J. Michael Haynie Appointed Syracuse University’s Next Chancellor and President

Syracuse University announced that J. Michael Haynie, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and Executive Dean of the Whitman School of Management, has been appointed the University’s 13th Chancellor and President. Haynie will assume the role following the conclusion of the spring semester.

Haynie joined Syracuse University in 2006 as an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School of Management. During his first year at Whitman, he developed and delivered the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans – a program that has gone on to national acclaim and become a model for entrepreneurship related programs across the nation and internationally. The EBV program, and subsequent others, form the basis of Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) which has become one of the nation’s leading organizations supporting veterans, military families and military-connected entrepreneurs. Whitman is Haynie’s faculty tenure home and where he taught for many years, including the required senior capstone course.

Haynie officially joined Whitman’s leadership team as Whitman’s Executive Dean in August 2023. In this role, he has acted as the key steward of Syracuse University’s transformational investment into the Whitman School of Management including strategic direction and growth as part of Whitman’s Transformation 2030 plan. One key initiative under Haynie’s leadership includes the Center for the Creator Economy to connect students with emerging industries.

In a message to the Whitman community, Haynie reflected on the impact the school has had on his leadership journey.

“The Whitman School, its people and its mission have shaped me in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my career, and very specifically as I step into this new leadership challenge at Syracuse University,” Haynie said.

Haynie also expressed confidence in Whitman’s continued momentum, noting that Alex McKelvie will continue serving as Interim Dean, working alongside the school’s leadership team to guide the next phase of Whitman’s growth.

McKelvie praised Haynie’s leadership and the lasting impact he has had on the school. “Mike Haynie has been a transformational leader for Whitman and for Syracuse University,” McKelvie said. “His vision, energy and commitment to innovation have strengthened our school in meaningful ways. His deep care for students is pervasive. He is an outstanding scholar, teacher, and mentor. He truly loves Whitman and Syracuse. We are incredibly proud to see him step into this role and know he will continue to champion Whitman and Syracuse University in the years ahead.”

Haynie’s appointment marks a historic moment for Syracuse University and for the Whitman community, which he will continue to support as Chancellor.

Read the full announcement from Syracuse University:
https://news.syr.edu/2026/03/03/j-michael-haynie-appointed-13th-chancellor-and-president-of-syracuse-university/