Six faculty members have been elected to serve on the聽.

Committee members advise the vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer and work to ensure consistent promotion and tenure processes and promote high academic standards. They serve two-year, staggered terms and are not eligible to serve consecutive terms.

Newly elected committee members are:

• , Katchmar-Wilhelm Professor, School of Information Studies
• , professor, School of Architecture
• , professor, College of Law
• , professor and director of biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
• , professor of higher education, School of Education
• , professor and chair of geography and the environment, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

Promotion and tenure cases that meet the criteria for review鈥攆or example, those that have substantial disagreement between layers of recommendation or a strong probability of a negative determination鈥攁re taken up by committee members. They offer an advisory vote to the provost but do not issue a formal report or consider appeals.

The committee is convened by Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Jamie Winders. Provost Lois Agnew is chair of the committee, and Vice President for Research Duncan Brown serves in an ex-officio capacity.

The Whitman School of Management announced the appointment of two new associate deans, effective Feb. 1. Professor Joe Comprix has been named associate dean for faculty affairs and Professor Willie Reddic has been named associate dean for business education.

In the role of associate dean for faculty affairs, Comprix will provide leadership of faculty issues and efforts, including faculty development and mentoring, workloads, and reviews, leaves and contract renewals. He will work closely with Academic Affairs, department chairs, Human Resources and the Office of Research, among other offices. Comprix previously held the role of interim associate dean and has been the long-standing chair of the accounting department. He is also an award-winning teacher.

In the role of associate dean for business education, Reddic will provide leadership over the residential and online undergraduate and master鈥檚 programs, including student attraction, coordination of instructional needs, programmatic innovation and feasibility studies, and oversight of assurance of learning processes and teaching effectiveness. He will work closely with the faculty curriculum and teaching committees, department chairs, students and staff. Reddic is also one the Faculty Oversight Committee for Athletics and is a highly accomplished teacher and administrator. He held a similar position to this current role at DePaul University.

鈥淚 am very appreciative to both Joe and Willie for their willingness to take on these additional service roles for Whitman. Both have outstanding track records in these areas. Having them both as associate deans will help Whitman pursue our bold goals and expectations,鈥� says Alexander McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School of Management.

Joey Gawrysiak has been named executive director of the University鈥檚 new esports communications and management degree program. Gawrysiak developed one of the first esports degrees in the country at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, where he is now a professor and director of esports. At Syracuse, he will provide visionary leadership for the University鈥檚 esports initiatives, with oversight of all esports academic programming and an esports living learning community. His appointment is effective Aug. 21.

鈥淛oey has the knowledge, the vision and the entrepreneurial approach needed to successfully launch the University鈥檚 robust esports degree program,鈥� says Chancellor . 鈥淚 am thrilled to have one of the pioneers in academic esports programming leading our efforts. I look forward to welcoming him to the Orange community.鈥�

Says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer , 鈥淎s we invest in and grow the University鈥檚 sport-related academic disciplines and leverage this key area of distinction, Joey鈥檚 guidance and leadership will be crucial to our success. I look forward to working with him and the Falk and Newhouse deans to launch the new esports degree and expand our esports infrastructure.鈥�

The esports communications and management degree, offered jointly by the and the , will launch this fall. Among the first of its kind at a major university, the program, taps into the rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar esports industry and builds upon work already happening on campus.

, special advisor to the chancellor on esports and digital transformation, led the effort to bring an esports major to Syracuse. 鈥淭his is an exciting time for 网爆门,鈥� he says. 鈥淛oey will grow recreational and competitive esports on campus and will also help implement and utilize the University鈥檚 new sports facilities.鈥�

Gawrysiak will report to incoming Falk Dean Jeremy S. Jordan and Newhouse Dean .

鈥淚t is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Joey Gawrysiak as executive director of esports,鈥� says Falk Dean , who announced the conclusion of her tenure earlier this year. 鈥淗e is well-equipped to guide the Falk College and our partners at the Newhouse School as we connect our respective disciplines around esports. In Falk, esports will benefit from our thriving sport management and sport analytics programs, and interdisciplinary connections with highly relevant Falk College scholarship in public health, social justice and equity. Under Joey鈥檚 leadership, I am confident we will maximize opportunities in Falk and Newhouse to position 网爆门 as a national trailblazer in esports.鈥�

鈥淣ewhouse has been a leader in this space as one of the first schools in the country to offer courses in esports and communications,鈥� Lodato says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited to welcome Joey to the 网爆门 family and look forward to building on our foundation to create an academic program with the Falk College that prepares students to s斐甦 in this burgeoning field.鈥�

Gawrysiak joined Shenandoah in 2012 and is a faculty member in sport management and esports. As director of esports, he has oversight of all aspects of the program, developing curriculum and experiential learning while securing more than $100,000 in partnerships.

Gawrysiak earned a Ph.D. in sport management and policy, an M.Ed. in physical education and sport studies, and a B.S.Ed. in sport studies, all from the University of Georgia. His research focuses on esports; video games and sport; sports and socialization; international sport culture; and sport and technology. He has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on topics related to esports. He sits on the board of directors of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2021 NACE Director of the Year and 2022 NACE Hero Award.

