FERRUM, Va. -- After a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer, NCAA President Myles Brand passed away yesterday, September 16, at age 67.

Brand was hired as President of the NCAA in October of 2002.  He was instrumental in assisting the NCAA pass the Academic Progress Report and the Graduation Success Rate, both aimed at determining how student-athletes perform in the classroom.  Brand was a strong supporter of student-athletes, emphasizing the successes achieved in their academic and athletic endeavors.

Ferrum College and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pass its condolences on to the Brand family and friends.  Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, who became President at Ferrum in 2002, the same year Brand began work with the NCAA, served on numerous NCAA committees and knew Brand well.

"We're saddened to hear of the loss of our dear friend Myles Brand," said Braaten.  "He was a consummate professional, and provided great leadership for the NCAA during a time of transition.  Myles always listened to multiple constituencies before rendering decisions on important topics."

"Our hearts go out to his wife Peg and son Joshua during this time of great loss."

Brand announced at last January's NCAA Convention that he had been diagnosed with cancer.  He continued day-to-day work at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, despite undergoing treatments.