Chancellor Belcher diagnosed with brain tumor

The tumor is affecting Dr. Belcher's speech and expression, according to the email he sent out to the campus Thursday morning.

“The resulting condition is called expressive aphasia. At this point, I do not have many specifics to share; however, I am optimistic and in the process of engaging with medical specialists to learn more,” Belcher wrote in the email.

“I felt it important that you hear this news immediately and directly from me. I know that you care deeply for our university and I also know that you care for me personally. I am sure that this news will prompt many questions, many of which I cannot currently answer.”

“Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar will be my primary representative when I am unavailable. That said, 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,” Belcher wrote.