Days after accepting the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs at Southern Oregon University, Dr. Gary Kiger was faced with a medical prognosis that resulted in his withdrawal from the position.

Two days after the job was offered to Kiger, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor, Kiger.. He has since undergone neurosurgery and began radiation and chemotherapy.

In an e-mail, Kiger described the job offer extended by SOU as "one of the most significant days of my professional and personal life."

"I am deeply disappointed that I cannot join you, but it is, in the end, the best decision for me, my family and the SOU community," wrote Kiger.

"Kiger indicated that he hopes to be at SOU for orientation this fall, as his daughter is enrolled," said Jonathan Eldridge, vice president for student affairs and head of the provost search committee.

"SOU received a package of wrist bands with Kiger’s name from Utah State University, where Kiger is currently the dean," said Eldridge.

The bands were given to the provost search committee, explained Eldridge, because they were the ones who got to know Kiger the best and dedicated the most time to the provost search.

Following Kiger’s withdrawal, the provost search was reopened.

"It left us with a successful search that had to be started over again," said Eldridge. He added that now the committee has an advantage in knowing what the campus is looking for in a provost.

"It has raised the bar for candidates," said Eldridge. The campus community was happy with what they found in Kiger, he said.

Applications are currently being accepted for the position. There are currently more than 25 applicants. The committee will begin reviewing applications this week.

If there are not enough qualified applicants by the May 5 meeting, the provost search will be suspended until next fall. If this happens, it is the president’s job to determine what to do with the position for the interim.

Ed Battistella, professor of English and writing, is currently filling the position as interim vice president for academic affairs and provost. The job ends in June.

The other three finalists from the previous search are unable to be considered for provost due to a combination of their plans and campus feedback, according to Eldridge.

"We’re committed to finding the best possible provost for SOU," said Eldridge.

The roll of the provost and vice president for academic affairs is to be responsible for all academic divisions, departments, and programs and the services that support them as well as more administrative duties, according to the SOU Web site.