Chancellor Announces Members of Provost and Chief Academic Officer Search Committee

The global search for Syracuse University’s next provost and chief academic officer is officially underway. Chancellor Kent Syverud announced the members of the search committee, following approval by the University Senate on Jan. 27. The provost is the University’s chief academic officer and is responsible for all aspects of the academic mission.

“This is a critical time for Syracuse University and all institutions of higher education, as we call upon leadership to adapt to the rapid pace of change and the unprecedented demands posed by the global pandemic,” says Chancellor Syverud. “Our next provost must be the kind of person who not only inspires innovative and creative thinking that defines academic excellence, but one who has also demonstrated the ability to bring diverse voices and experiences together to lead through challenging times, seize opportunities and achieve strategic goals that redefine the student experience.”

Given the global nature and impact of the University’s academic reach and research portfolio, the search for the new provost and chief academic officer will be a global one. Executive search firm WittKieffer will support the search process to identify an array of diverse and qualified candidates.

Jamie Winders, professor of geography in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, will chair the committee. Winders currently serves as faculty representative to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees, participates, ex officio, on the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee, and reports to the board at its Executive Committee and full board meetings. The search committee, with the support of the University Senate, includes deans, faculty, staff, students, administrators and trustees.

• Sharif Bey, associate professor, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Duncan Brown, professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Dan Cutler, director of learning communities
• Carol Fadda, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences
• Tula Goenka, professor, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Marcelle Haddix, professor, School of Education
• Can Isik, professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Laurel Morton, instructor, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• Christine Larsen G’84, University Trustee
• Jeff Pauline, associate professor, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
• Louise Phanstiel, University Trustee
• Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president of Business, Finance and Administrative Services and chief financial officer
• Kira Reed, associate professor, Whitman School of Management
• Steve Sawyer, professor, School of Information Studies
• Michael Schwartz, associate professor, College of Law
• Yutaka Sho, associate professor, School of Architecture
• Michael Speaks, dean, School of Architecture
• Howard Woolley ’80, University Trustee
• Student representation will be selected by student organization leaders.

Chancellor Syverud has set an aggressive timeline for the search, with the goal of announcing a new provost before summer 2021.