GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Kendall College of Art and Design President David Rosen has resigned as president of the Grand Rapids art school. He made the announcement Thursday, April 10 in an email to students and faculty.

Rosen, who took over as Kendall’s president in 2012, said he voluntarily resigned in March and his resignation is effective today. He said he’s “fully satisfied with the terms and conditions of my departure,” but did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving Kendall.

Students and faculty rallied in support of Rosen on Wednesday after rumors of his resignation surfaced. They created a petition in his support and took to Twitter and Facebook to praise Rosen, saying he’s been an effective, forward-thinking leader. One Twitter post read: “The forced stepdown of Dr. Rosen would be a tragedy.”

Related: Students rally behind Kendall College president following rumors of resignation

In his message, Rosen said the demonstrations, both physical and online, have been “disruptive.”

“These are not in my best interest, nor in the best interest of the college, our students, alumni, or supporters,” he said. “They are also based on misinformation. I was not terminated.”

Rosen, who has not returned calls or emails, said he’s “appreciated” his time at Kendall.

I “now look forward, without reservation, to new challenges,” he said.

Ferris State University President David Eisler, in an email to Kendall students and staff, said he's "appreciated Dr. Rosen's nearly two years of service to Kendall and accepted his resignation with regret."

Eisler said former Kendall President Oliver Evans will serve as interim president effective today. He said a search committee will be formed to find the institution's next president.

"I want to thank Dr. Evans for his willingness to take on this new role," Eisler said. "His depth of experience, his dedication to students, and his commitment to the central role Kendall plays in the vitality of Grand Rapids’ arts and cultural life make him the obvious choice to further the college’s mission and goals at this time.

Ferris officials declined to comment this morning on Rosen's departure, saying an official statement would be coming Thursday.

Brian McVicar covers education for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at bmcvicar@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter