Alison Morrison-Shetlar to Lead Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina

Alison Morrison-Shetlar was selected to serve as acting chancellor of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, effective January 1. Chancellor David O. Belcher recently announced that he would go on medical leave effective December 31. In making the announcement, Chancellor Belcher said, “the effects of my glioblastoma brain tumor have continued to worsen in recent months, and the aphasic impact of the disease on my speech and communicative skills has become more pronounced. My medical team has concluded that the latest treatment regimen is not working as hoped.”

Dr. Morrison-Shetlar currently serves as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. She is also a tenured professor of biology. Professor Morrison-Shetlar joined the faculty at Western Carolina University in 2014. From 2010 to 2014, she was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Elon University in North Carolina.

A native of Scotland, Dr. Morrison-Shetlar holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry and a Ph.D. in biomedical science from the Dundee College of Technology in Scotland.