SUNY Buffalo State College president Aaron Podolefsky announced Monday he is taking a leave of absence for treatment of prostate cancer.Podolofsky's first announcement of the cancer came nearly two years ago, but now he says he needs to concentrate on his health and has requested immediate sick leave.
"After careful consideration, I’ve notified SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher that I will be going on sick leave, effectively immediately. A determination on an interim president will be made by Chancellor Zimpher in consultation with the Buffalo State Council, led by Chair Howard Zemsky. You will be notified of the interim appointment as soon as a decision is finalized," said Podolefsky in a letter to faculty and staff.
Podolefsky, who turns 67 this month, has been undergoing clinical treatments at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Doctor's orders to avoid large crowds kept him from attending last month's Buff State commencement.
Provost Dennis Ponton will serve as officer-in-charge pending appointment of an interim president by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and the Buffalo State Council.
"I completely support President Podolefsky’s decision. All of us at SUNY join the Buffalo State community in extending our best wishes to the president and his family. We will work with Mr. Zemsky to identify an interim so that leadership at Buffalo State will continue uninterrupted while President Podolefsky focuses on his health," said Zimpher.
"We understand and respect that President Podolefsky’s priority at this time must be focused on his health, and we wish him well and offer our steadfast support. Moving forward, the Buffalo State Council will work with SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher to select an interim president as we look to continuing the integrity, commitment, and bold vision that President Podolefsky has brought to this leadership role," said Zemsky.
The following is the full letter Podolefsky submitted to faculty and staff Monday:
Dear Colleagues,
As you are aware since I first shared news of my cancer diagnosis with the Buffalo State campus community nearly two years ago, I’ve been undergoing treatment to address this health issue. Recently, I’ve written you about a clinical trial I’m involved in and my inability to participate in Commencement. It’s been a challenging journey. I’ve reached a point with the demands of treatment that I now need to place my entire focus on my overall health and well-being.
After careful consideration, I’ve notified SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher that I will be going on sick leave, effectively immediately. A determination on an interim president will be made by Chancellor Zimpher in consultation with the Buffalo State Council, led by Chair Howard Zemsky. You will be notified of the interim appointment as soon as a decision is finalized.
To ensure continuity of strong leadership at our institution, Provost Dennis Ponton will serve as officer-in-charge until the interim president term begins. I’m confident that each of you will give your full commitment to Buffalo State’s leadership during my absence.
The warm, thoughtful and supportive campus community at Buffalo State has been remarkable throughout my illness. I’m immensely fortunate to serve as president at an institution with very special faculty and staff who take the time to reach out to those in need. Ronnie and I are exceedingly grateful and deeply touched by your unwavering support. Your enduring kindness, care and concern will be something that, without question, will be tremendously comforting and strengthening to me during my leave. Your continued thoughts, prayers and encouragement will give me great peace of mind in the time ahead.
Buffalo State is much more than an educational institution of excellence, it is a place filled with wonderful people. I’m exceptionally proud to be your president and to be a part of such a kindhearted community. I extend my deepest thanks to each of you and appreciate your spirit of caring throughout my presidency.
With warmest regards,
President Aaron Podolefsky
