New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and "Maxwell-Gate"

       Governor Chris Christie's Cover-up

Why Governor Christie might have refused to do anything about the proven academic fraud at New Jersey City University

                         (Questions and/or comments: njcugadfly@yahoo.com)

Christopher Christie, while he was still the United States Attorney for New Jersey, (August 2006) was informed (via Certified Mail) that New Jersey City University (NJCU) President, Carlos Hernandez, had used fraudulent academic credentials.  And although Christie had jurisdiction, he took no action. All Christie did was send a letter informing me that it was up to the State of New Jersey to investigate the fraudulent use of academic credentials by the NJCU President.

When Christie became New Jersey's governor (2009) I reminded him (via, Certified Mail) that he had told me that it was up to the State to prosecute the use of fraudulent academic credentials; nevertheless, Governor Christie still refused to take any action against this university president. Not only that, but it appears likely that Governor Christie advised his Secretary of Higher Education, Rochelle Hendricks, to likewise ignore this documented academic fraud.

Why "might" Governor Christie have decided to ignore this already documented academic fraud?

As it would now appear, Governor Christie had plans to become a presidential candidate; and for him to have prosecuted a Hispanic for fraud (a Hispanic who just happened to be the highest-paid public employee in New Jersey) did not make any political sense; Hispanics in New Jersey (and the USA) comprise almost 20% of the entire voting population.

The President's academic fraud, at NJCU, was "officially" confirmed, in the Federal Court, in September 2011; please read "Maxwell-Gate" (as follows) and judge for yourself, what role Governor Christie played, in this "cover-up" of academic fraud; academic fraud, approved by the NJCU Board of Trustees; and academic fraud, for which the Board has yet to be held accountable. And remember: Governor Christie could have easily held the NJCU Board of Trustees accountable in this regard.

Two months after NJCU President Hernandez confessed that he, himself, had placed a phony MA degree in his NJCU personnel file, NJCU Board Chairman Perez provided the following information to the Gothic Times. (NJCU's student newspaper; November 16, 2011; actual quotes, initialized.)

Hernandez began using a phony MA at NJCU, 1980. The Board appointed Hernandez NJCU's Academic Vice President (AVP) in 1984.  "Dr. Hernandez earned a PhD, in 1988. However, until 1998, he was unaware that because he had not filed the necessary paperwork, he had not actually been awarded a master's degree on the way to his doctorate.  Upon learning that this was the case, Dr. Hernandez immediately directed appropriate University staff to remove any indication of the master's degree from all documents."

The matter was reviewed by the Board in 2007, and years earlier by the Commission of Higher Education (CHE), and no evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation was found.

Since Dr. Hernandez had completed all requirements other than the dissertation for his PhD. at the time when he became vice president for academic affairs, and had earned his PhD. before becoming president, the question of whether he had a master's degree is moot."  Chairman Perez; 11/28/11

As you review the information, in "Maxwell-Gate" -- please refer back to the underlined portions of the Board Chairman's article, noted above.

the necessary paperwork: (See Perez, above) To qualify for a CUNY MA; "Upon completing 45 credits with an average grade of B, passing the First Examination, and satisfactorily completing a major research paper, the student may apply for an M.A. degree. "necessary paperwork"--  Hernandez complied with none of these requirements. How Perez, a lawyer, is able to dismiss these requirements as "paperwork" (instead of "requirements") needs to be properly investigated.

immediately: (See Perez, above) 1998? New Jersey Attorney General, Deborah Poritz (1996) asked NJCU to investigate Hernandez' fraudulent use of an MA.  The Board, was able to convince the AG, that Hernandez, had finally completed his PhD -- therefore no fraud. The Jersey City Reporter (March 1998) reported that "President Carlos Hernandez credited himself with a master's degree he had not yet earned." (Hernandez refused to be interviewed -- but delegated Academic Vice President (AVP) Larry Carter to speak on his behalf.)

AVP Carter:  "The accusations against Carlos Hernandez, and other members of the faculty, are absolutely false,  They only show how much Dusenberry is willing to hurt others -- for his own selfish bitter ends." (From Court Interrogatories, available)

Dusenberry (as per the above quote) sued AVP Larry Carter for slander (October 1999).  Carter (while being deposed):  "I do not recall making any statement regarding the allegations concerning the qualifications of the University's President,  In the past when asked about this issue, it has been my practice to state that the matter is between the President and the University's Board of Trustees."

AVP Carter's statement (while he was being deposed) is significant -- because it clearly indicates that the Board had been compelled to explain Hernandez' use of a non-existent MA on any number of occasions.  And it also shows that AVP Carter, was part of the Hernandez' MA-fraud "cover-up" -- because it was AVP Carter's job to verify academic credentials.

reviewed:  (See Perez, above) This is the actual quote, from the Commission of Higher Education, that the Board "reviewed."  "Hernandez was eligible to apply for a master's in 1980 but apparently did not do so...the error in the university's catalog has been corrected."

no evidence of fraud: (See Perez, above) "Hernandez was eligible to apply for a master's, but apparently did not do so"  --- and the Board was able to conclude that this was not evidence of fraud?  If Hernandez had not used a phony MA, at the time he filed his AVP application, he would have never even been considered for the Academic Vice Presidency.  Yet, Perez, a lawyer, is able to say "using a non-existent MA is not evidence of fraud?"

the question of whether he had a master's degree is moot"   "is moot"  -- why? -- because the lawyers on the Board say so?  Without the use of this phony MA -- there would have never been an Academic Vice President Hernandez; a President Hernandez; or a President Emeritus Maxwell; or a "William J Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences."

Governor Christopher Christie refuses to hold the NJCU Board of Trustees accountable for what happened during "Maxwell-Gate" -- because his presidential ambitions could be handicapped if he demanded the resignation of a Board that he himself had appointed.  A Board that routinely places political considerations (jobs for the connected) far ahead of NJCU's students.

Please Google, and review, the following on-line news stories, before starting: "Maxwell-Gate."

(1)  "Jersey City Independent / Retiring NJCU"

(2) "Jersey City Independent / Civil Suit"

(3)  "Hudsonreporter/hernandez/controversy"


                                              Introduction to "Maxwell-Gate"

          (How NJCU's "William J Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences," got its name)

While undergoing cross-examination in Federal Court (09/11), NJCU President Carlos Hernandez confessed, that he added a non-existent MA degree, for himself, to his NJCU personnel file.

However, evidence of Hernandez' academic fraud became known, by the New Jersey Attorney General, as early as 1996; and by the New Jersey Commission of Higher Education (CHE) as early as 1998.

"Maxwell-Gate" will show that it took an additional 15 years (after the CHE had determined that Hernandez had committed fraud) for NJCU's Board of Trustees (Board) to finally terminate Hernandez' employment at NJCU (July 2012).

President Hernandez' fraud did not just happen opportunistically -- Hernandez' academic fraud was orchestrated by Hernandez' predecessor, William Maxwell, in collaboration with the Board.

What follows is a compilation of extensive research; the sorry saga of an unscrupulous opportunist, who successfully used his undeserved power and influence, to create a lasting monument to himself: NJCU's, "William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences."

Please note: In 1998, Jersey City State College (JCSC) was renamed New Jersey City University (NJCU) -- however, NJCU will be used throughout "Maxwell-Gate."

During the academic years 1954-56, William J. Maxwell, and John J. Moore were classmates at NJCU (then, JCSC).

Moore went on to become NJCU's longest-serving Board chairman; while Maxwell (with Moore's Board assistance) became a NJCU professor; then its dean; next its president; and finally; NJCU's first President Emeritus.  Moore and Maxwell were "joined at the hip."

"Joined at the hip," at NJCU, and "joined at the hip," in Teaneck, New Jersey, for thirty years.

"Joined at the hip," to the extent that in 2006, NJCU announced the naming of both the "William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences," and the  "John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center."

These "namings," for Maxwell and Moore, were approved, by the Board, while both were still living, and while both still worked at NJCU.

"Maxwell-Gate" will connect the dots, between Board Chairman Moore, and President Maxwell -- until Maxwell "finally" retired from NJCU -- in 2010.

"Maxwell-Gate" will focus on the administrative machinations, which have arduously come to light, when the Board appears to have collaborated with the NJCU Administration, in violation of New Jersey Statute Laws.

Maxwell became NJCU's "Dean of Arts and Sciences" in 1970; and two years later, as Dean, he hired a "Hispanic" and an "African-American," to be instructors in the Psychology Department.

Neither, had any teaching experience, or a graduate degree; and both lived in New York City, so local political connections might be ruled out.

