University of Michigan's Next President Declines Job Due to Brain Cancer Diagnosis

Kent Syverud, chancellor at Syracuse University, will instead serve as a professor and adviser after receiving the unexpected medical news.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:57pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of soft, blurred light and color, evoking a sense of transition and uncertainty without depicting any specific people or places.As the University of Michigan faces an unexpected leadership transition, the campus community navigates a period of uncertainty and change.Ann Arbor Today

The University of Michigan announced that Kent Syverud, who was hired in January to become the university's next president, has declined the position after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Syverud said he is currently undergoing treatment at the University of Michigan and will instead serve as a professor at the law school and as an adviser to the Board of Regents.

Why it matters

This unexpected development comes after the university's previous president, Santa Ono, also stepped down in 2025 amid criticism from political conservatives over his support for diversity and inclusion initiatives. The University of Michigan now faces the challenge of finding a new leader during a time of transition and uncertainty.

The details

Syverud, who was set to take over as president in May, said he received the brain cancer diagnosis after not feeling well last week. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said he is inspired by others facing similar health challenges. The university's interim president, Domenico Grasso, will remain in the role while the Board of Regents searches for a new leader.

  • Syverud was hired as the next University of Michigan president in January 2026.
  • Syverud was set to take over as president in May 2026.
  • Santa Ono stepped down as University of Michigan president in 2025.

The players

Kent Syverud

The chancellor at Syracuse University who was hired to become the next president of the University of Michigan, but has declined the position after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Domenico Grasso

The interim president of the University of Michigan who will remain in the role while the school's governing board searches for a new leader.

Santa Ono

The previous president of the University of Michigan who stepped down in 2025 amid criticism from political conservatives over his support for diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“I am currently undergoing treatment at the University of Michigan. ... I am aware that I am one of many, many people who face a diagnosis like this — people who show up each day with courage. I take inspiration from all of them.”

— Kent Syverud, Incoming University of Michigan President

What’s next

The University of Michigan's Board of Regents will now launch a search for a new president to replace Kent Syverud, who will instead serve as a professor and adviser at the university.

The takeaway

This unexpected development highlights the challenges universities can face in leadership transitions, especially when dealing with unexpected health issues or political pressures. The University of Michigan must now quickly find a new president who can provide stable leadership during this period of uncertainty.