鈥溚� has shown remarkable commitment to embracing emerging fields and providing its students with cutting-edge educational opportunities,鈥� Gawrysiak says. 鈥淚 am thrilled to join this esteemed institution and lead its esports program. My goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that promotes academic excellence, fosters competitive success and cultivates a strong sense of community among our esports students.鈥�

The search committee was co-chaired by , professor of practice and chair of sport management in the Falk College, and , professor of practice and director of the Newhouse School鈥檚 Sports Media Center.

Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced the appointment of an interim leadership team to advance the University鈥檚 diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility priorities and strategic planning efforts. Led by Diane Lyden Murphy 鈥�67, G鈥�76, G鈥�78, G鈥�83, dean of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, the team includes Shiu-Kai Chin G鈥�86, professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Cerri A. Banks 鈥�00, G鈥�04, G鈥�06, vice president of student success and deputy to the senior vice president of the student experience. This team is charged with advancing the inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan and with implementing its initial priorities as the University searches for the next chief diversity and inclusion officer.

鈥淭his leadership team represents the breadth of the University community and has been at the heart of our work to create a campus that is welcoming to all,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淚 appreciate Diane, Shiu-Kai and Cerri for taking on this important work for our university. Dozens of individuals from across campus committed their time, energy and efforts to the development of the University鈥檚 first strategic plan on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. With this team in place, implementation of the goals and ideals outlined in the plan will begin and be felt throughout our community.鈥�

The team takes over the reins of engagement and initial implementation of the DEIA Strategic Plan from former Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Keith A. Alford, who announced in May that he was leaving 网爆门 this month to become dean of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Social Work. A formal search for Alford鈥檚 successor will begin in October with the naming of a search committee and selection of a search firm.

Murphy and Chin co-chaired the DEIA strategic planning task force which was charged with creating and guiding the development of the plan. The draft strategic plan builds upon the progress that has been made on various initiatives as outlined in regular reports on . Implementation of the plan will complement work currently underway by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Student Experience team, schools and colleges, and many other units and individuals.

Murphy will focus her leadership efforts on engagement with deans and senior administrative leaders; Chin will provide focus and leadership in the area of faculty engagement and development; and Banks will lead student engagement efforts. Together, the team will coordinate closely with the staff in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to align cross-campus efforts, particularly relating to academic affairs, student experience and staff programming. During this interim leadership period, William Myhill, interim director and ADA coordinator, will work closely with Associate Vice President and Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer Sheila Johnson-Willis to ensure the University continues to strengthen and advance its support of the disability community.

In addition to overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan, Murphy, Chin and Banks will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees Advisory Committee on University Climate, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, co-led by Trustees Richard Alexander and Jeffrey Scruggs. The Advisory Committee was formed shortly after a special Board committee submitted its own report earlier this year that included a comprehensive analysis and recommendations regarding policies, programs and other initiatives required to foster a sustainable approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility at 网爆门.

About 网爆门

网爆门 is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we鈥檙e a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what鈥檚 possible.

Chancellor Kent Syverud has appointed a steering committee to plan efforts to mark 网爆门鈥檚 sesquicentennial in 2020.

The University was founded on March 24, 1870, and 2020 will be its 150^th anniversary.

The committee is a cross-section of students, faculty, staff, Trustees and alumni. 鈥淚 expect the committee to engage the entire University community, across the globe, in a sustained reflection on the 150^th anniversary of what is truly a great University,鈥� Chancellor Syverud says. 鈥淲e will plan a yearlong celebration and host events that will reflect our values.鈥�

The steering committee is co-chaired by Bea Gonz谩lez, vice president for community engagement, and Susan Ballard, associate vice president for alumni engagement. The committee includes the following members:

• Colleen Bench, associate vice president in the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience;
• Tom Benzel, assistant director of business operations for athletics;
• Shiu-Kai Chin, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence and professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science;
• Ravi Dharwadkar, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence, professor and chair of the Department of Management in the Whitman School of Management;
• Chris Fuller, deputy director of athletics;
• Neil Gold, member of the Board of Trustees;
• Jaclyn Grosso, executive director of communications and public relations;
• Rachel Harms,聽associate University secretary and executive director of Office of the Board of Trustees;
• Jeff Hoone, executive director of the Coalition of Museums and Art Centers (CMAC);
• Robert Hupp, artistic director at Syracuse Stage;
• Ellen King, executive director of the Office of Special Events;
• Chuck Merrihew, vice president for advancement and external affairs;
• Judith Mower, member of the Board of Trustees;
• Ron Novack, executive director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs;
• Kevin Quinn, senior advisor to the Chancellor for executive聽communications and public affairs;
• LaVonda Reed, professor of law and associate provost for faculty affairs;
• David Seaman, dean of University libraries and University librarian;
• Scott Manning Stevens, associate professor and director of Native American and indigenous studies and associate professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences;
• Margaret Susan Thompson, associate professor of history and political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences; and
• David Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School, professor and Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business and Government Policy.

The student participants are:

• Eduardo Gomez 鈥�20 Arts and Sciences, Greek Life student representative;
• John Jankovic 鈥�20 Arts and Sciences, Student Association representative;
• Chloe Milliken 鈥�20, Whitman School of Management, veterans/military student representative;
• Tyler R. Newman 鈥�20, Whitman School of Management, Forever Orange Young Alumni representative;
• Erin Riley 鈥�20, Newhouse School of Public Communications, U100 representative;
• Jerry Lamont Robinson, doctoral student, School of Information Studies, disability student representative; and
• Rikki Sargent, doctoral student,聽social psychology, VP Internal Affairs, Graduate Student Organization.

