Cecil Staton became chancellor in 2016, replacing Steve Ballard.[85] After Staton resigned in 2019, the UNC System named Dan Gerlach as the interim chancellor.[86] In late September 2019, Gerlach was placed on administrative leave after photos and video emerged, showing his interaction with students at a popular bar in the downtown area.[87] UNC System Interim President Bill Roper announced that ECU Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ronald Mitchelson will serve as the university's acting chancellor,[88] and Philip Rogers was named the 12th Chancellor in December 2020.[2]