Syracuse University appoints Mike Haynie as its 13th chancellor, a groundbreaking choice. But is it a controversial one?
In a significant move, Syracuse University has appointed one of its own, Vice Chancellor J. Michael 'Mike' Haynie, as its 13th chancellor, marking a historic moment in the institution's 156-year journey. This appointment is particularly noteworthy as Haynie is the first chancellor to be promoted from within the university since Melvin Eggers in 1971, making it a rare and unique occurrence.
The decision was made by the university's board of trustees on Monday, with Haynie set to assume the role on July 1st. At 56, Haynie brings a wealth of experience, having served in the Air Force and worked at Syracuse University (SU) for almost two decades. His current position is vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, a role he has held since joining SU's leadership team in 2014.
Haynie's appointment comes as the university faces a leadership transition. Kent Syverud, the outgoing chancellor, is departing after 12 years to become the president of the University of Michigan. During his tenure, Syverud played a pivotal role in shaping Haynie's career at SU, creating the vice chancellor for veterans and military affairs position specifically for Haynie just five months after his arrival.
Haynie's impact on the university has been profound, especially in fostering a stronger relationship with veterans and the military. He established and expanded the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, housed in the National Veterans Resource Center, a $62.5 million facility on Waverly Avenue. This institute has become a cornerstone of SU's commitment to veterans.
Haynie's journey to Syracuse University was unconventional, as he shared with syracuse.com, 'I came to Syracuse University from a very non-traditional background... And every time I had an idea, the response was to give it a shot.' This openness to new ideas and initiatives is a hallmark of his leadership style.
As chancellor, Haynie aims to maintain a close connection with the campus community, including students. He enjoys eating in the campus dining halls, which he sees as an opportunity to interact with students and understand their experiences.
However, Haynie is stepping into a challenging role. The university faces a declining college-age population, a shrinking international student body, and increasing skepticism towards higher education. While he hasn't outlined specific plans yet, Haynie intends to engage with various campus stakeholders to develop a strategic vision.
In a departure from tradition, Haynie does not plan to reside in the Chancellor's mansion on Comstock Avenue. He believes the residence can be better utilized as an event space, reflecting his pragmatic approach to leadership.
Syracuse University, a major economic force in the region, employs over 5,000 full-time staff and boasts an annual budget nearing $1.9 billion. The university's chancellors have historically been well-compensated, with Kent Syverud earning a base salary of $1.2 million in 2024.
Haynie's journey to the chancellor's office began in North Wales, a suburb of Philadelphia, where he grew up with a mother who taught fourth grade for 40 years and a father in insurance sales. He attended the University of Delaware, where his military career began with his enrollment in the ROTC as a freshman, allowing his family to afford college for his sister.
Haynie's dedication and leadership were evident as he rose to the rank of cadet wing commander by his senior year. During his Air Force service, he earned an MBA from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in entrepreneurship and metacognition from the University of Colorado in Boulder, showcasing his commitment to education.
Since graduating from college 34 years ago, Haynie has worked exclusively for the United States Air Force and Syracuse University. His contributions to SU are extensive, having held various leadership positions, including two vice chancellor roles, and serving as the executive dean for the Whitman School of Management. He has also taught as a professor.
Haynie's impact on veteran support at SU is particularly noteworthy. Shortly after joining SU in 2006, he initiated the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, addressing the challenge of veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Through his fundraising efforts, he secured support from prominent figures like Martin Whitman and the COO of J.P. Morgan Chase, enabling the program's success. Today, over 80% of the businesses started in his bootcamp remain operational, according to its website.
In 2011, Haynie founded the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), serving as its executive director. IVMF is now the largest provider of programs and services to veterans outside the federal government, with 24,000 military members and their families enrolled in non-degree programs. This enrollment surpasses the entire undergraduate population at SU, highlighting the program's scale and impact.
Haynie's leadership has also guided SU's strategic growth. He and Syverud identified the need to expand the engineering school, leading to a $100 million investment over five years, including $20 million for a Center for Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing. This expansion aligns with the demand for engineers in the region, particularly with Micron Technology's chip plants in Syracuse's northern suburbs.
Haynie's vision extends to innovative programs like the Center for the Creator Economy, which supports online content creators academically. This program is part of SU's strategy to attract students who might not traditionally consider higher education.
Haynie's leadership was also pivotal during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, where he credits the university's successful response to the team he assembled. His ability to lead through crises is a testament to his skills.
Haynie's influence extends beyond SU, as he has chaired various military-focused groups, including the U.S. Department of Labor's Federal Advisory Committee on Veterans' Employment and Training and a presidential task force on long-term reform in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Haynie's appointment is groundbreaking in another aspect: he is Syracuse University's first openly gay chancellor. He resides with his partner of 27 years in a house on Cazenovia Lake. His personal life has been featured in The New York Times, '60 Minutes', and Time magazine, where he was recognized for his work towards creating a more equal America.
This appointment is a developing story, with Haynie scheduled to speak at a news conference. As Syracuse University welcomes its new chancellor, it will be interesting to see how Haynie's leadership shapes the university's future, especially in addressing the challenges it faces. And this is the part most people miss: how will Haynie's unique background and experiences influence his approach to these challenges? Will his non-traditional path inspire a new era of innovation and inclusivity at Syracuse University? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly spark discussion and debate, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
