On April 15, the University of Michigan’s president-elect Kent Syverud was diagnosed with brain cancer. He was set to assume the presidency on May 11, taking over for interim president Domenico Grasso. Now, U-M is left searching for a permanent replacement, once again.
Looking back to 2025, U-M had their last permanent president in May: Santa J. Ono, who left with aspirations of taking over the presidency at the University of Florida. According to Jack Slawson, U-M Class of ’28, Ono’s departure, and lack of success elsewhere, created instability within the community.
“There’s no steady hand at the wheel,” Slawson said. “It’s concerning and grabbing the attention of the whole community.”
Another one of Slawson’s concerns, outside of the instability, is housing prices. Especially for the students en route to U-M from South this fall.
“An interim president means policies are stagnant, nothing is being changed, it’s just being maintained,” Slawson said. “Especially with something like housing prices, you need a strong, committed leader to be able to navigate through something like that.”
As for advice, Slawson believes that ultimately, the students have power. When there are problems, go out and fix them.
“You can only be heard if you start talking,” Slawson said. “Students here are some of the brightest people, everyday when I walk through campus, I see students protesting in the streets, walking around with petitions or I’ve even heard of them going to city council meetings.”
U-M’s interim president released a formal message regarding the health of Syverud and the future of the office. Informing his readers the end of the tunnel is near, and Syverud has the best supporting system he can to get through this devastating situation.
“We stand ready to offer our compassion and support,” Interim president Grasso wrote. “Moving forward, we must remain united in our dedication to the well-being of our friends and neighbors, and the world we serve.”
Grasso will remain the head of this uncertain U-M office for the time being, as the search continues, and Grasso included a quote from Marcus Aurelius in his message to the community.
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts,” Aurelius said, and Grasso responded. “In a moment like this, let us choose thoughts of care, strength, and solidarity.”
Syverud released his own statement on his situation. Reaffirming how thankful he was for the opportunity, and how his approach going forward is purely optimistic.
“I am aware that I am one of many, many people who face a diagnosis like this,” Syverud said. “People who show up each day with courage, I take inspiration from all of them. I want you to know that I am ready to meet this challenge.”
