SIU says Interim Chancellor Paul Sarvela has died

CARBONDALE (AP) — Southern Illinois University's Interim Chancellor Paul Sarvela died suddenly Sunday evening while battling cancer, according to university officials.

Sarvela worked at SIU for 28 years, including as a faculty member, dean and associate vice president before being named interim chancellor in July after former Chancellor Rita Cheng left to become president of Northern Arizona University.

The cause of death was not confirmed, but comes a month after Sarvela informed students and faculty that he had been diagnosed with a "rare but fully treatable" type of cancer, noting he had been given "an excellent prognosis for a positive outcome."

In an email sent to faculty, staff and students, Dunn said Sarvela's character was one of his greatest strengths, saying his "friendship and compassion for those around him" would be missed the most.

University spokeswoman Rae Goldsmith described him as "very well known, and very popular" among students and faculty alike.

Goldsmith said the university's administrative leadership team met with Dunn on Monday morning.

"Right now, we're going to continue operations as usual while making sure people have the opportunity to pay their respects," she said.

Events that Sarvela had planned to attend will be covered by other members of the administration in the coming weeks, she said.

Goldsmith said it was currently unclear whether the university would appoint another interim chancellor, and if so, when.

Funeral arrangements and services are pending.