During an emotional ceremony as the new University of Michigan president-elect, Kent Syverud spoke of pride and commitment to his alma mater.
“I gratefully and cheerfully accept appointment as the 16th president of the University of Michigan,” Syverud told a University Hall crowded with leaders, faculty, staff and media.
“We owe Michigan everything. To pay that forward by helping steward this special place now really is the greatest honor and responsibility I can imagine. Thank you for trusting me with it,” he said.
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Regents unanimously voted Jan. 12 to approve Syverud as president and spoke highly of his character and experience.
“When we did this search, when we talked to people that knew you throughout your career, the words that kept coming up over and over again were ‘quietly transformative,’” said Regent Jordan B. Acker. “That was the phrase — integrity and all of the things that we hold dear as an institution. We couldn’t be happier to have you here to fill this chair.”
Syverud’s family joined him — his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, and their adult sons Steven, Brian and David.
“One thing we heard from the search advisory committee, from the entire community, is they wanted someone who understood Michigan and had been at Michigan before, and we found our guy. Welcome,” said Regent Sarah Hubbard.
He spent the day meeting members of the U-M community and touring the President’s Office. Syverud began his introduction to university campuses by visiting UM-Flint, and in coming weeks will explore UM-Dearborn and Michigan Medicine.
Syverud will start by July 1, and signed his contract Jan. 12 that calls for a five-year commitment with a base salary of $2 million annually. President Domenico Grasso will continue in his position until Syverud begins.
“Kent, I look forward to working with you in the coming months as you prepare to lead the greatest university in the world, forever committed to the public good,” Grasso said. “You and the University of Michigan can always count on Susan and me for whatever you may need.”
Syverud, a member of the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, thanked the regents, search committee and the Syracuse University community, where he has spent 12 years as chancellor and president.
“We intended for that community to be my home long after I stepped down as chancellor,” Syverud said. “Only one place, Michigan, my alma mater, could have changed that plan.”
