GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) _ The interim chancellor of East Carolina University is on administrative leave after photos were published of him at a bar with students.
- Dan Gerlach was placed on leave "in light of reports from this past weekend.''
- The statement says videos and photos shared on social media show him "interacting with college-aged young adults and taking selfies.''
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University of North Carolina Interim President Bill Roper said Monday in a statement that Dan Gerlach was placed on leave "in light of reports from this past weekend.''
Gerlach said in a statement on Sunday 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.''
The agenda for a special phone meeting of the UNC Board of Governors on Tuesday includes a closed meeting to discuss an executive personnel matter. It's not clear if that discussion concerns Gerlach, who was appointed in April.
Gerlach released a statement on the news of his administrative leave:
"Since arriving at ECU, I wanted to be visible and supportive of Uptown Greenville and ECU students. Pirate Nation places a high premium on personal engagement. I will certainly be mindful of how I do so in the future, and regret that these pictures and videos distract from the progress the university is making in so many areas. I also regret that these pictures are being perceived by some as more than they are.
President Roper informed me that I would be placed on administrative leave as part of the process of the UNC system investigation. I accept this process, and look forward to cooperating fully and quickly to answer any questions.
I am very grateful for the strong vocal support from so many Pirates.
Dan Gerlach
State Senator Don Davis of Pitt County released a statement in support of Gerlach.
Davis says, "I have personally known Dan Gerlach for many years..... and always known him to lead with enormous passion and integrity. My past experiences interacting with Dan do not match any of the unfortunate misperceptions of recent photos and videos of him released to the public".