Also, during this time, Maxwell began a symbiotic relationship, with his former departmental colleague, Romesh Shah (name later changed to Rashmi Mayur).  "Why?"

"Why" did Dean Maxwell orchestrate both of these minority-hires, even though both clearly lacked any "college teaching" qualifications?  And, "why" did the NJCU Board "rubber-stamp" both of these Maxwell hires?

The speculation: (based on compelling circumstantial evidence): Maxwell was creating his eventual retirement package -- his own "Golden Parachute."

As to the "why" involving Maxwell's close involvement with Mayur; this subject will be addressed shortly.

Maxwell's assault on the NJCU presidency:  The Maxwell Deanship transitions into "Maxwell-Gate"

During the academic years, 1971-72, NJCU advertised, nation-wide, for applicants for the NJCU presidency, with what would soon become, the troublesome requirement: the new president: "must agree to reside in Jersey City."

After going through a sham nation-wide search, the Board announced: "NJCU Dean of Arts and Science, William Maxwell, Ed D, will be the next NJCU president."

The only obstacle: Maxwell was now required to move to racially-diverse Jersey City.

"President-select" Maxwell, over the years, had carefully cultivated the impression that he was a civil rights activist, with expertise in African American history; so it was a reasonable assumption, by the Board, that Maxwell would have no objection to moving to racially-diverse, Jersey City.

After all, the "cloistered-socioeconomic-environment" of Teaneck (where, coincidentally, both Board member Moore, and President-select Maxwell, lived) didn’t project the "multicultural image" that the Board was now attempting to convey.

The "NJCU President must reside in Jersey City," Board requirement, had been intended to deflect and minimize the criticism that the Board had anticipated – had anticipated, that is, after the Board selected just another in the long line of "white males" who had totally monopolized the NJCU presidency, from 1927, until then.

Surprisingly, Maxwell refused to move to Jersey City -- even though the Board, five years previously, had purchased, and totally refurbished, a magnificent home, located only a few miles from the NJCU campus (cost in the $500,000 range).

But Maxwell simply refused to move to Jersey City.

Maxwell was "given" the position as president nonetheless. The new President could, apparently, "talk the talk," but not "walk the walk" associated with actually having to live in an "all-inclusive, culturally-diverse" community, such as Jersey City.

Maxwell had young children, at the time, so his refusal to move to Jersey City was interpreted as an attempt to protect his children from catching the "city disease." (Drugs, dropping out of school, crime, adolescent pregnancy)

Accepting, for the sake of discussion, the possibility that the Board may have had some sort of insider information about Maxwell’s extraordinary potential; leadership potential, that the Board recognized, but choose not to share with other members of the stoical NJCU community. After all, it was the Board that created the residency requirement; so why would the Board establish, and then ignore, the residency requirement that the Board itself had established?

Unless, that is, the Board had decided to make Maxwell the NJCU president well before the position was even posted.

The Board had simply assumed, due to Maxwell's relentless courtship of the African-American community, that Maxwell would have had no objection to moving to Jersey City; therefore, the  Board had never discussed such a residency requirement with Maxwell.

In retrospect, it appears that the Board never had any intention of trying to find the best candidate for the NJCU presidency; after all, Dean of Arts and Sciences, William Maxwell, had no experience, either as a president, or a vice president, and his educational accomplishments, as dean, lackluster at best.

Maxwell had accomplished virtually nothing, while dean, with the exception of hiring Hernandez and LaMar; and attending Professor Mayur's parties in New York City.

In other words, that in a large group of presidential-contenders, consisting of well-qualified, seasoned professionals to choose from, that the Board had already planned to select an "in house candidate," raised serious concerns about: good-old-boy-ism, cronyism, and nepotism -- at NJCU.

                                                         "Maxwell-Gate" shifts out of first gear.

As previously noted; a number of Board members had expressed concerns about the selection of Maxwell; not concern about his lack of administrative qualifications, mind you -- but concern about the Board selecting just another "white male" to be the next NJCU president. In order to address this concern, the Board agreed that Maxwell's eventual replacement would be an African-American.

And, NJCU Vice  President, Julian Robinson, an African-American,  was the obvious choice.

Julian Robinson was to Jersey City, during  the  1980's, what Cory Booker became to Newark. If Jersey City had had a majority of African-American voters, when Robinson had run for mayor -- he would have become Jersey City's first African-American mayor.

Robinson, after all, was: charismatic; an Ivy League college graduate; well respected in the Jersey City Community; a Korean War veteran; a two-time candidate for Jersey City mayor;  a Commissioner on the New Jersey Garden State Parkway Authority; the Director of Jersey City's Health and Welfare Department; and, most importantly, an African-American.

But, while Robinson was exceptionally well qualified to succeed Maxwell, what he lacked -- was the ability to get along with either President Maxwell, or Board Member Moore.

Maxwell’s retirement-scheme, had absolutely no room in it for Julian Robinson. The possibility of a Robinson presidency could not be left to the chance that the Board's collective wisdom might happen to drift towards Robinson; the Board had to be manipulated, well in advance, by Maxwell/Moore, to ensure that some minority, other than Robinson, inherited and continued the administrative machinations, orchestrated by Maxwell.

                                                  "Maxwell-Gate" shifts into second gear.

During the third year of Maxwell's "deanship" (1972), Ansley La Mar; an African-American (later, the Dean of Arts and Sciences 1994-2002) and Carlos Hernandez; a Hispanic (who eventually replaced Maxwell as president) were hired, by the Board, due to Dean Maxwell’s personal "recommendations." The Board cloaked its approval, of these "qualification-less" Maxwell-recommendations, in the guise of  "affirmative action."

However, one of these Maxwell-hires was to eventually play the most critical role in the "Maxwell-Gate" retirement scheme -- the Hispanic who allowed Maxwell to add the fraudulent academic credential (MA) to his NJCU personnel file. The "African American," it appears, refused to participate in this fraud, thereby taking himself out of the presidential competition; he was, however, eventually-rewarded, with a deanship.

In 1979, President Maxwell (and, by default, the Board) arranged for Hernandez to begin amending his name with a non-existent master’s degree. "Carlos Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Psychology – Assistant to the President – City University of New York, BA, MA" was Hernandez' new notation in the 1981 NJCU Catalog. (Each of the 1975 through 1980 NJCU Catalogs, listed Hernandez with only a BA)

Who was responsible for verifying Hernandez' academic credentials during this time?

Did Hernandez, himself, place a fraudulent MA into his NJCU personnel file?

Or, most-likely, did Hernandez' non-existent MA appear in his personnel file, at the behest of a well-positioned NJCU administrator?

Was Maxwell duping the Board, in regard to Hernandez’ fraudulent use of academic credentials; or, most-likely, did the Board, and Maxwell, collaborate in this fraud?

Well, this question was answered, "sort-of," in September 2011, during a trial in the Federal Court.

President Hernandez "confessed" (during this trial) that he, himself, placed the non-existent MA in his NJCU personnel file. However, the question of how Hernandez was able to do so without high-level administrative assistance remains unanswered.

Hernandez’ non-existent MA enabled Maxwell to keep Hernandez in contention, for both the Academic Vice Presidency (AVP), then, six years later, the President's position.  This fraudulently-obtained MA placed Hernandez on the administrative express track -- improving the odds that "Maxwell-Gate" might succeed.

Never before, in NJCU's history, had any other employee handled so many different administrative assignments in such a short period of time.

In 1981, Hernandez became an Assistant to the President; the next year, Hernandez was promoted to Executive Assistant to the President (1982 Catalog). In 1983, Hernandez was promoted, yet again, this time to a newly created "provost" position -- an assignment to supervise faculty – most of whom had doctorates. And, interestingly, NJCU never had a "provost" either before or since Hernandez held that position.

Without any oversight -- Hernandez devoted all of his energy, through each of these three administrative positions, working on  his doctoral dissertation (from the time Hernandez began to use his phony MA -- it took him eight additional years to get his doctorate). Try if you may, you'll never be able to find anything else that Hernandez did -- during the time he spent as "Assistant to President Maxwell" -- just before Maxwell made him NJCU's AVP.

And, what was the topic of Hernandez' doctoral dissertation?

Surprisingly -- not a subject having anything to do with either education in general, higher education in particular,  or even a topic which the Board could possibly cite as a reason for having selected Hernandez to be president.

No; as a self-identified expert in "environmental psychology," Hernandez' doctoral dissertation addressed the profound question: "why residents of a particular senior citizen housing complex -- enjoyed living in this specific senior citizen housing complex."  And, NJCU didn't even have a Geriatrics Major. Interestingly, it should be noted, "Environmental Psychology" enables PhD candidates to avoid the challenging "Supervised Clinical internship" required to be a practicing psychologist.

