Syracuse University now seeking community feedback for chancellor search
Community members can share input for the university's next chancellor through engagement sessions, online surveys and direct responses, according to a Monday campus-wide email. Christian Calabrese | Asst. Photo Editor
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UPDATE: This post was updated at 8:24 p.m. on September 19, 2025.
Syracuse University is now seeking community input for its next chancellor, co-chairs of the Chancellor Search committee announced Monday.
Community members can help shape the committee’s position profile for the future chancellor through engagement sessions, online surveys and direct feedback, according to a Monday campus-wide email from co-chairs Shelly Fisher and Lisa Fontenelli.
SU’s Board of Trustees announced the first two student engagement sessions as it officially begins the search for Chancellor Kent Syverud’s successor, according to a Friday campus-wide email.
The engagement sessions — on Sept. 21 and Sept. 25 — give students the opportunity to speak directly with members of the search committee and share their thoughts on the “qualities and priorities” that should guide their choice.
The first session will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Schine Student Center, room 304 A, B and C.
The second session is Thursday, Sept. 25, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. over Zoom. Registration is required.
The university announced its full search committee Friday morning, made up of 24 trustees, staff members, students and faculty members.
Feedback, suggestions and nominations can also be submitted directly to the Chancellor Search inbox at SyracuseChancellor@SpencerStuart.com, the email states. Spencer Stuart is an executive search and leadership consulting firm, according to its website, and will be assisting the committee.
Fisher and Fontenelli wrote that the next chancellor will need to position SU “for continued success in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.”
The full search committee, led by Fisher and Fontenelli, consists of faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees and will be announced by Friday, the email states.
A calendar of upcoming engagement sessions will also be available on SU News, according to the email.
The co-chairs wrote that Chancellor Kent Syverud’s resignation marks a “historic moment” for the university as SU prepares for its 13th chancellor and president.
“As we chart the path in the important work of identifying the next leader of Syracuse University, we welcome and encourage all members of our community to participate in this process,” Fisher and Fontenelli wrote. “On behalf of our committee, we are grateful for your input and welcome your support.”
