Western Carolina University’s well-liked leader Chancellor David Belcher has been diagnosed with a small brain tumor, he announced last week.
The tumor is affecting his speech and expression, prompting him to limit his public speaking appearances going forward, but Belcher plans to remain at the helm of the university as he continues to learn more about the character of the tumor and to seek medical treatment. It’s unknown at this point whether the tumor is malignant.
The university’s leadership has a “robust plan” in place for the interim, Belcher wrote in an April 21 email, with Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar acting as Belcher’s proxy when he is unavailable.
“That said,” Belcher continued in the email he sent to faculty, staff and students, “I am fully committed as Chancellor of Western Carolina University and will fulfill my executive responsibilities even when I am not on campus. That has not changed.”
Outpourings of support followed the news almost immediately, with nearly 250 WCU students, staff and faculty braving rain showers Friday, April 22, for a rally showing their support the day after the announcement.
“The purpose is simply love and support for him, as he has consistently shown for Western Carolina University,” Dale Carpenter, dean of WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions, said in a message to campus encouraging participation in the rally.
The previous evening, the Jackson County Commissioners made time during their regular meeting to recognize Belcher’s situation and voice their support.
“He’s been a tremendous asset to this county and to this region,” said Chairman Brian McMahan. “I expect him to be as active as he can be. We will support him and do everything we can to lift him up during this time of trial for him and his family.”
“Hopefully he recovers quickly,” agreed Commissioner Boyce Dietz. “He’s important to all of us.”
Commissioner Vicki Greene also expressed her support for Belcher and reminded those present that he’s not the only respected member of the county dealing with a brain tumor. Veronica Nicholas, who was Jackson’s first female county commissioner, is battling brain cancer. She’s dealing with multiple tumors and received some good news lately as all but one showed a decrease in size, Greene said.
“We all wish her well in her recovery,” Greene said.
Belcher has been WCU’s chancellor since 2011, following John Bardo, who held the post for 16 years.
While he negotiates this challenge, Belcher wrote in his email to the university community, he will likely be harder to reach and less responsive to email than he otherwise would be, relying on executive staff to field communications he’s unable to return.
“I welcome your thoughts and prayers. I also ask your patience and indulgence during this time,” he wrote. “I promise that we will keep you fully informed as to our path ahead.”