Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud has informed the university that he has a form of brain cancer and will step down from his post immediately. Chancellor-elect Michael Haynie, who was scheduled to take over after graduation, will instead lead the university beginning Wednesday.
Syverud reported feeling ill last week and underwent care at Crouse Hospital. He then went to the University of Michigan and received the diagnosis. In an email to the university community, he said he is undergoing treatment at Michigan.
Syverud was slated to become the President of the University of Michigan. A message from the Regents of UM states that Syverud will not be able to serve in that capacity. They have afforded him a position to serve as a Professor of Law at their law school.
In his statement, Syverud praised the research universities that paved the way for the care he will receive.
“These institutions, places like Syracuse, like Michigan, exist not only to educate and to discover, but to translate that discovery into care for people when they need it most. I am fortunate, in ways I do not take lightly, to be receiving treatment at one of the finest academic medical centers in the world,” said Syverud.
He also recognized many people who face such diagnoses with courage, from whom he will take inspiration, “I want you to know that I am ready to meet this challenge. I am approaching this with optimism, with determination, and with full confidence in the people who are caring for me. I believe in the road ahead, and I intend to walk it with everything I have.”
Syverud was scheduled to preside over his final graduation at Syracuse, May 10th. The 69-year-old was named the 12th Chancellor and President of SU in September of 2013, taking over as leader in January 2014.