Nevertheless, from 1981 until 1984, doctoral candidate Hernandez devoted his time at NJCU, preparing his doctoral dissertation; and he was being paid a full "assistant to the president's" salary while doing so. (Hernandez, it turned out -- took 16 years to complete his doctorate -- eight more years than the City University of New York's (CUNY) doctoral program allowed; raising serious questions about the integrity of the CUNY's Graduate Studies Program.


                                                  "Maxwell-Gate" shifts out of second gear.

During the 1982 academic year, "Maxwell-Gate" collaborators found it necessary to make Hernandez the AVP -- prematurely -- five years before Hernandez was able to procure his doctorate.

Fortunately, for Maxwell (as it turned out), Maxwell had previously manipulated the Board into approving a "PhD-less AVP" -- an AVP candidate, with only a MA.  Interestingly, this "PhD-less- AVP," had been a Nazi Panzer Commander, during World War II; but "Nazi-smazi," who cared?  (NJCU had about 50 Jewish employees at that tine.)

So (with Hernandez still PhD-less) in the spring of 1983, NJCU established an AVP Search Committee; this committee interviewed nearly a 100 highly qualified AVP applicants; practically all of whom with PhD's, and significant administrative experience. NJCU spent more than $100,000 in the process.

This Search Committee, as charged, recommended ten finalists -- from whom the Board, as stipulated, was required to select the next AVP.

However; (much to Maxwell's chagrin) the Search Committee did not even rank Hernandez on its list of ten AVP finalists;  the "Maxwell-Gate" conspiracy, it appeared,  had come to an abrupt end.

But an end that twas not to be.

The "Maxwell-Moore collaboration" kicked into high-gear; Maxwell proceeded to publicly browbeat (in front of an all-college assembly) the members of the Search Committee -- then arranged, with the Board, to appoint Hernandez the AVP nonetheless.  The entire NJCU community "ate humble pie" during this entire sorry process (just as they have, during the rest of "Maxwell-Gate").

Hernandez, as the new AVP,  continued to work, full-time, on his doctoral dissertation -- and the  resultant, "neglect of his defined duties and responsibilities," had disturbing consequences at NJCU.

Disturbing -- because it was while Hernandez was working on his dissertation, full-time, that the faculty union had become aware (due to a leak from a member of the AVP Search Committee) that AVP Hernandez had used fraudulent academic credentials to become the AVP; so besides being preoccupied with the completion of his doctoral dissertation, Hernandez had now become vulnerable to possible faculty member, promotion-related, blackmail.

The promotional flood-gates had been opened so that "PhD-less" faculty members, "in the know," could obtain illegal promotions (to associate and full-professorships).  But...only for those faculty members "in the know."

For example: Criminal Justice Department member, Bohdan Yaworsky, began using a fraudulent (nonexistent) PhD, while Hernandez was the AVP, and he was promoted accordingly (because Hernandez, was approving, but not verifying, academic credentials).

Besides Yaworsky, as many as 65 other "PhD-less" faculty members -- were promoted to associate and full-professorships -- again, because Hernandez had been compromised. (see above)

And, these illegal "Hernandez/Board-approved-promotions," continue to cost New Jersey taxpayers dearly.

                                                         "Maxwell-Gate" shifts into third gear.

A review of the NJCU catalogs, from 1980 until 2000, demonstrate Hernandez’ use of a non-existent MA for 20 years; yet the Star-Ledger accepted NJCU's lame excuse, that the use of this MA was a "typographical error." The Star-Ledger, to this very day, refuses to report about Hernandez' fraud.

However, the Star-Ledger did manage to change this "typographical-error" excuse, to a: "academic fraud cannot be academic fraud -- if the Board was aware of the fraud" excuse. (Star-Ledger's, Robert Braun)

When Hernandez was inaugurated NJCU's president (1994) his Inauguration Booklet noted: "Dr. Hernandez received his Bachelor of Arts degree from York College and his Master of Arts from the City University of New York." The Star-Ledger's higher education reporter, spoke with NJCU's Public Relations Department in this regard, and accepted, as factual, that this MA had been placed in Hernandez' Inauguration Booklet in error.

(Note: New Jersey Statute Law, Higher Education 9:1-7.2 (Fraudulent Academic Degrees) states: "A person shall not utilize or append to his name any academic degree designation as evidence of the receipt of an academic degree unless the person has received the academic degree.")

In 1998, Governor Christie Whitman finally ordered the Commission of Higher Education (CHE) to investigate President Hernandez' use of fraudulent academic credentials; this "investigation" (in name only) concluded that Hernandez had "completed all academic requirements and was eligible to apply for a master’s in 1980 but apparently did not do so. NJCU reports that the error in the university’s catalog has been corrected."

                     The "Maxwell-Gate" cover-up begins to infect New Jersey State Government.

In order for the "error" in NJCU's catalog to be eliminated, approximately 30,000 printed, but not-yet-delivered, catalogs were destroyed, at a cost to the taxpayers, in the $70,000 range.

The elimination of this "typographical-error," in NJCU's catalog, was enough to convince the Star-Ledger's Higher Education reporter, Kelly Heyboer, and Star-Ledger's columnist, Robert Braun, that "removing Hernandez' fraudulent MA -- was all that NJCU needed to do; after all, Heyboer rejoined:  "Didn't  Hernandez eventually get his doctorate?"

Board Chairman Moore received a copy of the CHE’s investigation (noted previously) -- yet did nothing about it; this letter was not even placed on a Board agenda (just how routine it was for Board Chairman Moore, to decide on matters by himself – in violation of the "sunshine law" -- has yet to be determined.)

The CHE was questioned about this obvious "cover-up" -- and reacted by claiming that the CHE had absolutely no authority to take any action in regard to the fraudulent use of academic credentials. All the CHE could do, is to inform the NJCU Board  -- then it was up to the Board to take the appropriate action.

           "Mayur-Gate."  (Skip, unless long-term "no-show" professorships are your forte.)

Professor Rashmi Mayur (previously introduced) was Maxwell's closest faculty-crony, from the time Mayur was hired (1965) until he supposedly died in February 2004.

As Dean, Maxwell permitted Professor Rashmi Mayur (then, still Romesh Shah) to do virtually whatever he pleased -- as long as he met his classes -- sometimes.  After all, Mayur's classes were a "gold mine" during which Mayur would "troll" for attractive coeds to invite to his frequent New York City parties.

Both Maxwell, while president, and Hernandez, while AVP, "rubber-stamped" Mayur's "globetrotting-dalliances" (with pay) with few, if any, faculty responsibilities. Such an illicit arrangement went on from the time Maxwell became president (1974) until Maxwell retired (for the first time) in 1992.  As president, Hernandez simply continued  the "Maxwell-Gate" arrangement with Mayur; with Board approval.

"Mayur-Gate," -- was most offensive, because of how administratively-arrogant it was. Practically every faculty member knew that Mayur was a "no-show" -- and so did every administrator. There was no effort at all, to keep Mayur's "no-show" arrangement a secret. "Getting Mayur'ed" -- meant "getting the best possible assignment," at NJCU.

President Hernandez knew, as early as 1996, that attempts were underway, to expose Mayur (as a "no-show" professor) so Hernandez could have easily "requested" (ordered?) that Mayur include NJCU somewhere on his resume,' and/or web-site -- but Hernandez did not do so; why?

Mayur went out of his way, to avoid even the mere mention of NJCU -- wherever he traveled; in any of his writings; for any of his press releases; or during any of his lectures; (the conclusion reached by the New Jersey Inspector General.) Why?

Even while Mayur was giving regularly-scheduled radio broadcasts, on WBAI-- FM (NY), he never acknowledged being a NJCU professor; why?

Mayur was given a full-page biographical sketch in The Futurist magazine -- but the fact that he was a full time, 35-year NJCU professor, was never mentioned; why? 

After Mayur's death, Dr. Hernandez eulogized Mayur, in "Children Speak" (02/04 edition) -- without ever mentioning Mayur’s lengthy employment history with NJCU; Why?

Why? Why, indeed?

To begin with, Mayur arranged for Hernandez to receive the "Prabhakar R. Shukla Humanitarian Award," during a two-week, full-expenses paid, junket to India (paid for by NJCU’s Development Fund).

"Wow" -- Hernandez, a "closeted-humanitarian" -- possibly NJCU's best-kept secret -- what more might NJCU possibly find out  about Hernandez?

It would be interesting to ascertain, just how many other "candidates" were nominated to receive this award; and what criteria was used in determining who eventually received it. The odds were that there was only one person on the selection committee for the "Prabakar R. Shuka Humanitarian Award" -- Rashmi Mayur; and, only one candidate for this award -- Hernandez.

