MACHIAS, Maine — The interim president of the University of Maine at Machias is expected to undergo heart surgery and be absent from campus while she recovers, according to a campus news release issued Wednesday.
University of Maine System Chancellor James Page announced Joyce Hedlund was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center over the weekend. He informed campus faculty, staff and students on Wednesday, while he was in Machias providing an update on the progress of the One University initiative.
“This is a serious condition, but the prognosis is optimistic,” Page said. “We are not anticipating anything other than a full recovery.”
Hedlund, 67, is scheduled to have heart bypass surgery and be away from campus for several weeks as she recovers, according to the University of Maine at Machias.
While Hedlund is out, Stuart Swain, provost and vice president of academic affairs, will fulfill her duties.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the campus is in capable hands,” Page said.
Hedlund was hired out of retirement in early 2015 to lead the campus until it finds a permanent head. Before that, she spent time leading both Washington County Community College in Calais and Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor.
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