TOPEKA — Kansas State University president Richard Linton said Tuesday a diagnosis of throat and tongue cancer would require daily treatment for several months at the University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Linton was named 15th president of Kansas State in December 2021 and began work on the Manhattan campus in February 2022.
“This is obviously not how I envisioned starting the fall semester,” Linton said in a statement, “but it is necessary that I take these steps at this time, as this cancer is treatable and curable.”
Linton, who said the cancer was diagnosed last week, said it wouldn’t be possible to remain as engaged in university activities for the next several months. The Kansas Board of Regents, which has oversight authority of the land-grant university, endorsed the idea of having Marshall Stewart, a Kansas State senior vice president, collaborate with Linton on decision making and to represent the president at events and meetings.
“Dr. Stewart and I are completely aligned in how we lead this university and we will continue to ensure we’re aligned through regular communication. Place your trust in him as you have with me. He will ensure we continue our planned path forward together,” Linton said.
Stewart was hired in January to serve as Linton’s liaison with university, government and community leaders. He was assigned to lead strategic initiatives and partnerships at the university, community, state, national and international impact. He also was tasked with a role in the university’s campaign to increase its economic footprint and create a next-generation land-grant university.
Stewart previously was chief engagement officer for the University of Missouri System and vice chancellor for extension and engagement for the University of Missouri-Columbia.
“As I look to the future, I want you to know that I look to it with optimism,” Linton said. “That is the K-State way, and this community has instilled that in me. K-Staters don’t shy away from difficult situations or moments of uncertainty. We face them head on and fight for the greatest outcome.”
