Spencer Stuart has managed a significant presidential search for a top public research university in the U.S. Recently, they appointed Kent Syverud as the University of Michigan’s 16th president. This marks a special moment as he is the first alumnus to take on this role in nearly 100 years.
The decision came after a thorough search process that began in July 2025. The search committee, made up of students, faculty, alumni, and regents, worked collaboratively with Spencer Stuart to find the right candidate. They conducted community listening sessions and gathered over 1,500 responses through surveys, aiming to capture the hopes and expectations for the new president.
Syverud, who has an impressive background in law and higher education, served as chancellor and president of Syracuse University for 12 years. Under his leadership, Syracuse saw record enrollment and major academic advancements. His experience in developing learning environments and his understanding of current challenges in higher education made him a fitting choice for the University of Michigan.
Mark Bernstein, chair of the Board of Regents, expressed excitement about Syverud’s return to Michigan. Bernstein highlighted Syverud’s leadership skills and commitment to enhancing the university’s impact at local and global levels. Other members of the search committee echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing his ability to listen and engage with various stakeholders.
In today’s academic landscape, universities often engage search firms to identify capable leaders. Data reveals that business for these firms has surged amidst ongoing shifts in education, as institutions seek leaders adept at navigating complexities. Spencer Stuart, in particular, has conducted over 300 senior executive searches in education recently, maintaining a remarkable 96% retention rate for placements in academia during that period.
As Syverud prepares to assume his role, he emphasizes the need for the university to lead during challenging times. He encapsulated this mindset by stating, “We can lead not by arrogantly lecturing others, but by modeling each day the values and ideas the world so badly needs.” His vision aligns with the U-M community’s aspiration to excel and innovate.
The University of Michigan has a long history, founded in 1817, and currently serves around 32,000 undergraduate and 16,000 graduate students across 19 colleges. It’s crucial for Michigan to have a president who understands both its legacy and future opportunities. With Syverud at the helm, many in the community are optimistic about the university’s path ahead.
Interested readers can learn more about Spencer Stuart and their educational practice on their official site: Spencer Stuart.