Mayur also arranged for President Hernandez to co-author Pedagogy of the Earth (published by the "International Institute for Sustainable Future," Mumbai India; managed by Mayur). And, $100,000 from NJCU's Development Fund, might have funded this publication (but more about this later).

President Hernandez was introduced to Pedagogy of the Earth readers as "an eminent writer and speaker on education and sustainable development worldwide," -- however, there was no known involvement, by President Hernandez, with any "sustainable development" anywhere.

And, Vice President for Development, John Nevin, was introduced to Pedagogy of the Earth readers, as a co-contributor; but Nevin knew even less about "sustainable development" than Hernandez; and Hernandez, as previously noted, knew little, if anything about "sustainable development."

But, significantly; Vice President Nevin controlled the "NJCU Development Fund" -- and Nevin was controlled by Maxwell/Moore. (Remember, what you've just read, until Mayur's Directorship of NJCU's East-West Institute is discussed --in a bit.)

But perhaps the most disturbing question regarding Pedagogy of the Earth, is that while NJCU had a number of faculty members, with actual expertise in "sustainable development," none were ever asked, by Mayur, to contribute to Pedagogy of the Earth.

Instead, Mayur selected two of NJCU’s highest level administrators; President Hernandez (whose doctoral dissertation was written on the subject of why senior citizens "enjoy" living in a particular senior citizen’s complex in Jersey City) and former Vice President Nevin (for whom, Pedagogy of the Earth was his initial attempt at "being published").

The Board (while Mayur had been living in India, for the previous five years) designated Mayur -- a NJCU "Exemplary Faculty Member," in NJCU's Admission's Brochures.  The Board, it appeared, had actually expected perspective students to decide to come to NJCU -- because "Exemplary Faculty Member Mayur" would be one of their possible professors.

However, after the Board's participation in "Mayur-Gate," was exposed in the Star-Ledger, the Board reacted with "damage control."

The Board directed President Hernandez to send a "Board-absolving letter" to every NJCU employee (October 1999) stating that Mayur was following his (Hernandez’) personal directives; "directives" that were soon proved, by the New Jersey Inspector General (OIG), to be entirely disingenuous.

                                                                       "Mayur-Gate" redux

In 1985, shortly after Hernandez became AVP, Mayur applied for promotion to full professor, aware that his department (sociology) had already refused to support this promotion; the reason: the Sociology Department "had no idea what Mayur was supposed to be doing; or, where he was supposed to be doing it; or how, what Mayur was supposed to be doing, had anything to do with NJCU."

Nevertheless, AVP Hernandez, and then President Maxwell, arranged, with the Board, to promote  Mayur to full professor -- the objections of his own department meant nothing.

Mayur's promotion became the first in NJCU's history -- during which the Board had totally-disregarded the clear consensus of an academic department -- and promoted a faculty member, without providing any justification.  In other words, if the Board knew something positive, about "no-show" Mayur,  the Board certainly did not share it with the Sociology Department.

Then, incredulously (especially, to those who actually knew Mayur) in 1989, AVP Hernandez recommended, to the Board, that Mayur be made the Director of NJCU’s East-West Institute (with an operational [non-salaried] budget of $100,000). This position was never posted, nor was any other applicant interviewed for this position.  And, Mayur was only accountable to Maxwell crony, Vice President John Nevin.

Nevin subsequently transferred the $100,000, from his "Development Fund," to Mayur's East-West Institute (which was managed by Nevin).

Next, the $100,000 (allotted to Mayur's East-West Institute) vanished; vanished -- with absolutely no accountability or any evidence of academic value to NJCU whatsoever. And, the AG refused to investigate this missing $100,000 -- claiming that is was the Board's responsibility to investigate, what the Board itself, had authorized.

It was about this time, that several Board members, President Hernandez, Mayur, and Vice President Nevin -- participated in a week-long "all-expenses-paid" junket to Soul South Korea.  Rumor had it that some of this missing $100,000 might have been used for this "yet-to-be-justified," apparently worthless, week-long frolic.

Now recall Mayur's publication of Pedagogy of the Earth (addressed, previously) and connect the dots. The missing $100,000 -- the publication of a book (95% of which consisted of the edited works of historical-notables) and a week-long, all expenses-paid, junket for eight, to Korea -- with no oversight, and no accountability.

A review (please do so) of Mayur’s web-site: "http://www.panjokutch.com/Rashm" suggests five categories worth noting: (1) Mayur had far more "publications" (obscure) than any other faculty member in NJCU’s history; however, none had anything to do with NJCU: (2) Mayur never acknowledged any relationship with NJCU; (3) NJCU's students never benefited from Mayur's 35 year "globetrotting dalliances;" (4) the Board fully authorized, and funded, Mayur's 35-year "global trotting-dalliances;" (5) Both Hernandez and Maxwell recommended Mayur's ongoing escapades to the Board, and the Board gave its approval.

Finally, a column, by the Star-Ledger's Paul Mulshine, compelled Governor Christine Whitman to act; the ensuing OIG investigation (by a retired FBI agent) "revealed that Professor Mayur received a salary of between $60,000-$70,000 per year for nearly a ten year period (1990-2001), during which he delivered only one lecture on campus, September 3, 1995 (a lecture that never took place). 

"The OIG was able to substantiate the core of the allegation that Professor Mayur had, what was essentially, a no-show professorship at a State institution of higher learning."

"NJCU Board Chairman Moore told the OIG, that the Board was aware of, and approved, Professor Mayur’s assignment" (no-show professorship).

"The OIG's 'interviews of President Hernandez, and Board Chairman Mr. Moore, were significant, because they negate any basis for instituting criminal charges, such as theft by deception or official misconduct.' The OIG 'cannot take enforcement action against Hernandez and/or Moore, 'because their conduct had been authorized by the NJCU Board of Trustees."

However,  the concluding sentence from the OIG investigation (above) was blatantly false -- the OIG was fully-authorized to file criminal charges against Board Chairman Moore, and President Hernandez -- because Mayur's "no-show" agreement (with NJCU) was fully-operational prior to the implementation of New Jersey's "Higher Education Restructuring Act of 1994" (HERA).

And, for whatever it's worth, the Attorney General also refused to file criminal charges, against Moore and/or Hernandez.

The Board was finally able to "convince" Mayur to resign in June 2001. What such "convincing" cost NJCU,  for this "resignation," would not be disclosed, because it was a personnel matter (however, it was rumored to have been close to seven figures).

Mayur was nominated for NJCU "Faculty Emeritus" status in 2000, and again, just before he died, in 2004. Nevertheless, neither Maxwell, Moore, Nevin, Hernandez, or any other NJCU employee, (besides the whistleblower) would submit the required letters of support.

So, Mayur, became the first faculty member in NJCU's history -- to be refused "Faculty Emeritus Status," not merely once, but twice.

And, in what might very well be the final sorry attempt,  to completely erase Professor Mayur from NJCU's collective memory  -- after Mayur died (February 2004) there was no announcement, nor any mention whatsoever of Mayur's death, at NJCU.

Why? -- Especially in light of Mayur's "Exemplary Faculty Member" designation; and Board's promotion of Mayur to full-professor.

                                                   "Maxwell-Gate" and Maxwell's cronies

"Crony-John Nevin" (NJCU, class of 1973; a Maxwell-crony, par excellence) had been "hand-picked" (without any experience) by Maxwell, to be his Vice President for Development.  Nevin's Office had an annual operational budget of nearly $1,000,000 -- with which Nevin was supposed to raise money for NJCU's Development Fund.

As NJCU's primary fund-raiser, Nevin raised, on average, less than $300,000 annually, for twenty years.  In other words, NJCU lost nearly $700,000 for every year that Nevin was being paid to raise money for NJCU. (Do the math, 20 X's $700,000)

When the Board was finally confronted with Nevin's "fiscal-ridiculousness," (by means of an e-mail to the entire NJCU community) Nevin tended his resignation, forthwith; however, the Board (in its largess) benevolently (from the taxpayers) authorized Nevin to receive $50,000, in "walking away" money.

Why?  Ask a Board member.

                                                                      "Crony-Noble"

Perhaps the most-noteworthy, of Maxwell's personnel machinations, was Maxwell's hiring of ABC TV personality, Gil Noble.

Gil Noble's sordid relationship with NJCU -- was featured in a Star-Ledger column: "Noble, (like Mayur) was a virtual "no-show" visiting professor, at NJCU, from 1994 to 2000. During those six years,  Noble showed up at NJCU, four days each year; normally between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 PM.  Noble retired, after his "no-show" status was exposed in the Star-Ledger. (However, because Noble had been on NJCU's payroll for more than five years, he became eligible for a New Jersey Pension.)