The steering committee will appoint subcommittees and working groups, and welcomes the involvement of others in the University community who are interested in the planning process. Those who are interested may contact Kathryn Zubal-Strang, assistant director of principal gifts in Advancement and External Affairs, at 315.443.5195 or khzubal@syr.edu.

Chancellor Kent Syverud appointed two student leaders鈥� President James Franco and President Jack Wilson鈥攊nterim University mace bearers. The interim appointment marks the first time a student鈥攁nd in this case, two students鈥攈as been bestowed the honor.

鈥淭he carrying of the charter mace is a significant, time-honored tradition at 网爆门,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淚 am pleased to open this responsibility to James and Jack and am grateful to them both for stepping up to fill this very important role.鈥�

Franco and Wilson will serve as interim mace bearers while Chancellor Syverud and Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly review a new process for identifying the University鈥檚 next mace bearer. A permanent mace bearer will be formally installed at the One University Awards Ceremony on April 20, 2018, in Hendricks Chapel.

鈥淲e鈥檇 like to establish a method for identifying a University representative who epitomizes our values of academic excellence and student engagement,鈥� says Wheatly. 鈥淭he University mace bearer represents the full range of activities of the faculty and staff, and personifies the power of research, teaching and the mentoring of others.鈥�

The search for the next mace bearer follows the retirement of Nancy Weatherly Sharp, who had held the role since 2004. Sharp, professor emerita of newspaper journalism in the , completed her duties as the mace bearer during the New Student Convocation this past August.

Franco, a senior political science and history double major in both the and the , will bear the charter mace at the installation of the Rev. Brian E. Konkol as the seventh dean of Hendricks Chapel on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

鈥淚t is truly an honor to partake in this opportunity for a student to be a mace bearer for the first time,鈥� says Franco. 鈥淚 greatly appreciate this honor, and I hope to represent our great student body well through this special experience.鈥�

Wilson, a Ph.D. candidate in the cognition, brain and behavior program in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, will carry it at the Winter Convocation on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. in Setnor Auditorium.

鈥淭his is an honor,鈥� Wilson says.聽鈥淭his is an opportunity to spotlight the central role we, as graduate students, play in the core mission of this University.聽Not just as students, but also as researchers, teachers, mentors and professionals.鈥�

The tradition of the charter mace began in June 1949, with University Registrar Keith Kennedy leading graduates into Archbold Stadium for Commencement. Through the years, mace bearers have been professors, deans, administrators and one chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Originally weapons of war, maces have also been used by royalty as an insignia of authority and have long been an important element of ceremony. Syracuse鈥檚 original charter mace was carved of wood. It was replaced in 1959 by the one currently in use, which is made of sterling silver and precious stones鈥攁 gift to the University by mace bearer Gordon Hoople. The original mace is preserved in the University Archives. When not in use, the current mace is housed with the Department of Public Safety.

Founded in 1870, 网爆门 is a private international research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering student success through teaching excellence, rigorous scholarship, and interdisciplinary research. Comprising 11 academic schools and colleges, the University has a long legacy of excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines that prepares students for the complex challenges and emerging opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Students enjoy the resources of a 270-acre main campus and extended campus venues in major national metropolitan hubs and across three continents. The student body as a whole is among the most diverse for an institution of its kind across multiple dimensions, and students typically represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Syracuse also has a long legacy of supporting veterans and is home to the nationally recognized , the first university-based institute in the U.S. focused on addressing the unique needs of veterans and their families.

The White House announced last week its intention to nominate 网爆门 College of Law associate professor Nathan Sales as the State Department’s coordinator for counterterrorism. Professor Sales previously served as deputy assistant secretary for policy at the Department of Homeland Security and as senior counsel in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy.

鈥淧rofessor Sales鈥� experience serving in high-level government roles, his academic background and overall expertise in national security and counterterrorism make him a strong candidate for this important position,鈥� says Chancellor Kent Syverud. 鈥淧rofessor Sales鈥� nomination is another instance of 网爆门 faculty playing important roles in shaping public policy, creating change and positively impacting the tone and discourse of our national dialogue.鈥�

Professor Sales, a Duke University Law School graduate, joined the Syracuse College of Law faculty as an associate professor in 2014. He previously served as an assistant professor at George Mason University鈥檚 Antonin Scalia Law School.聽 He teaches and writes in the fields of national security law, counterterrorism law, administrative law and constitutional law.

鈥淚t is an honor to be nominated for such a critical position in our government,鈥� says College of聽Law Dean Craig M. Boise. 鈥淎s a faculty member in our Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, Professor Sales is part of an interdisciplinary team that is at the forefront of research and analysis in the fields of national and international security and counterterrorism. Professor Sales possesses the relevant national security expertise and聽legal acumen coupled with the international perspective needed to be an effective counterterrorism leader. We look forward to assisting him as he transitions to this important role.鈥�

网爆门 Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Brian E. Konkol as dean of Hendricks Chapel. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, Dean Konkol will strengthen the role of the chapel as the spiritual heart of the campus and a model for diversity and inclusion of philosophies and religions. Konkol鈥檚 appointment is effective July 15 and has been approved by the Board of Trustees Executive Committee.

