From unaccredited doctorate to real college president

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Dustin, Dec 28, 2020.

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  1. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

    While reading old DI threads, I stumbled upon this: https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?threads/a-reverse-time-bomb-whistleblower-loses-job.10866/

    "A College of the Ozarks assistant professor has lost his job for questioning a doctoral degree issued to the school's dean of administration. C of O officials say assistant biology professor Jonathan Davis will not be back because of the way he challenged and exposed the doctorate Larry Cockrum received in 1991 from Crescent City Christian College in Metairie, La." (from the thread, now 404'd)

    "Education officials from Texas and Louisiana found the institution, located in a ranch home and never accredited, issued bogus degrees. It is no longer operating, and its owners have since left Louisiana." (https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/College-of-the-Ozarks-dismisses-professor-who-8773380.php)

    "Cockrum has admitted he is not proud of the Crescent City degree, and he now is working on a doctorate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Last month, he told students at a residence hall meeting that he hasn't flaunted the doctorate he received at Crescent City." (https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/College-administrator-quitting-as-director-of-8766627.php)

    I looked him up, and noticed that someone with the same name was President of the University of the Cumberlands. His bio there states he holds "a bachelor’s degree in science education from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri; a master’s degree in science education from Missouri State University; a doctorate degree in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University; and a post-graduate certification from Harvard University."

    In this case, it seems like he had a pretty soft landing from the controversy and was able to turn around and earn his doctorate honestly, which is encouraging. Lots of people would have just slunk away and not put the work in.
     
  2. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    I wonder how things turned out afterward for Jonathan Davis, the assistant biology prof. who was fired for exposing then-"Dr." Cockrum's fake degree? If anybody deserved a softer landing than he got, it's Prof. Davis! Anybody know how he's making out? I'm hoping for good news.
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2020
    Dustin likes this.

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