Mercyhurst University president Michael T. Victor has stepped down, University officials confirmed Wednesday. 

Victor announced his retirement from the university in October of last year, originally setting a retirement date of June 1, 2021. 

It is unclear as to why he stepped down early. 

According to a press release, Joseph NeCastro, chair of the university's board of trustees, is assuming day-to-day responsibilities associated with the office until a new president has been named. 

Victor was named president of Mercyhurst University on August 1, 2015. 

A nationwide search for Mercyhurst's 13th president is now underway.