The University of Michigan revealed Wednesday morning that Kent Syverud won't serve as their next president.
Michigan's board of regents announced in January that Syverud would be the school's 16th president. He was the chancellor of Syracuse University for well over a decade before announcing his intention to step down.
Unfortunately, Syverud won't fulfill his duties as Michigan's president due to his current medical situation. It turns out he was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer.
"Last week, I wasn’t feeling well, and I sought care at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. After further evaluation, I traveled to the University of Michigan to receive additional assessment from their specialists. I want to be straightforward with you: I have been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer," Syverud said. "I am currently undergoing treatment at the University of Michigan. As I shared with the community back in January, I have a deep and personal affiliation with Michigan Medicine. I am where I need to be and I am in excellent hands. I am deeply grateful to the outstanding teams at University of Michigan Medicine and Crouse Hospital and for their extraordinary care. I also want to thank the Michigan Board of Regents and Syracuse University Board of Trustees for the support and compassion they have extended to me and my family.
"While my diagnosis and treatment will prevent me from serving as the 16th President of the University of Michigan, I am deeply moved by the generosity of the Regents, who have invited me to continue contributing as a professor in the Law School and as a special advisor to the Board. My wife Ruth and I look forward with great anticipation to rejoining this remarkable community."
Domenico Grasso will continue to serve as Michigan's president at this time.
Prayers pouring in for Syverud.
As you'd imagine, Michigan's community is devastated over Syverud's cancer diagnosis.
"Awful news. Sending prayers & positive thoughts to Kent Syverud as he receives care & treatment," one person said.
"That’s sad. I watched his nomination day-video and he sounded so empathetic and compassionate about UofM. Wishing him a speedy recovery," a second person commented.
"Prayers up for him," another person wrote. "Strength and healing over his life. Some news just puts everything in perspective."
We're hoping Syverud makes a full and speedy recovery.
