University, UNC System, BOT statements – Sept. 29-Oct. 3
Message from Vern Davenport, ECU Board of Trustees Chairman, 10.3.19:
Dear ECU Community,
Pirate Nation continues to amaze me. I’m so proud of the way this community, especially our students, have made their voices heard over the past few days. You give true meaning to our phrase, “Loyal and Bold.”
While we are all anxious to see a resolution to the investigatory period for Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach, the ECU Board of Trustees supports Interim UNC President Bill Roper’s decision to conduct a thorough investigation. At its conclusion, we want there to be no question unanswered, and we want there to be complete confidence in the process and the outcome. We owe that to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and to Dan.
Pirate Nation is alive and well. That is evident. I encourage you to join me at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium tonight as we cheer on our Pirates for this nationally televised game against Temple.
Go Pirates!
Vern Davenport
Chair, ECU Board of Trustees
A message from Dr. Ron Mitchelson, Provost, 9.30.19:
Hello Pirate Nation,
I know many of you have questions regarding the situation with Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach. ECU Board of Trustees Chairman Vern Davenport and I have been in regular contact with UNC System Interim President Bill Roper. Bill has asked that we share a message from him to our campus community.
RonM
Message to Campus from Bill Roper, Interim President of the UNC System, 9.30.19
I want to take a moment to address the news reports and images of Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach which surfaced over the weekend. In light of these reports, I have placed Interim Chancellor Gerlach on administrative leave pending further investigation. During this time, I have asked Dr. Ron Mitchelson, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to serve as Acting Chancellor. We expect the investigation to be conducted as thoroughly and as quickly as possible, with our first priority being what is best for East Carolina University. I thank you and all of Pirate Nation for your understanding during this time.
Sincerely,
Bill
University Statement on 9.29.2019 in response to media inquiries
On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 25, ECU Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach went to Sup Dogs near the campus of the university. While there he ran into two adult male acquaintances who invited him to walk down the street to join them at a local pub, which he did. Gerlach is known for taking selfies with students, staff and faculty on and off-campus. The videos and photos that you’re asking about show Gerlach interacting with college-aged young adults and taking selfies.
“When I first started here, and even before, one constant concern that I heard was that our students needed a leader of the university to be present and approachable, someone who can speak to them in their language. That’s what I’ve set out to do at ECU. I regret that these photos are being perceived as anything more than what they are,” said Gerlach today.
“During the time that I am interim chancellor, I will continue to work toward balancing the university’s budget and improving enrollment and will continue to engage with students and the community. On Wednesday night, I spoke with 125 proud Pirates at Cypress Glen. Because our students are the center of the university, I’ve been working hard to show up – at performances, on tours, at Fall Open House yesterday. Students are the reason the university exists.”
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