UNCW professor's death ruled suicide, according to sheriff's office

The medical examiner said Mike Adams died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

New Hanover County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to Adams' home on July 23 for a welfare check. When they were able to get inside the house, they found Adams deceased in a bedroom.

Detectives said no other people were in the house and foul play is not suspected.

Adams was a professor of criminology with a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. He had been at UNC-W, starting out as an associate professor, since 1993.

Adams was set to retire from the university on Aug. 1 after comments he made on social media started a petition for his ouster.

UNCW prof behind social media controversies will retire on Aug. 1