NIC president takes leave for cancer treatment

COEUR d'ALENE - The president of North Idaho College will be taking a medical leave beginning today after recently being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Priscilla Bell told The Press she expects to be out for two weeks following surgery, although it could be longer since doctors have not yet determined what stage the disease is in.

"I hope for the best, and I think, as everybody who's had cancer knows, if I can avoid chemo, I will be very grateful," Bell said.

Jay Lee, the college's vice president of instruction, will be acting president in Bell's absence.

"We went through everything on my calendar, the projects that need to be addressed," Bell said. "I have complete and total confidence in Jay. He knows the college, and now he knows the community."

Lee joined NIC's upper-level administrative team in July 2008, coming from Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota where he was a dean.

"I think Priscilla has done a great job of leaving the college very well organized," Lee said. "I think we'll be in good shape. It will be tough without her, but we'll get through it."

"President Bell has shown great courage and a positive attitude," said Christie Wood, chair of NIC's Board of Trustees. "The board is very proud of her."

Bell, 61, said her experience has driven home the value of annual mammograms.

"That can't be over-stressed," Bell said. "Get your mammogram."

In an e-mail sent to the college community last week, Bell wrote, "While this is a serious procedure, my doctors and I are very confident that I will be fine, and that my recovery will allow me to return to campus very soon."

She said she has since been surprised and amazed to discover how many women have or have had breast cancer. Bell has heard from survivors, and from those whose loved ones have battled the disease.

"It's so generous of people, and heartwarming to me, that they are willing to share their stories," Bell said.