Kent Syverud has built a distinguished career as an educator, legal scholar, university leader, and civic servant. A graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, the University of Michigan Law School, and the University of Michigan’s economics program, Syverud began his career with clerkships for U.S. District Judge Louis F. Oberdorfer and United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
From the classroom to the Chancellor’s Office, Syverud has devoted his work to strengthening institutions and expanding opportunities. He taught complex litigation, insurance law, and civil procedure at Vanderbilt University and the University of Michigan Law School, where he earned tenure, and later served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He also served as a visiting professor at Cornell Law School, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law and Politics.
Syverud later led two nationally respected law schools, serving as Dean of Vanderbilt University Law School and later of Washington University School of Law. In 2013, he was named Chancellor and President of Syracuse University, where he launched major academic, campus planning, and development initiatives, including one of the largest construction and economic development efforts in Syracuse University and Central New York history.
A prolific author and respected voice in legal education, Syverud has written extensively on civil litigation, insurance law, negotiation, legal education, and leadership. He has served in national leadership roles, including President of the American Law Deans’ Association, Chair of the Board of the Law School Admission Council, President of the Southeastern Association of American Law Schools, and Chair of the ABA Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
His service has extended beyond higher education. Syverud served as one of two independent trustees of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust, helped guide homeland security academic policy as a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, and co-chaired the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council, whose work helped secure significant economic development investment for the region.
At Syracuse University, Syverud was recognized for his commitment to veterans and military-connected students. In 2016, Student Veterans of America presented him with its inaugural William Pearson Tolley Champion for Veterans in Higher Education Award in recognition of his leadership in expanding veteran and military affairs programs, improving support services, and championing the creation of the National Veterans Resource Complex.
Syverud remained connected to Scouting in Central New York. He served as keynote speaker for the Longhouse Council’s Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner and served on the Council’s Board of Directors, supporting the values of leadership, citizenship, and service that Scouting instills in young people. Through his professional accomplishments, civic leadership, and continued support of Scouting, Syverud reflects the lasting impact of the Eagle Scout tradition and the spirit of service celebrated by the Eagle Hall of Fame.
Syverud concluded his tenure at Syracuse University in the Spring of 2026, returning to the University of Michigan. Syverud has Honorary Degrees From Syracuse University and the University of Michigan.