鈥淏rian has an impressive depth of experience in spiritual leadership and campus outreach that will generate wider community engagement with the chapel, its facilities and services,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淭his is a pivotal year for Hendricks Chapel. It will expand its role as the spiritual center of a global university where all viewpoints are explored and respected, and where diverse constituencies can come together and find common ground.鈥�

Konkol comes to Syracuse from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. There, he has served as chaplain of the college since 2013. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to the Office of the Chaplains and is a faculty member of the Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies program. He also serves as the faculty liaison to the men鈥檚 basketball team.

鈥溚� is gifted with history and bursting with possibility,鈥� says Konkol. 鈥淚n addition to an exceptional assembly of faculty, students, staff and alumni, there exists a visible and vibrant yearning to honor our most pressing questions surrounding meaning, purpose, dignity and hope. At a time when engaging such matters of religion, spirituality and ethics is increasingly viewed as an educational necessity, I am honored and excited to carry forward the profound legacy of Hendricks Chapel.鈥�

Konkol, an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has a diverse and global background of service, ministry and teaching. Prior to his appointment to Gustavus Adolphus College, he served as co-pastor of Lake Edge Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, with responsibilities surrounding multicultural engagement and public advocacy. From 2008 to 2012, he served in South Africa as country coordinator of the Young Adults in Global Mission program of the ELCA. He also assisted in parish ministry alongside isiZulu-speaking congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, lectured at the Lutheran Theological Institute and participated with the World Council of Churches and Lutheran World Federation in the聽Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

From 2003 to 2007, Konkol interned with and later served a parish with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, where he also lectured at the Lutheran Lay Academy and co-hosted the nationally televised broadcast 鈥淲ord for the World.鈥� He聽served on a variety of community organizing committees, many of which focused on ecumenical and interfaith cooperation, poverty, children and youth development, and ecological sustainability.

Konkol is originally from Amherst Junction, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of Amherst High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin. He earned a master of divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and master of theology and doctor of philosophy degrees in the School of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

鈥淚 am grateful to the dedication and diligence of the search committee, led by Hendricks Chapel Interim Dean Sam Clemence and Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Candace Campbell Jackson,鈥� adds Syverud. 鈥淭hey understood how critical it was to find a strong and innovative leader for the chapel, which has been a home for all faiths and a place for all people for more than eight decades.鈥�

鈥淭his appointment represents a new chapter in the storied life of Hendricks Chapel,鈥� says Clemence. 鈥淓arly on in the search process, all of us on the search committee knew Brian possessed the experience, skills and character necessary for this critically important role at 网爆门. We are delighted he will be leading the chapel and are eager to see the great things he will accomplish.鈥�

The search committee, assisted by the executive recruiting firm Witt/Kieffer, included Andrew Clark, senior associate vice president, Operational Excellence; Rabbi Leah Fein, Hillel Center and Jewish Chaplaincy; Daniel Feng, community representative; Mara Julin, student representative; Joan Nicholson, University Board of Trustees; Martha Sutter, director and assistant professor, Setnor School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts; and David Van Slyke, dean, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

A sought-after preacher, frequent presenter at conferences, and a prolific writer (with a book on mission and dehumanization set for release with Fortress Press in June), Konkol will be charged with reviewing and instituting recommendations from the Hendricks Chapel Study Committee to enhance the chapel鈥檚 role and impact in the community.

Konkol and his wife, Dr. Kristen (Tews) Konkol, an assistant professor of exercise science/exercise physiology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, have a son, Khaya, and a daughter, Tobi.

Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced the appointment of Amir Rahnamay-Azar as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at 网爆门. Reporting to the Chancellor as a member of the executive team, he will direct the university鈥檚 finance and administration functions. Rahnamay-Azar鈥檚 appointment is effective Feb. 15 and is subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

鈥淎mir is the kind of strategic thinker, pragmatic financial leader and experienced manager that 网爆门 needs as we position ourselves for significant growth and success in the coming years,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淚t is important that our fiscal position supports the ambitious vision and goals laid out in the Academic Strategic Plan. I feel fortunate that we have found a CFO with the experience required and a track record of success.鈥�

Rahnamay-Azar previously served as Chief Financial Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was responsible for strategic leadership of central administrative functions including campus design and facilities development; computing services; budget and financial planning; treasury operations; international finance; controller and audit services; and financial systems. He directed the successful implementation of CMUWorks, a service center for human resources, payroll, business systems transactions and support. Rahnamay-Azar was also responsible for the planning, design, construction and renovation of university facilities, including more than $350 million in capital projects involving campus facilities.

Prior to his tenure at Carnegie Mellon, Rahnamay-Azar served as Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance at Georgia Institute of Technology. In this role, he was responsible for institutional budget planning and administration; capital planning and space management; institutional research planning; organizational development; enterprise project management; sustainability; real estate development; and financial services. While at Georgia Tech, Rahnamay-Azar operationalized a decision support group and implemented an executive budget support model鈥攖wo significant initiatives that improved the strategic direction, efficacy and efficiency of the Office of Administration and Finance.

Before joining Georgia Tech, Rahnamay-Azar spent more than a decade working in a number of leadership and financial positions, including as Associate Senior Vice President of Operations, at the University of Southern California (USC). In this role, he served as Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the Office of Senior Vice President for Administration, where he was directly responsible for overseeing budget formulation, annual financial performance, information technology and space planning. Prior to his appointment as Associate Senior Vice President, Rahnamay-Azar served in various positions, including Associate Director of Operations; Senior Staff Associate in the Office of Budget and Planning; and Staff Associate in the Office of Budget and Planning.

