Chancellor Haynie: I plan to put students at the forefront of my decisions

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This week, thousands of students are arriving at Syracuse University to launch their academic careers. They’re starting something new. They’re not alone. This fall semester is my first as Chancellor of Syracuse University. It’s a new beginning even for someone like me, who has been part of this university for nearly two decades.

But one thing about Syracuse University hasn’t changed since I’ve been here: the fact that we have the most outstanding students. They’re tenacious, entrepreneurial and welcoming. For two decades, I’ve witnessed our students use their time at Syracuse to build something larger than themselves and leave our community better than they found it. Our faculty and staff make that possible, showing up each day ready to invest in our students just as they invested in me 20 years ago.

I’ve witnessed thousands of students grow in ways they never imagined during their time at Syracuse. My advice to our newest members of the Orange community is to be open to everything that makes this university special. Join a student organization, try a club sport, seek new experiences — they could be your next great passion. Our faculty and staff will be there alongside you, offering mentorship, expertise and encouragement that turn ambition into achievement.

Students: you will see a great deal of me on campus this year — in the dining halls, in classrooms, at student organization events and at games in the Dome. When you do, I hope you’ll stop and tell me what’s working well and where we can do better, because your voice will help shape what we build next.

I ask for that voice now because higher education faces real challenges at this moment. Even so, I remain genuinely optimistic about how Syracuse will meet them, because I know the people who make this place what it is. Our students are our north star, and keeping them at the center of every decision is how I intend to lead through whatever this year and the years ahead bring.

This year will bring something new to all of us: our newest students, our new faculty and staff and me as a new chancellor. But one thing never changes. We’re all Orange.

Welcome back, and to those arriving for the first time, welcome to Syracuse University. I’m excited to begin this year with all of you.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Chancellor and President
Syracuse University

Published on August 18, 2026 at 10:42 pm