Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie affirms athletics commitment: ‘We’re all in’
SU Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie affirmed his support for SU Athletics and emphasized its significance during a Tuesday presser. Avery Magee | Photo Editor
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Syracuse University Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie affirmed his support for SU Athletics and emphasized its significance within higher education during a Tuesday presser after the announcement of his appointment.
Haynie will serve as the university’s 13th chancellor beginning July 1, following the departure of Chancellor Kent Syverud. His sentiments come at a critical time for the university’s athletics, with the impending retirement of Director of Athletics John Wildhack and Senior Deputy Athletic Director Herman Frazier.
The chancellor-elect said he’s “confident” in the seven-person committee appointed by Syverud on Feb. 13 tasked with finding SU’s next athletic director to replace Wildhack.
“It’s a very delicate dance,” Haynie said. “That said, we have a smart board, and I think the way decisions have been sequenced will reduce a lot of uncertainty for all of the people involved. And this is an attractive set of jobs that we’re talking about.”
Wildhack’s retirement, which concludes his 10-year tenure at SU, will formally begin July 1. Frazier, the second-highest ranking university athletic official, was effective Feb. 14.
When speaking about his incoming role in SU sports, Haynie said athletics play a large role at the university and serve as a major influence on students’ college decisions.
“It matters that we are a premier athletic brand and a nationally competitive athletic program,” Haynie said. “Not just because it’s a fun thing to have at the institution. It’s part of our strategy.”
Wildhack, along with Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown, attended the ceremony.
Director of Athletics John Wildhack spotted leaving the National Veterans Resource Center after Mike Haynie was announced Syracuse University’s incoming chancellor. Avery Magee | Photo Editor
Haynie said he intends to respect outgoing Syverud’s authority while he remains chancellor, but added he will be involved in athletics-related decisions during his leadership transition, noting some processes are “already underway.”
Many have speculated that Adrian Autry could be removed as the Orange men’s basketball head coach. In his third season, Autry faced criticism from fans amid on-court struggles, including boos at home games and calls for a coaching change. A decision on whether he’ll stay or go will likely be made in the coming weeks once the season concludes.
When asked, Haynie did not directly answer if he would commit to making a men’s basketball coaching change. However, the chancellor-elect expressed his “full commitment” to the athletic program’s future, both in his current position and during his incoming term as chancellor.
“Whether it’s the athletic director opening, or potential other opportunities within our athletics program,” Haynie said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of demand, and it’s a matter of us ensuring that we signal to the community that we’re all in, and I believe, as an institution, we are all in.”
News Editor Brenne Sheehan contributed reporting for this article.