鈥淚 want to thank the members of the search committee who worked tirelessly to select the ideal candidate from a competitive and impressive pool,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淚鈥檇 also like to extend my gratitude to Interim CFO Gwenn Judge for stepping up to lead in this role while the search was underway. As a result of her sound fiscal stewardship, Gwenn has seamlessly navigated the transition to Amir鈥檚 leadership.鈥�

In partnership with Korn Ferry, members of the search committee reviewed a diversely talented slate of applicants. Search committee members included: Steven Barnes 鈥�82, chairman, Board of Trustees; Candace Campbell Jackson, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff; Can Isik, Senior Associate Dean and Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Edward Pettinella 鈥�76, University Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees鈥� Budget Committee; Michael Tick, Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts; and Michele Wheatly, Vice Chancellor and Provost.

In his new role at 网爆门, Rahnamay-Azar will oversee treasury and university investments, finance and comptroller, planning & budget, facilities, campus services, auxiliary services and risk management. He will also provide administrative guidance to the Director of Internal Audit and work in partnership with the Chancellor and the Chancellor鈥檚 Executive Team in the allocation and oversight of the University鈥檚 operating budget.

鈥淚 look forward to working collaboratively with my new colleagues as we collectively seek to position 网爆门 for substantial growth,鈥� says Rahnamay-Azar. 鈥淚 have been impressed with the creative and deliberative strategies articulated by Chancellor Syverud and his leadership team.聽 The University has a great history and I am honored to be given an opportunity to build upon that history to ensure sustainable growth.鈥�

Rahnamay-Azar earned a doctorate in higher education management at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA and bachelor’s degree in business administration at California State University in Sacramento.

网爆门 Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced the members of the search committee for the Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. The new position will lead an integrated Division of Communications and Marketing and be responsible for aligning all its functions, including branding, web and social media, and internal and external communications.

鈥淭he goal is to ensure that the ways in which we express our strategic vision and tell the 网爆门 story are consistent, meaningful and aligned,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淭he new structure will help move the University forward in support of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.鈥�

Under a new operational structure, the Office of Marketing and Communications will move from Enrollment Management into the integrated division, along with other public affairs and communications functions. Senior Vice President Kevin Quinn will continue to advise the Chancellor on strategic communications and marketing issues. Until the new leader is identified and on board, all communications and marketing functions will continue to collaborate across divisions.

John Wildhack, director of Athletics, and Rochelle Ford, chair of the Department of Public Relations in the Newhouse School of Public Communications, have agreed to co-chair the search. Other members of the search committee are:

• Lindsey Callahan, graduate student representative
• Eric Evangelista, undergraduate Student Association President
• Dolan Evanovich, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and the Student Experience
• Deborah Henretta, alumni representative
• Lawrence Kramer, University Trustee
• P. Raj, interim dean, Whitman School of Management
• Michael Tirico, University Trustee
• Kathleen Walters, University Trustee

A search firm will be retained to assist in filling this vital leadership post.

网爆门 Chancellor Kent Syverud has appointed University College Dean and Special Assistant to the Chancellor Bea Gonz谩lez to serve as the University鈥檚 liaison to the Posse Foundation scholarship program.

In her capacity as liaison, Gonz谩lez will work closely with the foundation to select Syracuse鈥檚 annual cohort of Posse Scholars; work to foster a supportive Posse community on campus; and help identify and support faculty members serving as mentors to each incoming group of Posse Scholars.

鈥淏ea is a natural choice for this important position,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淪he has a long record of supporting the needs of, and generating opportunity for, students from a wide range of backgrounds. The Posse program is an important link in the University鈥檚 network of outreach to promising students from diverse backgrounds. This appointment will make that link even stronger and further advance Syracuse鈥檚 commitment to building and sustaining a richly diverse student body.鈥�

Established in 1989, the Posse scholarship program identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse recruits and trains these promising students and sends them in multicultural teams鈥攑osses鈥攐f 10 students to partner colleges and universities around the country, where they receive full-tuition scholarships for four years.

Syracuse has been a part of the Posse scholarship program since 2011. It currently participates with the Miami chapter of Posse and this fall welcomed 10 new Posse Scholars from that city.

Gonz谩lez came to 网爆门 in 1984 as an academic advisor for University College, and since that time has held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility. In 2004, she was selected to serve as interim dean of University College and became permanent dean in 2007.

Since February 2015, she also has had a joint appointment as special assistant to the Chancellor, focusing on student affairs. In that capacity, she focuses on student retention and success, strategic planning, day-to-day services, and policies and procedures relating to student learning, success, and support.

Citing his unique qualifications and his vast knowledge of and passion for 网爆门 Athletics, Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced he has selected John Wildhack 鈥�80 to be the University鈥檚 next director of athletics. Wildhack, a veteran leader at ESPN, currently serves as the network鈥檚 executive vice president for programming and production, a role he鈥檚 held since January 2014. Wildhack reports directly to ESPN President John Skipper and is responsible for 50,000 hours of content annually. He鈥檒l start his appointment in mid-August.

