History of Kent Syverud in Timeline

Kent Syverud is an American legal scholar who served as the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University from 2014 to 2026. He was initially appointed as the incoming 16th president of the University of Michigan, scheduled to begin in July 2026. However, due to a brain cancer diagnosis in April 2026, Syverud relinquished the presidency and instead accepted a position as a professor of law and special advisor to the Board of Regents at the University of Michigan.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 23, 1956: Kent Syverud Born

On October 23, 1956, Kent Douglas Syverud was born. He later became a legal scholar and the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University.

Others born on this day/year

1977: Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service

In 1977, Syverud received a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

1981: Juris Doctor

In 1981, Syverud earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan.

1982: Marriage to Ruth Chen

In 1982, Kent Syverud married Ruth Chi-Fen Chen. They went on to have three children together.

1982: Passed the bar examination of Washington, D.C.

In 1982, Kent Syverud passed the bar examination of Washington, D.C., marking a significant step in his legal career.

1983: Master of Arts in economics

In 1983, Syverud completed a Master of Arts degree in economics at the University of Michigan, where he was also a member of the Order of the Coif.

1984: Ruth Chen Doctorate

In 1984, Ruth Chen graduated from the University of Michigan with a Doctor of Philosophy in toxicology.

1987: Began teaching at Vanderbilt and Michigan

In 1987, Kent Syverud began teaching complex litigation, insurance law, and civil procedure at law schools at Vanderbilt University and the University of Michigan.

1992: Received Tenure at the University of Michigan

In 1992, Kent Syverud received tenure at the University of Michigan Law School, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.

1995: Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

In 1995, Kent Syverud became the associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Michigan Law School, a role he held until 1997.

1997: Dean of Vanderbilt University Law School

In 1997, Kent Syverud became the law school dean of Vanderbilt University and was also the Garner Anthony Professor of Law.

1997: Law school deans at Vanderbilt University

In 1997, Kent Syverud served as law school deans at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee until 2005.

1997: Teaches at Vanderbilt and Michigan until 1997

In 1997, Kent Syverud stopped teaching complex litigation, insurance law, and civil procedure at law schools at Vanderbilt University and the University of Michigan.

2005: Dean of Washington University in St. Louis

In 2005, Kent Syverud became the law school dean of Washington University in St. Louis and was appointed the Ethan A. H. Shepley Distinguished University Professor.

2005: End of Tenure at Vanderbilt University

In 2005, Kent Syverud ended his tenure as law school dean of Vanderbilt University.

2005: Law school deans at Washington University

In 2005, Kent Syverud served as law school deans at Washington University in St. Louis in Missouri until 2013.

June 2008: Donation to University of Michigan

In June 2008, Kent Syverud was listed as a donor who contributed between US$5,000 and US$9,999 to the University of Michigan.

2010: Trustee of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust

From 2010, Kent Syverud served as one of two independent trustees of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust, a $20 billion fund to pay claims arising from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

September 12, 2013: Named Chancellor of Syracuse University

On September 12, 2013, Kent Syverud was named the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University, succeeding Nancy Cantor.

2013: End of Service as Dean at Washington University

In 2013, Kent Syverud concluded his service as law school dean at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

2013: End of Tenure at Washington University in St. Louis

In 2013, Kent Syverud ended his tenure as law school dean of Washington University in St. Louis.

January 13, 2014: Took office as chancellor

On January 13, 2014, Kent Syverud officially took office as the 12th chancellor and president of Syracuse University.

April 11, 2014: Inauguration as Chancellor

On April 11, 2014, Kent Syverud was formally inaugurated as the chancellor and president of Syracuse University.

September 2015: Donation to University of Michigan

In September 2015, Kent Syverud was listed again among donors who contributed between US$5,000 and US$9,999 to the University of Michigan.

2016: Completed Service as Trustee

In 2016, Kent Syverud completed six years of service as one of the two trustees of the $20 billion Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust.

2024: Received the TIAA Institute's Hesburgh Award

In 2024, Kent Syverud received the TIAA Institute's Hesburgh Award for leadership excellence, recognizing his contributions to Syracuse University.

August 26, 2025: Announcement of Stepping Down

On August 26, 2025, Kent Syverud announced that he would step down from the chancellorship and presidency of Syracuse University after twelve years of service, effective June 2026.

January 12, 2026: Named President of University of Michigan

On January 12, 2026, the Regents of the University of Michigan named Kent Syverud the incoming 16th president of the University of Michigan, set to begin July 1, 2026.

April 2026: Diagnosis of Brain Cancer

In April 2026, Kent Syverud announced his diagnosis of brain cancer and that he would not become the next University of Michigan president. Instead, he joined the University of Michigan as a professor of law and special advisor to its Board of Regents.