SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno has been diagnosed with cancer, he said in an announcement Wednesday afternoon.

Montemagno said that he had to limit his public appearances to address “significant back and hip pain.”

“The pain was originally thought to be cysts that have now been treated, thanks to the great team at SIH – with their help, I am feeling much better,” Montemagno said.

The cysts were treated but have been identified as cancer, Montemagno said. The type of cancer was not specified.

“I won’t go into more detail here other than to say we are treating it aggressively and I am confident that I will be around for a long time,” Montemagno said.

The chancellor further said that he may “not be as visible in the weeks ahead” but will remain fully engaged as SIU’s chancellor and will continue to be “focused on advancing our institution.”

Montemagno noted that SIU Provost Meera Komarraju will continue the oversight on facilitating the academic reorganization plans.

“Health is an intensely personal matter for all of us, and I felt it was important to be transparent with you, our new extended family, regarding this matter,” Montemagno said. “My family and I appreciate the support of our many friends and colleagues here in Carbondale, and around the world.”

Staff reporter Brian Munoz can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @BrianMMunoz.

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