Syracuse University’s new Chancellor is ready to make some changes and stake out some positions after completing his first semester on the job. WAER’s Chris Bolt reports Kent Syverud preaches transparency and is letting the public in on issues that affect campus and the local community.
Fresh from conducting his first Commencement ceremony, SU Chancellor Kent Syverud is able to reflect on what he learned in five months of listening and observing. He says it was like taking over a baseball team in mid-season – not really able to make any strategic decisions. This week however, he was ready to put some plans into action, issuing a memo with 13 announcements and changes. Some cover serious topics, such as compliance with the White House task force on sexual assault.
He’s ordered a complete review and compliance with best practices. Syverud is also seeking to have S-U be a leader in programs for veterans. The Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the veterans’ entrepreneurship program already gain national attention.
He further seeks to have SU work better with SUNY schools for student transfer and other collaborations. Syverud took over after Nancy Cantor, with a strong push for community engagement.
He wasted no time supporting the Connective Corridor, but there may not be as much support for programs such as the Southside Innovation Center or the West Side Initiative…where he’ll seek advice from academic leaders in fields related to those issues. Syverud’s hands might be a little more tied financially, though.
Syracuse’s 12th chancellor repeats his focus will be on undergraduate learning, embracing change, improving research, and doing his best to be open about telling you how those things are going.
