Dear readers,

This package of stories, months in the making, was originally scheduled for publication last week. After Chancellor Kent Syverud shared his brain cancer diagnosis, we chose to delay publication to process and reflect.

The Daily Orange wishes Syverud and his wife, Ruth Chen, strength and support in this difficult time. We thank him for his dedication to the Syracuse community. Our thoughts are with him and his family as he undergoes treatment at the University of Michigan.

The purpose of this guide is two-fold. On one hand, we preview the future of Syracuse University's new leadership. After an exclusive sit-down interview with Mike Haynie, we explore the life and career that preceded his appointment as the university's third-ever internally-selected chancellor. We also reflect on the 12 years of Syverud's tenure, from his mission of fiscal stability to his leadership during the pandemic and broader changes across higher education.

The guide further delves into the appointment of Director of Athletics Bryan Blair amid a time where college athletics is in a state of uncertainty. And we take a closer look at the influence of Chen and her commitment to making all students feel at home.

SU's leadership transition comes as higher education faces unprecedented challenges in enrollment, federal research funding and shifts in campus culture from governmental directives.

Haynie, now acting chancellor, has made it clear he's ready to face these challenges head-on.