Chancellor Michael Haynie shares his vision for Syracuse University at inauguration

Michael Haynie took the stage Friday afternoon as the crowd erupted in cheer and applause, officially beginning his tenure as Syracuse University’s 13th chancellor and president. 

In his inaugural speech at the JMA Wireless Dome, Haynie outlined his vision for the university, challenging faculty to foster curiosity, inequality and uncertainty, problem solving skills and the ability to navigate a society shaped by rapid technological change. 

“I do not stand here with all the answers, but I do stand here with a promise,” Haynie said. “We will ask the right questions, together, with honesty and without fear.”

With the same hope, Haynie encourages students to dare to make changes that will make an impact.

“We know that each time, one of our graduates goes out in the world, and acts with courage, and knowledge, and care, and clarity, they send forth a ripple,” Haynie proclaimed. “And at our best, Syracuse University is where those ripples begin. For me, there is no more important work in the world than that.”

Melvin Stith, who served as the 16th dean of the Whitman School of Management, hired Haynie as a professor 20 years ago. Now, with tears in his eyes, Stith witnesses Haynie enter a new phase of his career.

“This university is in very good hands,” Stith said. “Your title might be chancellor after today, but I’ll always call you my friend.”

Many showed up in support of Haynie’s big moment, with appearances from Mayor Sharon Owens, U.S. Rep. John Mannion, and Kent Syverud, who prior to Haynie served 12 years as the University’s chancellor. 

Before his arrival at SU, Haynie served as an officer in the Air Force for 14 years. In 2011 Haynie founded the D’anelio Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), which was the first academic institute of its kind in dedication towards veterans. Haynie was also the visionary behind the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC), founded in 2020 and housed inside the institute.

When asked about Haynie’s efforts in supporting veterans and military personnel, computer science junior and Alpha Phi Alpha member Kamare Sutherland said, “As someone that’s associated with a lot of veterans…I really like emphasizing that important aspect, and just being there for them.”

Haynie has been known to not shy away from the moment and face a problem head on. In 2020, Time magazine named him one of 16 individuals working toward creating a more equal America. 

Mechanical engineering senior Ericah Wakiaga shared changes she hopes are implemented by the newly sworn in chancellor, “I hope he continues to support student groups, including Black and Brown student groups as well, when it’s really popular to disenfranchise minority students.” 

Armando Martinez, alum and director of community and connection at the People & Culture office at SU, views Haynie’s induction as a nod towards a better future for the university,“There’s a lot of optimism…the fact that he [Haynie] rose through the ranks as faculty, we all just want to rally around him and help him during these challenging times”. 

Haynie acknowledges the challenges the young people of today are facing, making note that we are, “inheriting a world that is harder than it should be.” 

He spoke candidly about his commitment to students, ensuring the audience that the students of Syracuse University are more than capable of confronting the difficulties of tomorrow. 

The future of higher education may still be rapidly changing, but SU and its students are ready for the official Michael Haynie era to begin come Monday morning.