Provost Search Underway

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

As Chancellor Kent Syverud announced on Jan. 28, the search for the next provost and chief academic officer is officially underway.

This is a critical search at a pivotal moment in the University’s history. The provost serves as the chief academic officer and is responsible for all aspects of the academic mission. This individual will facilitate cross-disciplinary activity, elevate academic distinction and excellence, and implement enhancements and innovations in teaching and research. Further, the provost and chief academic officer will coordinate closely with the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience to ensure a holistic approach that brings together academics and extra- and co-curricular activities to create an unparalleled student experience.

I am honored to serve as the chair of the search committee. My fellow committee members and I will keep the University community informed about the activities of the search committee and our progress in the search process. We have partnered with WittKieffer, an industry leader in higher education searches. Together, and in the coming weeks, we will hold a series of consultative sessions with a wide range of groups across campus to help inform the development of the candidate pool.

In the coming days, faculty will receive invitations to these consultative sessions held in each school and college. Additional sessions will be conducted with other constituent groups. A larger, campuswide session will be held on Friday, March 19, from 3:30 to 5 p.m ET. In total, we intend to conduct approximately 25 sessions with members of the campus community.

You can follow the progress of this provost search on our website, where you can also provide input on characteristics, experiences and background you feel should be included in our deliberations. Specifically, we would like to hear your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the Syracuse University community, higher education and the incoming provost. You may also use the site to submit your suggestions for individuals who might serve effectively in this position.

We welcome the feedback and collective partnership of our students, staff, faculty, administration and alumni/friends and look forward to successfully conducting a robust, national search for our next academic leader.

Yours truly,

Jamie L. Winders
Search Committee Chair

Committee Members
Amaar Asif, undergraduate student representative
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
Daniel Kimmel, graduate student representative
Christine Larsen G’84, University Trustee
Laurel Morton, instructor, College of Visual and Performing Arts
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
Jamie Winders, professor of geography in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs (chair)
Howard Woolley ’80, University Trustee