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.

“East Carolina University Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach has submitted his resignation, effective immediately, which I have accepted. I believe that this action is in the best interests of the entire East Carolina University community. I have begun the process of identifying the next interim chancellor for ECU and will share more information with the university community as soon as possible,” he said in a released statement.

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."

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.