Former Eastern President Carol Surles said Tuesday that an Associated Press story which suggested she might be interested in becoming president of another university was incorrect.

While listing some of Surles’ accomplishments as Eastern’s eighth president, the story added that Surles “cannot help but notice that Pensacola’s University of West Florida is looking for a new president.”

Surles, who lives in Perdido Key, near Pensacola, faxed Eastern’s Media Relations Department a statement Tuesday, dispelling speculation that she might be considering another position.

“I was surprised at the suggestion that I might apply for any presidency at this point. I left Eastern only because I was physically unable to carry out my responsibilities. In fact I was hospitalized in Champaign at the time the story in Pensacola went to press,” Surles said. “I have not read the story yet, but I have received numerous telephone calls about it.”

Surles, who was Eastern’s first minority and first women president, resigned in July to return to Florida and pursue her treatment plan for breast cancer.

The AP story said that while it may be too early for her to consider applying for the president’s office at the University of South Florida, Surles “said she cannot imagine living nearby without being involved in some way.”

Tuesday Surles said she is currently focused on her recovery, which will include additional surgery.

“At this juncture, regaining my health and stamina must be my priority. My treatment plan includes further surgery,” she said. “I will return to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston on Oct. 18.”