AMHERST – Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash is on leave and away from the campus as he recovers from multiple surgeries, according to the college.
In a statement to the college community Thursday, Dean of Faculty Eva Rueschmann, who has been serving as acting president in Lash’s absence, provided an update on Lash.
“As you know, Jonathan had back surgery in February,” Rueschmann wrote. “The surgery itself went well but there was a post-operative infection followed by other complications that necessitated additional surgical interventions. He had his fourth procedure earlier this week and is currently recovering in the hospital.”
She wrote that Lash had been able to spend time on campus prior to the most recent surgery, working half-time, but is disappointed to be away during ongoing protests on campus related to fossil fuel divestment and other causes.
“He is beyond distressed to not be a physical presence as our community navigates this challenging time, but he is staying connected and involved via email throughout,” Rueschmann wrote. “He intends to be back in person as soon as he possibly can.”
During the winter, Lash underwent complex back surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to fix a damaged vertebra.
Dave Eisenstadter can be reached at deisen@gazettenet.com.