GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- The chancellor of East Carolina University has announced plans to resign after about three years on the job, and some are claiming he is being forced out.

  • The University of North Carolina system issued a news release Monday saying that Chancellor Cecil P. Staton will step down effective May 3
  • The university system didn't make his reason for leaving clear.
  • Staton was hired at ECU in April of 2016 after years of serving as a faculty member and administrator of universities in Georgia.

The University of North Carolina system issued a news release Monday saying that Chancellor Cecil P. Staton will step down effective May 3. He's slated to remain in an advisory capacity until the end of June. 

 

 

The university system didn't make his reason for leaving clear; however, it is clear that this was not Staton's idea. He said that he did not initiate the resignation, but he cannot elaborate. 
 
"I have signed a non-disparagement agreement, so try as you will, I will not speak ill of anyone," said Dr. Cecil Staton, ECU chancellor.

One board of governor member is not holding back.

Greenville Attorney Steven Long released a written statement calling Dr. Staton "a great leader." Long says the departure is one of the saddest chapters in state higher ed history, and he blamed Board Chairman Harry Smith for the resignation.

Student Body President Jordan Koonts agreed some board members went beyond their job of just setting policy.

“To get involved on a level that seems like personal reasons, personal agendas can be very disappointing. I think that was reflected in one governor's statement today,” said Koonts.

Long claims the board chair engaged in a campaign of false accusations and irrational attacks on the chancellor. He believes Dr. Roper negotiated a resignation to end controversy on the board of governors.

“There are some storms you cannot weather, and so we made the decision that's in our best interest and in the best interest of ECU moving forward,” said Staton. 

Staton said in a statement released by the university system that he's enjoyed his time at ECU and that there are "no limits'' to what the university can achieve. 

Staton was hired at ECU in April of 2016 after years of serving as a faculty member and administrator of universities in Georgia.

Staton will receive his regular salary and benefits through June 30, and he'll also get more than $589,000 by July as severance pay. A university document says that money is not coming from taxpayers. 

East Carolina University has an enrollment of nearly 29,000, including about 23,000 undergraduates.