It is inconsiderate of Nancy Cantor to step down from her position as chancellor of Syracuse University just three months before her replacement will begin his tenure.

Cantor announced on Wednesday that she will no longer oversee the daily operations of the university starting Oct. 14.

Board of Trustees Chairman Dick Thompson will recommend that Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric Spina be selected as interim chancellor at an executive meeting on Thursday. Spina has agreed to fill the role.

The nature of Cantor’s announcement is concerning. SU News announced her departure through the daily SU News email, but this casual approach did not match the significance of the announcement.

Cantor said in the accompanying release that her exit will allow for a “smooth transition” as she prepares to take over as chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark.

However, she is allowing for anything but a “smooth transition.”

Cantor said she will remain in Syracuse for the duration of the semester. But her minimal on-campus presence makes her ability to transition Chancellor-designate Kent Syverud into his new role questionable.

Stepping into the role of chancellor is a significant development in Syverud’s career. He has only served as dean of law at Vanderbilt University and Washington University. His lack of chancellorship experience requires extensive training from an official who has held the position.

Syverud should transition with Cantor, as she has had the most experience with the role. Spina is highly educated about the university and is the most qualified individual to fill the position, but he will not have time to make many changes or take on major initiatives in his three months as interim chancellor.

Students deserve a leader who will ensure that the university is left in good hands.Syverud deserves a mentor who will help him understand the school he said he is eager to learn about.

Cantor’s choice to depart earlier than scheduled was too abrupt and leaves the SU community feeling deserted.

Published on October 10, 2013 at 2:05 am

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