Wildhack, a native of Upstate New York and a 1980 alumnus of the , was selected following a national search. He was recommended to the Chancellor by the Director of Athletics Search Committee.

鈥淛ohn is an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box leader who brings an unparalleled set of skills and experiences to the director of athletics position,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淎s a leader at ESPN, he has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and implement strategies aimed at elevating the entire organization. That record of success, combined with his extensive history of building and inspiring teams, will allow him to immediately and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes. This is a new day in the life of the Department of Athletics. I look forward to watching John, in collaboration with our talented coaches and staff, bring his bold vision for the department to life.鈥�

鈥淭o say this is a dream job would be a significant understatement,鈥� says Wildhack. 鈥溚� played a profound role in my life鈥檚 trajectory and I鈥檓 confident I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am without the education and opportunities this institution afforded me. To help my alma mater, in particular Syracuse student-athletes, continue to excel and grow, especially in light of the enormous investments being made, and that have been made in its facilities, is a tremendous responsibility and one I don鈥檛 take lightly. I am honored to have been selected and I look forward to collaborating with the amazing coaches and staff as we work to develop the whole student-athlete鈥攊nside and outside the classroom.鈥�

During his distinguished career at ESPN, Wildhack held a number of critical leadership roles and has been responsible for a number of firsts at the network. Those firsts include producing ESPN鈥檚 first live regular-season college football game in September 1984 and its first live NFL game in August 1987. See an infographic about him here.

鈥淛ohn doesn鈥檛 shy away from taking risks, and he鈥檚 always pushing his teams to be the first and the best,鈥� says Dino Babers, head football coach. 鈥淚 expect John to be a catalyst for much growth and success in the future. I鈥檓 eager to welcome someone of his caliber to the Syracuse Athletics team and I am certain we will accomplish great things鈥攂oth on and off the field.鈥�

鈥淚 am confident that John鈥檚 business acumen positions him to be an excellent athletics director,鈥� says聽Bob聽Bowlsby, Big 12 Conference commissioner, 鈥渁nd know that he will be as successful in the AD chair as he has been in his executive role at ESPN. I wish him the very best of luck as he starts this new chapter in his career; and congratulate 网爆门 on the hire, and its student-athletes, coaches and staff, who will no doubt benefit greatly from John鈥檚 leadership.鈥�

In his role as executive vice president for programming and production, Wildhack oversees all ESPN production efforts, as well as programming acquisitions, rights holder relationship management and scheduling. He managed all league and conference relationships and negotiated all live sport television rights; renegotiated a nine-year deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA), extending the existing contract through 2023; renegotiated a new 20-year agreement with the Southeastern Conference that will extend the existing media rights deal through 2034; helped secure long-term multiplatform agreements with the NBA, Major League Baseball, College Football Playoffs, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, U.S. Open Tennis, the Rose and Sugar Bowls, the Women鈥檚 National Basketball Association, the American Athletic Conference and the Mountain West Conference; and won more than 30 Emmy Awards.

鈥淛ohn is a special kind of leader and 网爆门 is fortunate to have someone of his stature taking the helm of Syracuse Athletics,鈥� says NBC Sports鈥� Michael Tirico 鈥�88, Trustee and a longtime ESPN colleague. 鈥淚 applaud Chancellor Syverud and the search committee for approaching this search with an open mind and for selecting someone who is so widely known for his exceptional record of success. As someone who has spent a lot of time around Power Five athletics directors, I couldn鈥檛 have picked a better director of athletics myself. I look forward to seeing the department, coaches, staff and our student-athletes thrive under John鈥檚 leadership.鈥�

Previously, Wildhack served as executive vice president for production from 2012 to 2014, during which time he was responsible for all ESPN and ABC game, event and studio production work for domestic and international television and radio networks. Prior to that, he was ESPN鈥檚 executive vice president for programming and acquisitions from 2007 until 2012. During that time, he oversaw all rights negotiations and managing relationships with rights holders for all ESPN entities. These include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN3, ESPN Mobile Properties, print and more. In 2009, he began leading strategic program planning for all the ESPN television networks, ESPN on ABC and ESPN鈥檚 digital platforms.

鈥淛ohn really stood out in the competitive pool of candidates we interviewed,鈥� says Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women鈥檚 administrator. 鈥淗is experience negotiating high-profile contracts with some of the world鈥檚 largest athletics organizations, as well as his extensive background leading large, diverse groups of people are just two of the reasons he鈥檚 the right person for this job. He may not come from a traditional intercollegiate athletics environment, but there鈥檚 no doubt his professional experience and leadership prowess will allow him to be among the best leaders our department has ever had.鈥�

Wildhack, who was born and raised in Buffalo, first joined ESPN as a production assistant in 1980. He served in a number of production positions prior to taking on a leadership role, including production assistant, associate producer, senior associate producer, producer, coordinating producer and director of event productions. Wildhack, an active Syracuse alumnus, sits on the Advisory Board for the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and was an honoree at the 鈥淣ewhouse at 40鈥� Gala.