The Gothic (NJCU's magazine, Spring 2007) contained a photograph, of Gil Noble, next to Bill Maxwell;  the caption reads: "Gil Noble, executive producer of WABC-TV's "Like It Is," with his friend" (Bill Maxwell). 

                                                                   "Crony-Weisman"

Ed Weisman, became NJCU'S Vice President for Finance, while NJCU was involved with a pleathora of costly construction projects; construction projects involving "bidding" and "cost-overruns."  "Bidding" and "cost-overruns" that sometimes involve "kick-backs" to those positioned to accept kickbacks.

Hernandez inherited Weisman, from Maxwell, so Hernandez simply assumed the responsibly of "continuing to playing ball" with Weisman. Therefore, Hernandez did not insist on an audit of the Maxwell-presidency, before he (Hernandez) took over as NJCU's new president.

However, by not even requesting an audit -- Hernandez left himself vulnerable in the future -- to what an audit of the Maxwell regime "might" have revealed.

Soon after Maxwell retired (for the first time) so did Weisman; only Weisman was quickly re-hired, by NJCU, as a NJCU consultant. (In the meantime, Weisman began collecting his New Jersey pension; thereby, nearly doubling his income).

Only now, as a NJCU consultant (with his income nearly doubled) Weisman kept his own hours, and was accountable to no one -- not even to President Hernandez.  Weisman "came and went" (at NJCU) -- as he pleased.

NJCU did not hire a replacement, for Weisman, for six years.  For emphasis: NJCU went without a Vice President for Finance for six years -- just long enough, coincidentally, for NJCU's construction records to be considered safe, from the required periodic audits, conducted by the State.

Had NJCU hired a replacement for Weisman, his replacement would have insisted on a "transitional-audit;" a "transitional-audit" to guarantee that NJCU's finances were in proper order.

Therefore,"if" Maxwell, Hernandez, Weisman, and certain Board members, "might" have personally-benefited from NJCU's numerous construction projects, such a "might," might never become known.

Circumstantial evidence, however, (such as Weisman not being replaced, as the vice president, for six years, while being "kept" on NJCU's payroll) was not a good enough reason, for the New Jersey Comptroller to perform an extensive audit of NJCU's construction projects; the Comptroller requires actual specific proof of any such fraud -- before it will investigate.


                "Maxwell-Gate" succeeds -- Bill Maxwell is "crowned" President Emeritus.

One of Acting-President Hernandez' first personnel recommendations, to the Board, was the nomination of former President Maxwell, to be a "Distinguished Service Professor" ( $90,000, per year).

Two years later (now as the new president) Hernandez nominated Maxwell to become NJCU's first "President Emeritus" ($100,000; which the Board "rubber-stamped" with no sought-after opposition).  The Board announced that it was going to begin a "President Emeritus" tradition at NJCU.

The "tradition" argument went something like this: Because other colleges and universities have bestowed the title of "president emeritus" on a number of their distinguished presidents, there was no good reason why NJCU shouldn’t have a "president emeritus" of its own.

The fact that Bill Maxwell had done nothing, of significance, to distinguish him above and/or beyond any other NJCU past presidents didn’t matter. That’s the advantage of playing with a stacked deck (the Board) and having only a docile faculty with which to contend. If "you can’t fight city hall" was an accurate assessment of life in Jersey City, "you can’t fight the Administration" was, and continues to be, the prevailing attitude of the NJCU faculty.

Maxwell was assigned a personal secretary, a teaching assignment of two classes per week, and, most importantly, unrestricted, unlimited access to the new President. He also had a brand new office, in a brand new building -- an office larger than the one he had occupied while he was the president.

Only now, instead of the long hours that a president is required to put in during the year; but now, instead of having to attend seemingly endless meetings, where agendas are discussed, but hardly anything is ever accomplished; now, instead of having to deal with a complaining, holier than thou, apathetic faculty, President Emeritus Maxwell had very little to do, and continued to receive a full-professor’s salary, plus his presidential retirement benefits -- and Social Security. After all, it’s costly to own a New York City condominium overlooking the Hudson River.

President Emeritus Maxwell was now supposed to be at NJCU for a total of a mere thirty weeks a year -- without any oversight whatsoever. He came, and went, as he pleased; and if absent -- was not charged with having used his sick-days. Whatever Maxwell might need, all he had to do was ask President Hernandez. And if President Hernandez ever had to make a major decision, Bill Maxwell was close by for "guidance" and/or "consultation" -- especially conciliation with Board member Moore.

President Emeritus Maxwell milked NJCU's cash-cow, until 2007, and then he took a three-year "sick-leave."  So, President Emeritus Maxwell, spent his last three years at NJCU at full-pay -- doing nothing at all. And he collected his president's pension, and Social Security besides.

Nonetheless, on October 28th, 2010, Maxwell recovered long enough, to attend NJCU's 80th Anniversary Gala; which gave tribute to Maxwell's accomplishments.

Where Maxwell got enough sick days -- to be sick for three full years -- who knows?

Did the Board allow Maxwell to transfer his unused presidential sick days  -- to his new position as President Emeritus?

Did the Board, instead of placing Maxwell on Social Security Disability (as required) approve of keeping him on NJCU's current payroll?

Maxwell never returned to NJCU, from his sick leave: he retired, January 1, 2010; died, May 15, 2011. 

But "Maxwell-Gate" continues -- even though President Hernandez resigned, July 2012.

"Maxwell-Gate" will continue, as long as NJCU's, "William J Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences" is allowed, by the Board, to bear the Maxwell name.


               The State of New Jersey's role, in the "Cover-up of academic fraud," at NJCU


While President Emeritus Maxwell milked his "NJCU-cow" for ten years, President Hernandez "stumbled into" a second full-time job (2001) -- with Board approval (even though NJCU's students were "failing to graduate" at the highest rate in the nation).

Interestingly, Hernandez earned more at his second job, than he did as NJCU's President. And, perhaps, more interestingly, Hernandez possessed none of the qualifications, which one might be expected to have, for his second job full-time job.  Interesting.

However, in September 2005, NJCU's complacency came to an abrupt end: the whistleblower ("W") who had exposed Hernandez, for having used fraudulent academic credentials; the same whistleblower who had also exposed "no-show" professor Mayur, returned to NJCU (after a three-year, "hostile-work-environment-related," leave of absence).

In other words, from 2002, until 2005, no-one at NJCU, was making any effort, whatsoever,  to have President Hernandez terminated, for having committed fraud.

The returning whistleblower ("W") sent e-mails, to the staff at NJCU, announcing that he was going to run for the presidency of NJCU's union; and, if elected, the "W" would demand a union-funded investigation, into how the Board, fraudulently conspired, to make Hernandez -- NJCU's president.

October 2005 (give, or take a month) "someone" (yet to be identified) assigned New Jersey Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Alfred E Ramey, to defend NJCU, during a wage-related dispute (which was quickly resolved).

Then, on April 30, 2006, DAG Ramey abruptly retired from the Attorney General's Office (AG); but was hired the next day -- clandestinely -- as an "Assistant to NJCU President Hernandez."  This incredulous "retirement-rehirement" scheme, nearly doubled Ramey's income -- while reducing his workload, significantly.

The implantation of Ramey, directly in President Hernandez' Office, provided the New Jersey Attorney General, with the alarming capability, to spy on the NJCU Administration, almost at will.  And, Governors Corzine, and Christie, are guilty of the violation any laws and codes, which have been broken in the process.

June 2006.  The "W" attended the "Hudson County College Club Dinner," at which United States Attorney, Christopher Christie, was the scheduled speaker. Christie's Assistant, Ralph Marra, replaced Christie, at the last minute; Marra told the "W," that he would review the evidence of Hernandez' fraud, with Christie. (The US Attorney had jurisdiction -- because NJCU received federal funding.)

September 6, 2006. United States Attorney Christie sent the "W" a letter, stating: "it's up to the State of New Jersey to investigate the fraudulent use of academic credentials" (even though Christie had already been informed, that the State had refused to do anything of substance, about Hernandez' fraud).

June 2007.  The "W" personally gave Ramey, two letters, from the CHE, stating that Hernandez had used a fraudulent MA.  Ramey ("seemingly" impressed) told the "W" that he would present these CHE letters, to the Board, at its September 2007 meeting.

September 2007. Ramey presented the two CHE letters, to Board, which the Board dismissed as inconsequential. The Board proceeded to pass a resolution, expressing its full confidence in Hernandez.

