University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen informed the Board of Regents yesterday that he has been diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer.

In a news release from Regents President David Miles, the board expressed full support for Allen as he handles the diagnosis.

“In addition to being an outstanding and highly regarded university president, Ben is a strong individual possessing a positive spirit, and I have every confidence that he will be successful in working his way back to good health,” Miles said. “That should be his focus and top priority.”

President Allen will undergo surgery in the near future, according the release.

At the Dec. 9 meeting of the Board of Regents President Miles said he will recommend the Regents “approve the appointment of Provost Gloria Gibson as acting president of the University of Northern Iowa effective with the date of Ben’s surgery and continuing until he is able to resume his normal duties.”