Rick Burton, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management in and the University鈥檚 faculty athletic representative to the ACC and NCAA, says Wildhack appreciates what it takes to be a successful student-athlete at 网爆门. 鈥淗e recognizes that we must foster an environment where our student-athletes鈥� success isn鈥檛 just measured on the playing fields, but in the classroom as well. His commitment to their academics, to their stewardship of the University and to their activities in the community will allow him to build a championship program steeped in hard work, humility and respect.鈥�

Wildhack will be formally introduced to the 网爆门 and Central New York communities at an event on campus next Tuesday, July 12. His arrival on campus will mark the conclusion of Daniel J. French鈥檚 tenure as acting director of athletics. French, senior vice president and the University鈥檚 General Counsel, assumed the acting duties on May 19 and will continue in this role until Wildhack assumes the role in mid-August.

鈥淒an is an integral member of University leadership and I am grateful to him for stepping up during a time of transition and leading Syracuse Athletics in the interim,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淚 am confident Dan and Senior Deputy Athletics Director Herman Frazier will help make John鈥檚 arrival on campus a smooth and successful one.鈥�

Chancellor Syverud also acknowledged and thanked his fellow search committee members for their swift and thorough work on behalf of the University. The search committee included:

鈥� Kent Syverud, Chancellor (Chair)
鈥� Dino Babers, head football coach
鈥� Rick Burton, Falk Professor of Sport Management and faculty athletics representative
鈥� Kimberly Keenan-Kirkpatrick, deputy athletics director and senior women鈥檚 administrator
鈥� Robert Miron, University Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees鈥� Athletics Committee
鈥� Brittney Sykes, women鈥檚 basketball student-athlete

More than a decade ago, David Van Slyke joined the faculty of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Since then, Van Slyke has proven himself to be a distinguished scholar, an outstanding educator, successful researcher, a dedicated administrator and a passionate steward of the school. Today, Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele G. Wheatly announced that Van Slyke, who currently serves as Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of Public Administration and International Affairs, will become the next Dean of the Maxwell School. His appointment was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees鈥� Executive Committee and is effective on July 1.

鈥淚n the short time I have been with 网爆门, it is apparent to me that the needs and opportunities of the Maxwell School would greatly benefit from the leadership and capabilities of David Van Slyke,鈥� says Wheatly. 鈥淗e appreciates and values inclusiveness, respect and ambition and challenges his peers and students to make a difference for the future. I expect he will enhance the current programs while expanding international scope and impact by embracing the pressing and emergent questions and problems posed by rapid globalization and urbanization.鈥�

Van Slyke, who earned dual tenure in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences in 2007, holds the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business-Government Policy. His academic focus has been on public and nonprofit management, government contracting, public-private partnerships, policy implementation and strategic management.

鈥淒avid鈥檚 contributions to his department, the Maxwell School, and 网爆门 are extensive and impressive,鈥� says Chancellor Kent Syverud. 鈥淚 appreciate David鈥檚 willingness to step up and lead the Maxwell School. I look forward to collaborating with him in the weeks and months ahead. The Maxwell School represents the very best Syracuse has to offer, and I am certain that record of excellence will continue with David at the helm.鈥�

鈥淚t is a great honor to work with the Maxwell School鈥檚 outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni as dean,鈥� says Van Slyke. He referenced the Athenian Oath in taking on his new duties, adding: 鈥淚 am excited to serve in this important role as we pursue the school鈥檚 distinct contribution, to 鈥榯ransmitting the city not only not less, but greater, better, and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.鈥� The Maxwell School鈥檚 ideals are excellence in deeply relevant scholarship, impactful teaching and informed service across the diversity of the social sciences and their integration with professional public administration and international affairs. My goal is to harness that collective excellence through active communication and engagement. Working together, we can create an intellectually vibrant environment that delivers value to researchers, decision makers and citizens.鈥�

Van Slyke s斐甦s Dean James Steinberg, who announced in September 2015 his intention to step down as dean at the end of the 2015-16 academic year. Steinberg served as dean of the Maxwell School since 2011. He will remain at Syracuse and will continue to teach in the Maxwell School in his role as University Professor of social science, international affairs and law.

Van Slyke is a director and fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He is a two-time recipient of the Birkhead-Burkhead Professorship for Teaching Excellence Award, winner of the 2007 Beryl Radin Award for Best Article published in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory and the 2015 Distinguished Alumnus in Public Administration and Policy at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Van Slyke鈥檚 most recent book, 鈥淐omplex Contracting: Government Purchasing in the Wake of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program鈥� (Cambridge University Press, 2013) is the recipient of the American Society for Public Administration Section on Research Best Book Award for 2014 and honorable mention for the Public and Nonprofit Section of the Academy of Management best book award for 2016.

Van Slyke is a co-editor of the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory and the Journal of Strategic Contracting and Negotiation. He serves on the editorial boards of several top-ranked public affairs journals and is active in his professional and local community. Van Slyke is actively engaged in the work of the Maxwell School鈥檚 Executive Education program and works extensively with senior leaders in government, nonprofit and business organizations in China, India, Peru, Singapore, Thailand and many other countries. Van Slyke is a leading international expert on public-private partnerships, public sector contracting and contract management, and policy implementation and has provided expert guidance to the Office of Management and Budget, the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the World Bank. Prior to becoming an academic, he worked in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Van Slyke earned a Ph.D. in public administration and policy from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany, State University of New York.

Chancellor Kent Syverud today appointed Candace Campbell Jackson to the position of vice president and chief of staff. A highly experienced and accomplished administrator, Jackson currently serves as the vice president for student success and vice provost for academic success at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, where she works with the university鈥檚 senior leadership team to provide the best overall experience to a community of 26,000 students. Her appointment is to be presented to the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees for approval at its next meeting.