October 2007.  The "W," apparently out of options, announced his candidacy for NJCU's union presidency -- and offered a $10,000 reward to anyone, anywhere (including reporters and students) able to prove that President Hernandez did not use fraudulent academic credentials.

December, 2007.  Ramey, now acting as President Hernandez' de facto legal representative, arranged to have the AG, charge the "W," with having violated the "Civil Rights" of the professor, who, before being hired by NJCU, had "married" a 12-year-old child.

The "W," was informed, by the AG, that: "it's a violation of one's 'Civil Rights' to criticize one's marital circumstances --  even when such criticism is directed towards an adult, who married a child."

The "W" is "intimidatingly-ordered" (involving threats of being de-tenured) to visit the AG's Office, in Trenton; the "W" refuses to comply -- until he can ask his union for protection from the AG's assault on his academic freedom (which "W's" union refused to provide).

The "W," promised his wife, that he would retire -- if he failed to obtain union protection from the AG, and/or, he lost the union election.

The "W" lost the election (120 to 84); his union still refused to defend him against the AG; so the "W" reluctantly agreed to be interviewed by AG Investigator, Michael Carbone.

The "W," keeping the promise he had made to his wife, retired, effective July 1, 2008. (However, the continuous harassment, by the AG, continued -- until February 2012.)

Fortuitously, (for the "W," at least) United States Attorney Christopher Christie became New Jersey's governor, in 2009.  The "W," (by certified mail) reminded Governor Christie, what he (Christie) had previously stated, that it was up to the State, to prosecute the use of fraudulent academic credentials. The "W," emphasized to Christie, that he (Christie) was now the State.

Christie's response:  "I have forwarded your ("W's") information to the CHE.  The CHE responds: "the CHE has already done, all that it can, and will do -- in this regard."  Period.

Emboldened, by Governor Christie's ever-increasing, high-political-profile, the "W" intensified his protracted efforts to get Christie, to do "anything at all" -- about the fraud at NJCU.

Finally, in September 2011, the AG allowed itself to be manipulated, into to ordering President Hernandez, to be cross-examined, during a trial in the Federal Court.  And, while being cross-examined, Hernandez confessed, that he, himself, added a non-existent MA degree, to his own NJCU personnel file.

The question:  Did Governor Christie have anything to do, with forcing President Hernandez, to be subjected to a self-incriminating, cross-examination? After all, the AG had successfully kept Hernandez from answering questions, under oath, throughout Hernandez' entire administrative tenure.

Governor Christie could have easily "asked" the NJCU Board of Trustees, to reach a settlement for this trial; and such a settlement would have enabled Hernandez to still be the NJCU president.

President Hernandez' confession (for having used fraudulent academic credentials) not only took Governor Christie "off-the hook," (for never having done anything about Hernandez) but also took Cristie's, Secretary of Education, Rochelle Hendrick "off the hook" -- (because Hendrick had also refused to do anything about Hernandez)

The Board was also "off the hook" -- unless "Maxwell-Gate" is brought to the attention of a law-enforcement official, who concludes, that at the very least, that the Board should be compelled to resign -- and that the "William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences" should be renamed.

An extensive list (numbering in the 100's) of: elected officials; law enforcement agencies; newspaper reporters; NJCU faculty members; New Jersey Taxpayer Associations; New Jersey State Senators, and Assemblypersons; Federal Offices; news sources (such as the Chronicle of Higher Education) will be e-mailed to anyone associated with law enforcement, or the media.

Requests for additional information, should be e-mailed to "njcugadfly@yahoo.com"

Finally, on February 3, 2012, Governor Christie's "Director of the Office of Public Relations," David Cohen, (at Governor Christie's behest) sent the "W" a letter, categorized as "Personal & Confidential." This letter indicated, that after a seven year investigation, by the New Jersey Attorney General, (initiated by former Deputy Attorney General, Albert E. Ramey, and NJCU) this $150,000 investigation concluded that the "W" "did not violate EEO Policy" (which means that the "W" did not violate the "Civil Rights" of the thirty-five year old man, who married a 12-year-old child).

The "W" had been denied a rightful promotion (as per a Grandfather Agreement); and had been forced into early retirement -- to protect, not only President Hernandez, but more troubling, the NJCU Board.

And to date, all of the following have refused the "W's" requests, to make even the slightest effort, to remove the Attorney General's bogus "Civil Rights" violation charge, against the "W," from the "W's" NJCU Personnel file. Governor Christie; NJCU's current President Sue Henderson; Board President Perez; and NJCU Union President, William Calathes.

Please do what you can -- to have this on-going "cover-up" exposed to the general public.

                                                                       Postscripts:

                                                "W's" punishment for Whistleblowing"

What motivates an employee, to be angry enough, to alienate almost everyone he works with, by "blowing the whistle" on corruption and fraud?

In "W's" particular case; here's what.

The "W," in 1989, decided to complete his PhD (because a PhD was required for promotion to associate, and full-professorships).

The "W" received a two-year unpaid leave of absence (1990 -- 92), returning with a PhD, 9/92.

Now eligible for promotion, the "W" was placed on the promotion list -- at least three years behind twelve candidates, who did not have the required doctorates.

The "W," and Union President Nick Gordon, met with acting-President Hernandez, who claimed that he didn't know anything about how these twelve PhD-less faculty members, had managed to get placed on the promotions list; Hernandez said he'd "look into it" (which, it appears, he never did).

"W" filed a grievance with NJCU's union, but lost.  The union told the "W," that the responsibility of a union was to get union members promoted, regardless of how; if the Board was willing to promote PhD-less union members, the union would not object.

The "W's" union told him to "wait his turn" behind these twelve PhD-less faculty members (in other words, wait an additional three years to get promoted).

So now, the "W" went to court, but lost on a technicality, involving timeliness.  The "W" again went to court, this time, in a timely-manner; but lost again, because of  a totally-baseless "second-bite at the apple" excuse.

By now, the"W" had expended about $25,000 in legal fees, and had subsequently run out of "litigation" funding. 

Opportunistically, in September 1995, Union President Arey informed the "W," that President Hernandez had used fraudulent academic credentials, while becoming NJCU's president; -- and again, opportunistically,  the Chairman of the Criminal Justice Department, William Calathes, told the "W," that Maxwell-crony, Bohdan Yaworsky, had used a non-existent PhD -- for ten years, in order to get promoted.

The "W" performed the necessary related research, and independently confirmed that both Hernandez, and Yaworsky, had, as maters of fact, engaged in academic credential fraud.

The "W" (so emboldened, by the confirmation of this high-profile fraud) become a "loose-cannon" at NJCU; the "W" began to fed information (such as from Arey, and Calathes) about other illegalities at NJCU; faculty members needed to "leak" information anonymously to the "W" -- so that their cushy schedules, and promotions, might not be jeopardized by their association with the "W."

In 1996, the "W" attempted to file a complaint, with the New Jersey Attorney General, against President Hernandez; in addition, the "W" tried to file charges of being a "no-show" professor, against Professor Mayur.  The Attorney General refused to even consider such complaints -- so the "W" complained directly to Governor Christine Whitman.

Governor Whitman directed the New Jersey Commission of Higher Education (CHE) -- to investigate President Hernandez' use of fraudulent academic credentials;  which, after a year, it eventually did; the CHE concluded that Hernandez had used a MA he never earned.  However, the CHE refused to investigate Mayur (the "no-show) because Governor Whitman had not instructed the CHE to do so (and the CHE wouldn't take such a complaint from the "W").

The CHE was satisfied that NJCU had removed Hernandez' fraudulent MA from its publications -- and refused to do anything more in this regard. However, the "W" (not satisfied with the degree of "punishment" rendered to Hernandez) shared his frustrations, with Star-Ledger columnist Paul Mulshine (who, consequently, wrote four columns about fraud at NJCU).

The Board reacted, to the "W's" intensified "whistleblowing," in the following manner.

Board Chairman Moore, decided to make an example of the "W" -- to show that blowing the whistle at NJCU would probably result in "career-undermining" consequences.  Moore, it appeared, had studied Machiavelli.

The Board changed NJCU's promotion's policy in 1998, "Grandfathering" (still adhering to the old promotions procedures) and subsequently promoting, 18 out of the  27 such "Grandfathered-faculty members" in the process.

In 1999, the Board promoted eight of the remaining nine, "Grandfathered" faculty, leaving only one "Grandfathered" faculty member remaining -- the "W." The "W," who (unlike nine others, on the old list) had a PhD; and the "W," who had 18 more years of seniority, than others so "Grandfathered."

That was it -- the "W" remained the only faculty member, not promoted as part of the "Grandfather Agreement."  And, because the "W" had raised serious questions, about how several dozen union members had been illegally-promoted (without the required PhD) -- the "W's" union refused to provide any assistance.

