UPDATED: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at 4:57 p.m.

Kenneth Kavajecz has been removed from his position as dean of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly announced Wednesday.

The change in leadership is effective immediately and Kavajecz has been placed on administrative leave until further notice, according to an SU News release. Mike Haynie, the university’s vice chancellor for veterans and military affairs, is the temporary head of the school until an interim is named.

Wheatly and Haynie will meet with members of the Whitman community on Friday to discuss future interim leadership of the school, according to the release. A time and place for the meeting have yet to be announced.

“I recognize change is never easy and transition is rarely seamless,” Wheatly said in an email sent to members of the Whitman community. “But, I want you to know that Vice Chancellor Haynie and I are committed to working with you in the coming days to identify an interim leader who will oversee the continued growth and success of the Whitman School.”

Wheatly added that Whitman has “never been stronger.” When Kavajecz was named dean in April 2013, Bloomberg LP ranked the school No. 72 among the top undergraduate business schools. Three and a half years later — under Kavajecz’s leadership — Whitman is ranked No. 23.

SU policy doesn’t allow for comment on personnel matters, said Sarah Scalese, SU’s associate vice president for university communications.

Kavajecz did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment. Steven Barnes, chairman of the SU Board of Trustees, also did not have comment.

Published on September 14, 2016 at 2:38 pm

Contact Sara: smswann@syr.edu | @saramswann