Michigan President-Elect Syverud Steps Down Due to Brain Cancer Diagnosis

Interim President Grasso to continue leading the university as search for new president begins again.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A blurred, impressionistic photograph of a university campus quad, with the iconic architecture of the Michigan Union building visible in the background, captured in a soft, warm color palette that evokes a sense of transition and uncertainty.As the University of Michigan community grapples with the unexpected transition in leadership, a sense of melancholy and hope hangs in the air.Syracuse Today

University of Michigan president-elect Kent Syverud will no longer be able to take on the role due to a recent brain cancer diagnosis. Syverud has announced he will instead serve as a professor of law and special advisor to the board as he undergoes treatment at Michigan Medicine. Interim President Domenico Grasso will continue leading the university while the search for the next president is restarted.

Why it matters

Syverud's diagnosis and decision to step down comes as a major setback for the university, which had celebrated his selection as the 16th president earlier this year. The search process will now have to start over, leaving the university in a period of uncertainty as it seeks new leadership.

The details

In statements released on Wednesday, both Syverud and the university's Board of Regents chair Mark Bernstein shared the news of Syverud's brain cancer diagnosis and his inability to serve as president. Syverud said he is currently undergoing treatment at Michigan Medicine and is approaching the challenge with "optimism, with determination, and with full confidence." The Board of Regents has invited Syverud to continue contributing as a professor and special advisor, while Interim President Domenico Grasso will remain in his role until a new president is selected.

  • Last week, Syverud sought care at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse after not feeling well.
  • Syverud was recently diagnosed with a form of brain cancer.
  • Syverud is currently undergoing treatment at the University of Michigan.

The players

Kent Syverud

The University of Michigan's president-elect who will no longer be able to take on the role due to a brain cancer diagnosis.

Domenico Grasso

The interim president of the University of Michigan who will continue serving in that role while the search for a new president is restarted.

Mark Bernstein

The chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, who announced Syverud's diagnosis and decision to step down.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Today, on behalf of my colleagues on the board, I am sharing with you an update about our presidential transition that I wish I didn't have to give. We recently celebrated Kent Syverud's selection to serve as our next president. It was a joyous and historic homecoming.”

— Mark Bernstein, Chair, University of Michigan Board of Regents

“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.”

— Kent Syverud

What’s next

The University of Michigan Board of Regents plans to re-engage the search process for a new president as soon as possible, with details to be shared in the coming days.

The takeaway

Syverud's diagnosis and decision to step down from the Michigan presidency is a significant setback for the university, but the community is rallying around him as he undergoes treatment. The search for new leadership will now have to start over, leaving the university in a period of uncertainty as it seeks to find the right person to guide it forward.