While the "W" was being punished, by NJCU, (by not being promoted), the Board approved of yet another  assault against the "W," which was far more ominous.

In 1992, the Board approved the hiring of a new faculty member -- solely because the book he had co-authored, had been published by a major publishing house (Simon & Schuster); a first, for NJCU.

Interestingly, this "Simon & Schuster" publication was the sordid story of this professor's courtship and marriage, of a third-world child.

In 1998, President Hernandez (really, the Board) authorized the funding of a NJCU Senate-fronted investigation of the "W"-- because the "W" had been publicly-critical of this 35-year-old man's marriage to a 12-year-old child; the "W" was even more critical of the fact that this "Professor" was teaching his students, that a man marrying a child -- was a legitimate-type of anthropological "participation-observation" research.

An obscure NJCU Senate Ethics Committee was resurrected, which conducted a series of interviews throughout the entire academic year. The "W" refused to participate in this inquisition -- and was, as a consequence, threatened with the loss of his tenure, and then with being fired. This Ethics Committee spent almost $14,000 to send questionnaires to the "W's" former "C" "D" and "F" students. This questionnaire was supposed to determine if the "W" had ever made any negative statements about this child-marrying professor -- which the "W" never denied that he had.

NJCU's Senate Ethic Committee -- eventually censored the "W" -- because the "W" had criticized man-child marriages.

Because NJCU's union refused to do anything to protect the "W," from the NJCU Senate Ethics Committee's inquisition, the "W" applied for three-consecutive full-year "leaves of absence" from NJCU. 

The"W" had requested the arbitration of his charges of academic fraud, against Hernandez; but the Board refused such arbitration. The "W" told his psychologist, that NJCU had created a hostile work environment for him; the psychologist recommended that the "W" be permitted to "absent himself" from NJCU -- until the Board agreed to arbitrate the "W's" complaints.

The "W" was compelled to exhaust his "sick days," during his extended absence from NJCU.  However, while on leave, "W" devoted, what should have been his work-time, attempting to get New Jersey Officials, to do something about his having been punished for "whistleblowing" (which no official would do). For a list of these officials: contact: "njcugadfly@yahoo.com" (press, or law enforcement only)

Most officials, however,  agreed that if what the "W" was telling them, was accurate, -- then New Jersey laws were being broken; nevertheless, it was not their responsibility to enforce the violation of any such laws.

As previously noted, the "W" returned to NJCU in 2005, and offered a $10,000 reward to anyone able to prove that President Hernandez had not committed fraud. NJCU reacted, by hiring a Deputy Attorney General; a DAG who subsequently arranged to have the "W" charged, by the AG, with having violated the "Civil Rights" of a man who had married a child.

Due to harassment, from the Attorney General's Office, and the lack of any help from his Union, the "W" kept the promise he had made to his wife, and retired on July 1, 2008.

Nevertheless, the "W's" harassment, by the AG, continued unabated -- until February 2012.

February 2012, (nearly five-years into his retirement) the "W" was found "no-guilty" of the "Civil Rights" violation. (Decision available, upon request, to law enforcement or the media)

If you are content to allow the "W's" story to end here -- so be it; practically all of NJCU's faculty members have.  

The NJCU faculty, for the most-part, liked Hernandez; because Hernandez expected very little from them; and, as a direct consequence, significant numbers of NJCU's students were denied a university degree.  Ditto: NJCU's complacent Board of Trustees; ditto: New Jersey Governors Whitman, McGreevy, Corzine and Christie, who appointed, and then routinely reappointed, such "look the other way" Board members.

If, however, you think that whistleblowers should be rewarded, rather than punished,  please send your suggestions to: "njcugadfly@yahoo.com."

Possibly, with your advice and/or help, "Maxwell-Gate" might be forced to open-up.

                                           A "Maxwell-Gate" Investigation should include the following:

(Additional information about each of the following categories, will be e-mailed, upon request, to the media, or law enforcement officials)  Send requests to: njcugadfly@yahoo.com

Google: "Carlos Hernandez Profile -- Forbes;"  review how much the former NJCU President earned at his second full-time job,  2001 -- present.

President Carlos Hernandez' Columbia University MBA (2009 -- 2011 est.) For reasons, yet to be determined, the Board authorized Hernandez to enroll in Columbia University's MBA program; one of the most demanding MBA programs in the nation.  Hernandez received his MBA, perhaps in 2011; possibly paid for by NJCU.  

Why the Board (which was already allowing President Hernandez to hold two full-time jobs; and six or so board memberships, also allowed Hernandez to pursue an MBA, most-certainly requires an answer.  This MBA demands an answer, because while Hernandez was preoccupied with enriching himself, NJCU's students were failing to graduate at the highest rate in the nation. This Board's actions in this regard, are unpardonable, inexcusable, and seemingly indefensible.

Dr. Peter Bernham Chairman of the Middle States Accreditation Agency.  Letter, from Bernham, stating that academic fraud, by a university President -- would have no effect on re-accreditation.

Assemplyman Patrick Diegnan; New Jersey Assembly Higher Education Committee Chairman.  A personal hour-long meeting with Diegnan  -- resulted in a promise to do something; but nothing was ever done.

Ansley La Mar; NJCU Professor La Mar, was hired at NJCU, under circumstances similar to Carlos Hernandez -- only La Mar never tried to use a phony MA.  La Mar might tell you his version of the truth about Hernandez and his phony MA; and might even tell you why he refused to do likewise.   La Mar continues to teach at NJCU (Psychology Dept) -- "alamar@njcu.edu"

Hans Held: Maxwell's AVP prior to Hernandez.  Held was a Panzer (tank) Commander (in the German Army) who was captured during the "Battle of Stalingrad."  Maxwell made Held the AVP, because of his authoritarian personality -- Held ably kept Maxwell separated from the faculty members he tried to avoid.

Ramey/Ford:  When DAG Ramey, was hired "out-of-nowhere" by "who-knows-who" -- he was given the same job responsibilities as current "Presidential Assistant," Gayle Ford.  This "symbiotic-relationship" lasted until Ford retired, along with Hernandez, in 2012.  If the Board is ever prosecuted for "Dereliction of Duty," Ford should be brought in for cross examination.

Alfred E Ramey:  NJCU still refuses to provide any information, about how and why this former Deputy Attorney General, ended up implanted in the President's Office.  If the Board is ever prosecuted for "Dereliction of Duty"  Ramey should be cross-examined, right after Ford and Hernandez.

Rashmi Mayur: (Maxwell's procurer) So far, the only explanation of Mayur's 35-years on the NJCU payroll (besides being Maxwell's procurer) is that he was a CIA operative, and NJCU was used as his cover occupation.  Otherwise, how can the following quote from the Star-Ledger possibly be explained:   According to Mayur: “Unless people of the world comprehend the grave nature of the doom awaiting our future, the U.S. will achieve its hoped-for world domination…There is a jungle in the world with the United States as the flagrant violator of the norms of the international law and treaties acting as policeman for the world.  The United States and its ally pose a threat to peace and security to all of the defenseless people of the world.” 

Edward Weisman:  Vice President of Finance;  his salary, at the time of his first retirement in 1994, $98,000.  Income, after Weisman was immediately rehired at NJCU, as a "consultant" (from 1994, to 2000) $146,000.  If a comprehensive audit of NJCU is eventually ordered, Weisman's cross-examination should follow directly after the cross-examination of former Board Chairman, John Moore.

Bodham Yaworsky:  Maxwell crony;  Used a non-existent PhD -- with Maxwell's permission -- at NJCU, for ten years,  and two promotions.  The Board appointed him an Exemplary Faculty Member" -- just as it had, Rashmi Mayur.  He spent his last five years, on NJCU's payroll, teaching, now and then, from Colorado (on-line courses).  $125,000 per year -- for about six hours of work, per week, for 30 weeks.  Cross-examine Yaworsky, immediately prior to Hernandez' cross-examination.

Vice President for University Advancement; Khatmeh Osserian-Hanna:  Acting on an anonymous tip, an OPRA request was submitted for an accounting of the expenses related to NJCU's 80th Gala (10/28/10).  Khatmeh Osserian-Hanna, (who denied an OPRA request for an account of the Gala finances) was earning $180,000, yet quickly resigned under extremely questionable circumstances.

NJCU still refuses to tell how the honoree, Dr, Bernard Poulin, was selected to be honored, or why Poulin received an honorary doctorate, from NJCU, the year before.  Both Hanna, and Poulin, should be called to testify, if the Board is ever investigated in regard to "Maxwell-Gate."

