Incoming Alcorn State University President George Ross said Friday his leukemia is in remission.

“My wife, Elizabeth, and I continue to appreciate the thoughts and prayers from both the Alcorn State and Central Michigan communities,” Ross said in a statement.

Ross, who currently serves as vice president of finance and administrative services at Central Michigan University, was hired in the spring to succeed the late Clinton Bristow Jr., who died of heart failure last August.

Ross, 52, a native of Utica, initially was to take over the Alcorn post last month, but the state date was later moved to Sept. 1. At its board meeting next month, the state College Board is expected to approve an updated start date of Jan.3, 2008.

Officials said the revised start date will enable Ross to complete his medical treatment without interruption at Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan Hospital.

Malvin Williams will continue to serve the university as interim president until Jan. 3.

“We are thankful the leukemia is in remission and look forward to Dr. Ross assuming the presidency in January,” said state Commissioner of Higher Education Thomas Meredith.

Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, which help fight infection. Aggressive chemotherapy is typically the treatment for acute leukemia — initially for one month.