — including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, his work to bring Micron Technologies to central New York and the recently founded Center for the Creator Economy.

Jeffrey Scruggs, who officially introduced Haynie by his new title, boasted the chancellor elect’s several SU accomplishments. Avery Magee | Photo Editor

The chairman also highlighted Haynie’s work with veterans and the military — from his 14 years of service in the United States Air Force to his development of the D’Aniello Institute for Veteran and Military Families.

“Service is not a chapter of Mike’s story,” Scruggs said. “It’s the throughline of his entire life, and that commitment to service extends beyond this campus.”

Closing the ceremony, Haynie acknowledged the university will continue to confront “uncertainty,” maintaining that academic excellence will preserve SU’s values.

“Excellence is the engine that will sustain everything we value today and fuel everything that we aspire to achieve in the future,” Haynie said. “The best version of Syracuse University is one that we will create together.”

Haynie will officially take office July 1.

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