Dr. Stan Worton:   Maxwell's favorite history professor, while Maxwell was a student at NJCU.  Maxwell (and his Board) approved allowing Worton, to spend his last five years at NJCU -- writing a "comprehensive" history of NJCU.  Worton completed about five pages per year; and his 26 page history of NJCU ended up costing almost $500,000.  Worton should not be called to testify -- even though he was a personal friend of Maxwell, and former Board Chairman Moore. 

Betty Gerena:  A "personal friend" of the married President Hernandez.  A position was "found" for Gernea, in NJCU's Computer Science Department (which didn't request any additional staff) -- even though Gerena had no related experience.  Gernea's salary was higher than the Computer Science Department Chairman's. (See Ethics Point as follows)

Professor Ken Good:  (who filed the "Civil Rights" complaint against the "W").  Since the "W's" retirement, in July 2008, Good has been allowed to work two days a week, for a total of eight hours.  NJCU also allows Good, to continue to require his students, to purchase the book he wrote about his marriage to a child; even though such profiteering (exploitation of students) is illegal in New Jersey. 

Robert Braun: Star-Ledger Higher Education Reporter, "NJ Voices: Opinions from New Jersey."  "In corruption busts, feds need lots of bait to catch lots of big fish." (7/26/09)  Braun, who was given the Hernandez fraud story, back in 1999; concedes that Hernandez used non-existent academic credentials; but yet Braun is somehow able to conclude, that because the Board was aware, that Hernandez was using fraudulent academic credentials -- it can't be classified as fraud.  For the entire exchange, between Braun, and his readers, on-line, make your request to: njcugadfly@yahoo.com. 

Ethics Point:  Due to the publicity, accompanying the $10,000 reward being offered to prove that President Hernandez did not use fraudulent academic credentials, the Board contracted with "Ethics Point" ($5000) so that NJCU employees could report instances of fraud, at NJCU, to "Ethics Point."  Betty Gerena, (above) quickly became the subject of Ethics Point's initial investigation. Ethics Point,  compiled the complaint, and passed it on to the NJCU Administration, for an evaluation.  President Hernandez, as NJCU's investigating official (for Ethics Point) determined that the complaint, against NJCU, for having hired an unnecessary, unqualified employee, was without merit.

Prabhakaar R Shukla Humanitarian Award:  Given to Hernandez, by Mayur.  Hernandez continues to acknowledge receiving this award -- even after his retirement from NJCU.  But, as far as a Google search is able to determine, Hernandez is the only one to ever receive this award.

NJCU President Hernandez: (continued) $100,000 walking-away money, authorized by the Board in September 2012.  Still to be confirmed: Tuition-reimbursement, for Hernandez' MBA program, authorized by the Board.  Likely; "taking it for the Board" money -- which might well go into seven figures.  Hernandez was "walking away in disgrace;" while the Broad had "kept above the fray."  To date, there have been no known demands to investigate the Board's "Maxwell-Gate" complicity.

NJCU's drop-out rate:  "www.collegeresults.org"   While NJCU Students continued to have the highest "drop-out" rate in the nation, the NJCU Board permitted NJCU's President to be on all sorts of boards, and committees  (except at NJCU). And, as noted in "Maxwell-Gate," the Board approved of Hernandez holding two full-time jobs, and enrolling, full-time, in a MBA program,

Reporters calling NJCU:  Whenever the "W" attempted to interest reporters, in "Maxwell-Gate" -- the reporters would call NJCU and be connected with its Public Relations Department.  The reporters were then informed, that  the Commission of Higher Education, had already investigated the Hernandez-fraud case, and found no reason to take any action.  Ditto: the Board; Star-Ledger reporters Braun and Heyboer; and the New Jersey Attorney General.  Lastly such reporters were told, that the "W" had been on sick leave for three years, and was disgruntled because he didn't get a promotion.  And, that was it; even though the fact of Hernandez' fraud, and Mayur's "no-show" status, could have easily been proven, without the "W.".

Suggested improvements at NJCU:  Will be sent, upon request.

NJCU's Promotions Procedures: (Created by Board, enabling 75 faculty members to be illegally promoted.) Amongst other things; promotion-applicants were allowed to select their closest NJCU cronies, to be their promotion assessors. 

No Response:  For a complete list, of the officials who refused to get involved, with any aspect of "Maxwell-Gate," contact: njcugadfly@yahoo.com.


 

                                                                              Afterthoughts

"Maxwell-Gate," might well turn out to be the last chance to expose William Maxwell's scheming and illegal activities while he was NJCU's president.  And, to expose Maxwell, the NJCU Board of Trustees must be subjected to a thorough investigation; because, whatever Maxwell did, he did so with Board approval.

When the Star-Ledger was first informed, about President Hernandez' use of fraudulent academic credentials (1998) President Hernandez initially told inquiring reporters, that his phony MA was a typographical error. Next, Hernandez told reporters that his CUNY adviser had forgotten to submit the form authorizing Hernandez to be awarded the MA.  Then, the phony MA story became, someone in the CUNY Registrar's Office made a mistake.  And, finally, the NJCU Board of Trustees simply coalesced around Hernandez' pathetic explanation, that he "thought" he was supposed to automatically get an MA -- as soon as he completed 52 graduate credits (without the required thesis, or any evidence of professional writing-skills, whatsoever).

For Hernandez to have been awarded a CUNY, MA -- Hernandez was required to pass a comprehensive  examination; and to submit an acceptable research project.  CUNY graduate students, who failed the exam, and/or whose research projects were unacceptable -- were dropped from CUNY's PhD program; and Hernandez knew this. 

So, the assumption is, Maxwell advised Hernandez to insert a phony MA, into his NJCU personnel file (which Hernandez admitted to having done, in Federal Court.)

That the NJCU Board, comprised mostly of lawyers, accepted a Hernandez: "I thought I was automatically awarded the MA" sorry excuse, is pathetic.  And, there is a simple way to make the Board's conspiracy, in this regard, even more compelling.

Hernandez was asked why he never requested his actual MA Diploma (the kind one places in a frame, and mounts on one's wall). Hernandez said he "forgot" to do so.  And the Board, accepted this crap.  

NJCU Professor Ansley LaMar, and Hernandez, went through the same graduate program together; yet LaMar never obtained the MA -- or, even attempted the MA.  Ask him why?  Ask LaMar why he didn't expect to automatically receive a MA after he completed 45 credits? Ask LaMar, what he thought when he saw that Hernandez was amending his name with a phony MA.  Ask LaMar, what he thought when he realized that NJCU had made Hernandez its Academic Vice President, with only a BA.  

Then demand that Governor Christie "publicly-request" the resignation of NJCU's Board of Trustees.  

And, finally, insist on the renaming of the "William J Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences."  

                                                                             *       *      *

Apathy and indifference, amongst the NJCU faculty, is perhaps surprising, only to those who might expect university professors (most of whom have doctorates) to take a more aggressive part in determining the rules and conditions of their employment.  

The very idea, that a collective of PhD’s, would permit unscrupulous-administrators, to continuously violate their professional integrity, is probably a difficult concept for the general public to accept. But that’s the way it is at NJCU; the Administration has, as a matter of fact, co-opted the Union leadership -- through the granting of promotions and other types of pay increases; and in return, the Union does nothing that might, in anyway, embarrass the Board, and/or the Administration (Ditto:  NJCU's Senate).

In some ways, NJCU's faculty can be likened to the tragic "Kitty Genovese" incident of 1964.

"Kitty Genovese" was raped and stabbed to death, in plain sight, as she returned to her home in New York City. 38 people witnessed the 30-minute-long attack.  Yet no one did anything to stop it; no one even reported it to the police until Kitty was already dead. 

Although the murder itself was tragic, the nation was even more outraged that so many people who could have helped seemingly displayed callous indifference. 

And so the failure of bystanders to intervene became known as “Kitty Genovese Syndrome," or, sometimes, just “Genovese Syndrome” or “Genovese Effect.” Social psychologists sometimes call it the “bystander effect.” 

The "bystander effect" offers the best description of NJCU faculty members (only the "Genovese Syndrome" involved a mere 38 witnesses; while at NJCU, more than 300 faculty members knew that Carlos Hernandez had used fraudulent credentials).

Don't believe me; just ask any five year or more NJCU faculty member. Then forward any responses to: njcugadfly@yahoo.com.  Also ask former dean, Professor Ansley Lamar, who rose through the ranks with President Hernandez, "joined-at-the hip."  E-mail him at "Alamar@njcu.edu."


                                                            Acknowledgements:

Paul Mulshine; my wife; and the guy responsible for "Maxwell-Gate" who still has a "College of Arts & Sciences" named for him.