Syracuse University Names New Chancellor -- Kent D. Syverud

Syracuse University has officially selected its new chancellor, Kent D. Syverud, Syracuse.com is reporting.

Syverud (pronounced SIEVE a rude) was selected from a pool of 270 candidates reviewed by the university's chancellor search committee. Trustees appointed him unanimously Wednesday.

"I'm thrilled. It feels really good," said Syverud, who was introduced Wednesday evening to the Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard editorial board by SU Board of Trustees Chairman Richard L. Thompson.

All of this seems well and good, then, you take a look closer look at Syverud's resume and -- W.T.F?!?!? -- he's a Georgetown grad!

Now, it has been over 36 years since Syverud has been associated with Georgetown. This is pre-Big East, in the beginning years of John Thompson and, well, even before we cared anything about the Hoyas. So, take it for what it is (I am sure there will be some fun comments about this throughout the day).

As for Syverud, I suppose he is taking the, "if you can't beat them, might as well join them," motto.

There will be a formal introduction of Syverud, who has been the dean at Washinginton University in St. Louis for the past seven years, Thursday at 1 p.m.

As we all know, Syverud has big shoes to fill as he takes over for Nancy Cantor, who will depart for Newark, NJ -- really, Nancy? really? -- in January.

Good luck, to Syverud in his new job at SU. Hopefully, Mr. Syverud is used to dealing with disasters, scandal and shit-hitting-the-fan issues.

Syverud brings with him an impressive range of credentials: a former dean of Vanderbilt University Law School, clerk for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and a trustee of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust, a $20 billion fund created by BP to pay claims arising from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

"I feel like I've been preparing for this job my whole life," Syverud said.

Oh, ok. Moving along...