Message From Chancellor Syverud

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I thank so many of you who reached out to me about this year being the conclusion of my stewardship as chancellor. As the University embarks on a search for the next chancellor, I write to you today to share my thoughts on how to proceed with the search for the next provost.

Lois Agnew has been serving as interim provost and vice chancellor for more than a year with distinction. Under ordinary circumstances, the University would now start the process of a provost search, which includes the appointment of a Universitywide committee in consultation with the University Senate.

It strikes me, given my own situation and the transition ahead, that the right time for such a search—and this important process—is next summer and fall, so that a new chancellor can play a central role in that search. For that reason, it is my desire to continue Lois Agnew in her position during this transition. In my view, Lois has provided strong and thoughtful leadership in very challenging times and has earned the confidence of our academic community and our board.

I also would like to give Lois more external authority in the role by removing the interim title during this short period, with the understanding that her term will end in December 2026, or in June 2027 if an additional semester is needed to complete the search for a new provost.

Since this proposal is a deviation from the normal process of selecting and extending a provost, I would welcome your thoughts and reactions before finalizing this decision. Please contact me by email at chancellor@syr.edu with any comments.

Many thanks,

Kent Syverud
Chancellor and President