James Hurley has resigned as president of the University of Pikeville, and former Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton has returned temporarily to the president's office.
Hurley and the university announced his resignation on Monday, effective last Thursday, "due to personal reasons."
The university said Patton, who is chancellor and past president of the school, will be interim president while the board of trustees begins a national search for a new president.
A statement from the school credited Hurley with record growth at the university; adding colleges of business, education and optometry; and creating public-private and global education partnerships.
Hurley is an alumnus of the school and was its vice president before succeeding Patton in 2013.