WSU president diagnosed with cancer, to take medical leave

The president of the Washington State University system has been granted emergency medical leave after being diagnosed with cancer.

The WSU Board of Regents approved President Elson S. Floyd’s request during a retreat meeting at WSU Tri-Cities today, a release said. The leave is indefinite and it is not known when Floyd could return to his duties.

“I have said it many times: I have the greatest job in the world,” Floyd said in a release. “There is no place on earth like WSU, and I cannot wait to return to the office and all the great work we are doing once my health allows. In the meantime, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.”

The board also designated Dan Bernardo, WSU’s provost and executive vice president, to take over the day-to-day duties of president during Floyd’s leave. Floyd recommended that Bernardo take over during his absence.

This story was originally published June 5, 2015 at 4:27 PM with the headline "WSU president diagnosed with cancer, to take medical leave."