Kansas State president Richard Linton shares ‘personal and difficult’ health update
Kansas State president Richard Linton has shared an unfortunate update on his health.
Just when he was hoping to focus his attention on the start of a new academic semester in Manhattan, he learned that he was diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer. Linton announced the news on Tuesday in a letter to the K-State community. He plans to undergo daily treatments in Kansas City at the KU Cancer Center for the next few months.
Dr. Marshall Stewart, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief of staff at K-State, will partner with Linton in a special capacity and help lead the university while Linton is away and undergoing cancer treatment.
“This is obviously not how I envisioned starting the fall semester,” Linton wrote, “but it is necessary that I take these steps at this time, as this cancer is treatable and curable. I need to be at my best for this institution — you deserve that from me, and in consultation with my medical team, I also know this is what is best for me and my family.”
Linton wrote that he was hesitant to share such “personal and difficult news,” but he felt he owed it to “my K-State family” to let them know what was going on his life.
He is optimistic that he can continue to lead the university while he undergoes treatment.
“I will stay engaged with the university and the great work we’re doing,” Linton wrote, “but I also recognize I won’t be able to be present in the way you’ve known me to be, as much of my work will have to take place remotely from Kansas City.”
Even though this is a scary situation for Linton, he is not worried about what comes next.
“As I look to the future, I want you to know that I look to it with optimism — that is the K-State way, and this community has instilled that in me,” Linton wrote. “K-Staters don’t shy away from difficult situations or moments of uncertainty. We face them head on and fight for the greatest outcome. That is what I do for you every day, and that is what I will continue to do for you as I embark on this journey.”
Linton was hired as the 15th president in K-State history in 2022 after previously serving as dean of the college of agriculture and life sciences at North Carolina State. Before that, he spent time working at Ohio State and Purdue.
He has hit the ground running since he arrived in Manhattan and has not been afraid to make public appearances on the university’s behalf. He is a regular at K-State sporting events and never seems shy to speak in front of a crowd.
But he won’t be nearly as noticeable around campus while he undergoes cancer treatment.
K-State football coach Chris Klieman mentioned Linton during his weekly news conference on Tuesday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with President Linton right now,” Klieman said. “Hopefully they’ve caught it in time and I know he’s going through some treatments in the near future and we’re thinking of him. With K-State football, for sure, and the entire K-State community we’re praying for you. We’ve got your back.”
This story was originally published August 8, 2023 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Kansas State president Richard Linton shares ‘personal and difficult’ health update."