Updated: Wednesday 6:38 p.m.

Thomas Melillo, CEO of Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine, died Tuesday after battling cancer, university spokesman Eric Mansfield said.

“He gave a lot of his heart and soul to the College of Podiatric Medicine, so it’s quite a shock,” Mansfield said.

Melillo began his job as CEO of the college in 1984 when it was still the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. The college became part of Kent State in July 2012.

“Dr. Melillo played a key role in the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine becoming a part of Kent State University, helping to create a positive opportunity for the college to provide the best education and training for podiatric medicine students,” Provost Todd Diacon said. “We mourn the loss of Dr. Melillo and share our thoughts and prayers with his family, friends, colleagues and members of the podiatry community.”

Diacon announced Assistant Dean Bryan Caldwell will serve as interim dean. He has worked at the college since 1994.

“It is with a heavy heart that I accept the position of interim dean of the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine,” Caldwell said. “Many knew Dr. Melillo as a great podiatric leader, but our relationship had become much closer over the years as I worked directly for him as the dean of clinics. Dr. Melillo was always the voice of reason. Regardless of the circumstances, he would always listen to the ideas of others and treat others with respect.”

Contact Lyndsey Schley at [email protected].