SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Harvard President Claudine Gay said on Tuesday that she will be stepping down as president of the university.

       "It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president," Gay said in a statement.

       "This is not a decision I came to easily. Indeed, it has been difficult beyond words because I have looked forward to working with so many of you to advance the commitment to academic excellence that has propelled this great university across centuries," she said.

       "But, after consultation with members of the corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual," Gay said.

       Alan Garber, Harvard's provost and chief academic officer, will serve as the university's interim president while the Fellows of Harvard College search for a permanent replacement, according to a CNBC report.