U of L Dean J. Blaine Hudson Takes Leave of Absence Due to Illness

The University of Louisville's College of Arts and Sciences Dean, J. Blaine Hudson, is taking a leave of absence following cranial surgery.Hudson sent a message Monday night [below] through assistant dean John Ferre. The e-mail, which was forwarded to college staff, said Hudson had undergone cranial surgery and will now take time to rest. The prognosis remains positive, he wrote, but officials expect him out indefinitely.“We don’t know how long he’s going to be gone and let me be really clear, we are expecting him back," said U of L provost Shirley Willihnganz.Ferre and other school staff will cover his duties in his absence.Hudson is also chairman for Louisville's Violence Prevention Task Force, but a mayoral spokesman said he will step down from his duties to focus on his health.Hudson is a lifelong Louisville resident and has been the college's dean since 2005, according to U of L's website.The following message was sent to college staff last night: Dear colleagues, Currently, I’m dealing with serious health problems (cranial surgery, etc.). Prognosis is good; all marbles are still there. However, I’m taking a leave from U of L and will need a lot of rest. My future status will be a matter for the MDs—and me. I’m not taking visits or phone calls, but am interacting by e-mail. Please know that John [Patrick Ferre], the associate and assistant dean, Pam and the chairs are the best—here and anywhere else and have all A&S business well in hand. And we have Shirley’s full support. Second, also know that I deeply, deeply appreciate the cards and other expressions of concern. All of you are the best, too. Finally, what makes us most special “is us.” I plan to be fine and know that A&S will be so, too. Take care.