Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley has announced an unspecified medical issue, according to an email sent to faculty and staff Oct. 17.

After the board of trustees meeting the previous day, Hadley told board members she would be dealing with her health in the coming days.

Reginald Gates, communications and external affairs vice chancellor, said any time she takes off should not be considered a medical leave.

“She has a health issue, so from time-to-time she will be out of the office,” Gates said. “No planned consecutive missed days.”

The email gave no details about her condition “in respect for her privacy,” and Gates would not elaborate.

The email, which was sent by Gates, did say, however, that she may be telecommuting on days off.

“As she addresses her health issues, she will continue her work with the CELT [Chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team] and the Board of Trustees, thanks in part to technology which makes that easy and possible,” the email said. “She noted that TCC has a highly skilled, experienced executive team and she knows that, as always, each of us will continue to work in the best interests of our students.”

The email concluded with Gates talking about the chancellor’s resilience when adversity strikes.

“With her trademark smile and determined look, Chancellor Hadley included with her comments to our impromptu gathering: ‘I am a fighter, and I’ll fight this health challenge all the way,’” it said.

— Dylan Bradley