File Photo | Thomas Graning
The University of Mississippi’s Chancellor Dan Jones was diagnosed with lymphoma, following several days of tests this week at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, according to a press release sent by the university yesterday afternoon.
Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, a major part of the immune system. Almost 80,000 new cases of lymphoma are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Danny Blanton, director of public relations, said he is not sure how long the symptoms have been present, but the diagnosis was made this week after several days of testing and Jones will immediately undergo chemotherapy. Jones’s attending physician is Dr. Joe Files.
Blanton said with Jones being a medical doctor himself, he is sure Jones was able to identify symptoms, which led him to seek attention.
Blanton said Provost Morris Stocks will serve as the senior university executive while Jones is unavailable, but Jones will still be working and functioning as the chancellor.
“If the need arises, and he needs to be on the Oxford campus, and his condition will allow him then he’ll do that,” Blanton said. “There is no concern about being out of communications contact of not being able to reach him.”
Stocks said first and foremost the community’s thoughts are with Chancellor Jones and his family and the community is ready to assist Jones as he battles lymphoma.
“I have confidence in the leadership team of our university and the ability of our university community to continue our momentum and progress in the months to come,” Stocks said.
Associated Student Body President Davis Rogers said he feels the student body will be very encouraging and supportive of Chancellor Jones.
“To many of us students, the chancellor is more than just a chancellor, more than just a superior,” Rogers said. “He’s a friend and a mentor.”
Trentice Imbler, president of the Alumni Association, said she is sad to hear the upsetting news but knows the Ole Miss community will be nothing but supportive.
“The whole Ole Miss community is devastated to hear this news, but I know the chancellor is strong,” Imbler said. “I know he’s in the best care, and we just want him and his wife Lydia to know that they’re certainly in my prayers and the prayers of the alumni and friends of The University of Mississippi.”
Blanton said Jones is going to continue being the chancellor of the flagship university of the state of Mississippi until either his doctors or God says he can’t.
“Anybody who knows Dan Jones knows he doesn’t quit,” Blanton said. “He’s not a quitter and he doesn’t back down from a challenge.”
