Interim ECU chancellor resigns after photos show him at bar with students

GREENVILLE, N.C. — The interim chancellor of East Carolina University is resigning after photos were published of him at a bar with students.

University of North Carolina Interim President Bill Roper announced Saturday that Dan Gerlach had resigned.

Gerlach, who was appointed in April, previously said in a statement that he went to a local pub with two adult male acquaintances on Sept. 25. The statement says videos and photos shared on social media show him "interacting with college-aged young adults and taking selfies."

GERLACH'S RESIGNATION STATEMENT: 

"Earlier today, I offered Dr. Bill Roper, Interim UNC System President, my resignation as interim Chancellor of East Carolina University, effective immediately.

As Chancellor, I had the responsibility and the duty to live out the East Carolina Creed to the fullest extent possible. The Creed states that “members of our academic society exemplify high standards of professional and personal conduct at all times.” On the night of Wednesday, September 25 and early morning of Thursday, September 26, I did not live up to these standards as well as the UNC System standards that demand excellent judgment and discretion from the campus leaders. I did not model the behavior that we try to teach our students and to uphold ourselves. Upon reflection and discussion, I believe that this shortcoming was significant enough that my resignation is in the best interest of the University.

Make no mistake: the responsibility is mine. It is not the press, not the University or system leadership, and not anyone else who put me in this situation. It was I who made the choices that led to this action. There is no one to hold accountable for the situation except me.

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all of the vocal and vigorous support that I have received over the past few weeks. Words cannot express the embarrassment and the regret that I feel toward my family, my close colleagues at ECU and the UNC System, and all of Pirate Nation who believed in me so strongly.

I was sent here to reduce the drama that ECU faced, and I instead added to it. I hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me. I hope also that all of Pirate Nation will focus all of the energy and vigor toward supporting the ongoing leadership at ECU.

I will miss ECU and Greenville because the people are incredible and the entire community full of promise and hope. I thought before I arrived in May that I knew how fantastic Pirate Nation was, is and will be. I had no idea. It’s far better. I am thankful for being part of it for a short time."

Several students and others started social media campaigns in support of Gerlach after he was recently placed on leave.

Roper said Gerlach's resignation is in the "best interests" of the school and is effective immediately.

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Associated Press