CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Western Carolina University Chancellor David Belcher has informed the school that he has been diagnosed with a small brain tumor.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reports (http://avlne.ws/1Sn9YnS) Belcher said in an email sent Thursday that the tumor is affecting his speech and expression. He said the resulting condition is called expressive aphasia.
Belcher said he is optimistic and in the process of engaging with medical specialists to learn more. He also said Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar will be his primary representative when he is unavailable. He said he will fulfill his executive responsibilities even when he is not on campus.
School spokesman Bill Studenc said he had no additional details about Belcher’s condition or treatment.
Belcher was hired in 2011 to replace John Bardo. He’s a native of native of Barnwell, South Carolina.
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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com