A Legacy of Leadership: The Chancellors and Presidents of Syracuse University

J. Michael Haynie

Term of Office: May 2026 –
Inauguration Date: 18 September 2026

J. Michael Haynie joined the faculty of Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management in 2006 following 14 years of service in the United States Air Force. His research and teaching portfolio focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, and he was widely recognized for his contributions in those fields. In 2011, Haynie founded Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the nation’s first interdisciplinary academic institute dedicated to advancing the policy, economic, and wellness concerns of America’s veterans and military-connected families. He also championed the development of the National Veterans Resource Center, located on the University’s main campus. In 2014, Haynie was named vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. Chancellor Syverud tasked him with leading the University’s institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and his leadership during that time earned Haynie Syracuse University’s highest honor, the Chancellor’s Medal. In 2023, he added the role of executive dean of the Whitman School to his portfolio. Following 20 years of service and leadership at Syracuse University, Haynie was appointed as the 13th Chancellor and President in March 2026 and began serving as acting chancellor in April 2026, following Kent Syverud’s early departure from the position. Haynie’s official term of office began the following month.

Portrait of Chancellor and President J. Michael Haynie, 1 July 2026. Photograph by Marilyn Hesler. Syracuse University Portrait Collection.
Photograph of Chancellor Haynie volunteering with the Goon Squad during Welcome Week, 18 August 2026. Photograph by CoCo Boardman. Syracuse University Portrait Collection. Syracuse University Portrait Collection.

In the early days of his tenure, Chancellor Haynie has promised to put students at the center of all decisions about the future of the University. As part of this commitment to a student-focused administration, Haynie assisted with move-in during Welcome Week 2026.