Trending Now - University of Michigan's New President Steps Down Due to Cancer Diagnosis

WHO:

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Kent Syverud, president-elect of the University of Michigan, age 69.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Mark Bernstein, Chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Domenico Grasso, interim president of the University of Michigan.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Sarah Hubbard, University of Michigan Regent.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Derek Peterson, Faculty Senate Chair at the University of Michigan.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Ruth Chen, wife of Kent Syverud.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Steven, Brian, and David, sons of Kent Syverud.

WHAT:

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Kent Syverud has been diagnosed with brain cancer and will not serve as the University of Michigan's 16th president.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - The University of Michigan announced Syverud's inability to assume the presidency on April 15th, 2026.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - The Board of Regents plans to re-engage a search process for a new president.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Syverud expressed gratitude for the care he is receiving and stated, "I am where I need to be, and I am in excellent hands."

WHERE:

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Michigan Medicine, where Syverud is receiving care.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Crouse Hospital, where Syverud previously received care.

WHEN:

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Syverud was diagnosed with brain cancer in the week prior to April 15th, 2026.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Syverud was elected as president in January 2026.

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - The announcement regarding Syverud's inability to take the presidency was made on April 15th, 2026.

WHY:

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Syverud's diagnosis of brain cancer is the reason he cannot assume the presidency.

HOW:

[12:08 PM ET] - The Detroit News - Syverud sought care from health specialists at the University of Michigan, leading to his diagnosis.

(UPDATED April 15, 2026 17:24 UTC)

Kent Syverud has been diagnosed with brain cancer and will not serve as the University of Michigan's 16th president, a decision announced on Wednesday. The Board of Regents plans to restart the search for a new president, while Syverud expressed gratitude for his care, stating, "I am where I need to be, and I am in excellent hands." Syverud, who was elected in January 20th26, sought treatment from health specialists at the University of Michigan, which led to his diagnosis.