Syracuse University has found its next leader from within its own ranks. The Board of Trustees announced today the appointment of J. Michael Haynie as the 13th chancellor and president of the University.
Haynie, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a prominent figure in the Syracuse community for over two decades, will officially succeed Chancellor Kent Syverud on July 1, 2026.
A Proven Leader for a New Era
The decision follows a comprehensive national search that concluded with a unanimous vote by the Board. Haynie currently serves as the vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, as well as the executive dean of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.
“Few people have demonstrated a deeper commitment to Syracuse University than Mike Haynie,” said Jeff Scruggs, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “He is exceptionally well-positioned to carry it forward with the dedication and vision this moment demands.”
The Architect of Veteran Excellence
Haynie is perhaps best known as the founder and executive director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF). Under his guidance, Syracuse University became the premier destination for military-connected students.
His accomplishments include:
- The NVRC: Championing the National Veterans Resource Center, a first-of-its-kind hub for veteran success.
- National Policy: Serving as a chairman for federal advisory committees under the Department of Labor and the White House.
- COVID-19 Response: Receiving the Chancellor’s Medal in 2021 for leading the University’s pandemic response.
“Syracuse is Home”
For Haynie, the appointment is deeply personal. Having spent more than 10 years on the senior leadership team, he viewed the university as more than just a workplace.
“Syracuse University is not just an institution to me. It is home,” Haynie said. “I am humbled and energized by the trust this community has placed in me… Working together, we will ensure Syracuse remains a place where great ideas catch fire.”
Transition of Leadership
The search for the 13th chancellor was launched after Chancellor Kent Syverud announced his departure. The process included input from students, faculty, and alumni to ensure the next leader would remain focused on the student experience and R1 research excellence.
Haynie holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. He resides in Cazenovia with his partner, Kevin, and their two dogs.
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