Message From Board Chairman Jeff Scruggs
The message below was sent by Jeff Scruggs, chairman of the Board of Trustees, to Syracuse University students, faculty and staff on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
Following yesterday’s difficult news about Chancellor Syverud, I speak for the entire Board of Trustees when I say we are holding him and his family close.
Kent approaches this challenge with characteristic optimism. He is determined to fight, and he will not face this alone. Kent and his family have the force of two communities behind them. He may be a Michigan man now, but he is Forever Orange. And we will forever be in his corner.
As our community processes this news, I also want to speak to the road ahead. We are fortunate that Mike Haynie is already on campus, deeply immersed in our community and serving as acting chancellor until his term formally begins on May 11. The Board has full confidence he will lead our community with the energy, integrity and vision Syracuse deserves and with our complete and unwavering support.
Please join me in wishing Kent, Dr. Chen and their family strength, healing and love in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Scruggs
Chairman, Board of Trustees