鈥淐andace has an impressive background in higher education that includes both strategic and operational leadership positions. Her commitment to student success in the classroom, laboratory and beyond, combined with her experience leading programs that directly support students, will be of great value to the University community,鈥� Chancellor Syverud says. 鈥淚 am confident Candace is the right person to lead the Chancellor鈥檚 Office and to coordinate the executive leadership team and support me as we move forward with important strategic initiatives. I am glad she鈥檚 agreed to come join us, and I鈥檓 eager to introduce her to our students, faculty and staff.鈥�

Jackson says she鈥檚 honored to be appointed to Chancellor Syverud鈥檚 leadership team. 鈥淚 am hopeful that my experience in advancing an institution鈥檚 strategic priorities in the ever-dynamic landscape of higher education will position me well as a partner with the Syracuse faculty, students, staff and leadership team,鈥� Jackson says. 鈥淢y husband, Mark, and I will miss the Akron community and I will always be grateful for the opportunities to learn and serve the people connected with the University of Akron. Looking ahead, I’m excited about building new relationships and working alongside Chancellor Syverud and the entire campus community to enhance 网爆门鈥檚 impact regionally, nationally and internationally.鈥�

At the University of Akron, Jackson provides strategic and operational leadership to nearly 600 employees in over 20 student success and student academic support units, many of which for their excellence. In her capacity as vice provost, Jackson works closely with the provost on planning, partnerships and operations of the Office of Academic Affairs, which oversees academic planning and budgeting, accreditation and the university鈥檚 Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Health Professions, Law, Engineering, Education and Business. Additionally, Jackson oversees the Office of International Programs and the federally funded TRIO programs, which support first-generation and low-income students and their families to successfully navigate college.

Previously, Jackson served as vice president and chief of staff to the president, and vice president for strategic partnerships. Jackson聽coordinated a campus-wide strategic planning and visioning process at Akron, engaging more than 3,500 members of the university community in the process. The result, Vision 2020鈥擳he New Gold Standard of University Performance, incorporated a new vision and mission along with six strategic goals to sustain the university鈥檚 future success.

Prior to her career in higher education, Jackson was an attorney in the Public Law and Corporate departments of the law firm Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP, providing counsel to educational organizations, municipalities, healthcare organizations and private family foundations, practicing in the Akron and Cleveland offices.

Jackson has been recognized as one of the top leaders in Northeast Ohio by Crain鈥檚 Cleveland Business and Kaleidoscope magazines for her professional accomplishments and civic contributions. Civically, she has volunteered as a board member and raised funds to support many community organizations, including the American Heart Association, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio and the Summa Healthcare System.

A graduate of Howard University with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism, Jackson earned a J.D. from the University of Akron. She participated in the intensive, highly selective Harvard Institute for Educational Management program for higher education administrators.

She and her husband, Mark Jackson Sr., have four adult children, including daughter Jasmine Jackson, a 2008 alumna of Syracuse鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences.

Jackson will begin her new role on July 27.

Hoang-Anh L. Tran, former chief of staff to Chancellor Syverud, has returned to Kansas City, Mo., to pursue new opportunities. During this transition, she will consult on projects as a special assistant to the Chancellor.

鈥淗oang-Anh served the University and the Chancellor鈥檚 Office so very well during the last 18 months,鈥� Chancellor Syverud says. 鈥淚 will always be grateful to her for making the move here when I began my appointment as Chancellor. She leaves the office well-positioned for success. We have all benefited from her service and wish her the best.鈥�

Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced that Dr. Laura J. Steinberg, former dean of the , will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the University鈥檚 Campus, Planning, Design and Construction (CDPC) operations. Steinberg will begin the assessment this summer and will serve as Special Assistant to the Chancellor. She will complete her assessment and submit her recommendations to the Chancellor by Dec. 31.

Steinberg will make recommendations to the Chancellor on how to improve the overall operations and efficiencies of the Office of Campus, Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC). The office currently manages all aspects of design, planning and construction of University facilities and buildings. The CPDC is also responsible for the Capital Project Planning process, the Capital Projects Fund and serves as a liaison with governmental and land development agencies. Steinberg鈥檚 work will include examining how peer institutions manage these functions and exploring best practices throughout higher education.

Steinberg is an internationally known civil and environmental engineering scholar whose research has focused on urban infrastructure and sustainability, urban disaster management, environmental modeling and impact assessment, and diffusion of technological innovation.

鈥淟aura鈥檚 knowledge, academic leadership experience and national reputation in civil and urban engineering, design and built environments will be a great asset to the University,鈥� says Chancellor Syverud. 鈥淗er contributions will help ensure a top-quality overall campus physical environment that supports and enhances the student experience.鈥�

鈥淚 am honored to be tapped by the Chancellor for this position. As we look ahead to the implementation of the Campus Framework, the University will need to ensure that it is bringing best-in-class practices to bear on all its design and construction activities,鈥� says Steinberg.

As part of this effort, Steinberg will work closely with Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis Marcoccia; newly appointed聽Vice President and Chief Campus Facilities Officer Peter Sala; CDPC Director Eric Beattie; Dean Emerita and Professor Cathryn Newton, Provost Faculty Fellow and member of the University鈥檚 Campus Framework Advisory Group; and other campus community stakeholders.