Former University of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced on Monday that she has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and that she’s no longer planning to take over as president of Northwestern University.
“Last week, I learned that I have an aggressive form of cancer, which will require all my strength and resolve to fight, prohibiting me from being able to serve as your next president,” Blank said in a statement shared on Northwestern’s website.
“The job of president requires multiple events, long days, travel and constant energy, especially in the first year. I have always been able to deliver this in previous jobs, but my doctors advise me that the treatments I am starting will make it almost impossible to do the job you need in a new president,” she added. “I do not have the words to express to you how disappointed and sad I am to be telling you this. I was excited to be joining you at Northwestern, a world-class institution that is near and dear to my heart.”
Blank served as UW Chancellor for eight years before stepping down this summer.
