Syracuse University Announces Leadership Transitions in Enrollment and the Student Experience

With the retirements of two longtime leaders at Syracuse University, Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced interim appointments in key positions, naming a diverse group of leaders who will provide seamless transitions in enrollment and the student experience.

Amanda Nicholson

Amanda Nicholson is retiring after more than 20 years at Syracuse University, effective Sept. 2, 2020. Currently, she serves as interim deputy senior vice president of enrollment and the student experience (ESE) following the retirement of Dolan Evanovich in June.

Nicholson joined ESE in fall 2017 as assistant provost and dean for student success, focusing on student retention, success and graduation. Prior to that, she was associate dean for undergraduate programs and professor of retail practice in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. She first joined the Whitman faculty in 1997.

“I am grateful to Amanda for her determined and steadfast leadership, serving our University in challenging roles during some of the most daunting times,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Her commitment, energy and absolute devotion to the success of our students will be greatly missed by us all. I wish her all the best as she begins her well-earned retirement.”

Chancellor Syverud has asked three current leaders to take on additional roles as tri-leads of ESE, while a national search for a permanent leader gets underway. They are:

Robert D. Hradsky

Robert D. Hradsky, Ed.D., vice president for the student experience, oversees all facets of student life services, including the Dean of Students operation, Barnes Center at The Arch, student success, student engagement and the four cultural centers.

Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams, vice president of enrollment services, manages admissions, enrollment, student employment, scholarships and financial aid operations. Williams also oversees the Office of Institutional Research.

Brittany Zaehringer

Brittany Zaehringer, senior associate vice president of operations and strategic initiatives, oversees the division’s budget, human resources, operations, IT services and communications. She also supports the division’s organization management and capital projects.

Chancellor Syverud has also appointed chairs of the Search Committee for a new senior vice president of ESE. They are Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Candace Campbell Jackson and Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science J. Cole Smith. The membership of the Search Committee will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with more than 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.