Vice Chancellor, Chief Academic Officer and Provost Lois Agnew

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I have received and considered extensive feedback regarding my suggestion to extend Lois Agnew’s service as provost to December 2026, or at latest June of 2027, at the discretion of the new chancellor. I also suggested removing the interim title from her position during this term.

The responses have been overwhelmingly positive, particularly because of Lois’ character and performance, and because of the compelling need to delay seeking a new provost until a new chancellor can participate in the selection. With the strong support and feedback from our community, I am pleased to move forward with extending her service as provost and officially removing “interim” from her title.

I want to acknowledge the very small number of messages I received expressing deep respect for Lois but raising appropriate concerns related to the process and shared governance in the selection of a provost. I have given this feedback careful consideration. With the end of my tenure in June, these circumstances are unusual, and the question is how to confine this decision to this rare situation.

I have spoken about this with the leadership of our Board of Trustees and been assured that the upcoming search for a provost (most likely later in 2026) will adhere to our shared governance practices at Syracuse.

Please join me in congratulating Provost Agnew. Her proven leadership and dedication to advancing Syracuse University’s mission have earned the respect and confidence of the entire community. I am certain that under her continued guidance, the University will remain well-positioned to achieve its goals and meet the opportunities ahead.

Regards,

Kent Syverud
Chancellor and President