In January 2005 the University Archives mounted an exhibit in honor of the eleven Chancellors of Syracuse University. The exhibit ran in the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center until May 2005.

Alexander Winchell
Chancellor: 1873-1874

Inaugurated as first chancellor in 1873 - Medical College began during his tenure - Hall of Languages dedicated and occupied - College of Fine Arts began – grappled with panic of 1874 - resigned to be professor of geology, zoology and botany

Erastus O. Haven
Chancellor: 1874-1880

Former President of University of Michigan and of Northwestern – elected as Chancellor 1872, but declined – offered position in 1874 and accepted – devoted interests to strengthening curriculum and cementing University’s relationship to the city – resigned to be Bishop of Methodist Episcopal Church

Charles N. Sims
Chancellor: 1881-1893

Former President of Valparaiso College in Indiana – first building expansion during his term: Holden Observatory, Crouse College, Von Ranke Library (now Tolley Administration Building), and first gymnasium – tablet in front of HL reads “Educator, preacher, Moulder of Men”

James R. Day
Chancellor: 1894-1922

Longest tenured Chancellor – served 29 years – friendship with Standard Oil’s John D. Archbold led Archbold to become University’s great benefactor - enrollment increased from 777 to 6422 by time of retirement – over 20 buildings built or purchased and 11 schools and colleges organized during his leadership

Charles W. Flint
Chancellor: 1922-1936

Best remembered as Chancellor who pulled University out of financial hole by eliminating deficit – expanded School of Education – established School of Journalism and Maxwell School – a colonel in Army Reserve – defended prohibition and banned smoking on campus – left University to become Methodist Bishop of Atlanta; later Bishop of Syracuse and Washington, D.C.

William P. Graham
Chancellor: 1937-1942

First layman and first alumnus to become Chancellor – on ‘the hill’ 44 years – served as Vice Chancellor, then Acting Chancellor for one year before appointment – former dean of Liberal Arts and of Applied Science –advanced Maxwell and Education to graduate status – Graham Dining Hall named for him

William P. Tolley
Chancellor and President: 1942-1969

Formerly President of Allegheny College, the youngest chief executive of a college or university in the nation – president of the College Presidents of Pennsylvania and president of the Association of American Colleges – second SU alumnus to become Chancellor – tenure saw dramatic increases in University’s gross assets, endowments, and enrollment – one of group of college administrators who drafted Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, or “The GI Bill of Rights"

John E. Corbally, Jr.
Chancellor and President: 1969-1971

Came to SU from Ohio State University, where he was vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost – first non-Methodist to serve as chancellor of Methodist-founded university – outlined plan for restructuring of central administration – oversaw new financial structure that put finances on solid ground – dealt with student unrest including viability of ROTC on campus; contracts between Syracuse University Research Corporation and military; May 1970 Student Strike; and football discrimination crises – resigned to become President of University of Illinois

Melvin A. Eggers
Chancellor and President: 1971-1991

Hired as economics professor in 1950 – chairman of Economics, 1960 – named Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost in 1970 – chosen by Trustees to become Chancellor and President in 1971 – during his tenure $200 million in construction completed or begun – student enrollment and number of faculty reached all-time high – University gained reputation as research institution –athletics saw dawning of a new era with construction of Carrier Dome

Kenneth A. Shaw
Chancellor and President: 1991-2004

Formerly President of University of Wisconsin System and Chancellor of Southern Illinois University System – stabilized University financial situation – refocused University as a “student-centered research university” – accessible to students – successful $350 million campaign – active leadership in NCAA – chair of Metropolitan Development Association – plans to teach leadership courses

Nancy Cantor
Chancellor and President: 2004-

Inaugurated as the eleventh and the first woman chancellor of Syracuse University – formerly University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign chancellor and psychology professor –ninth woman to lead a Central New York area college or university campus – has invited the SU campus and Central New York community to engage in conversation and collaboration around the theme, “Exploring the Soul of Syracuse.”