Southeast Tech president cleared of plagiarism charges

Southeast Technical President Dorothy Duran has been cleared of plagiarism charges by her alma mater.

Duran was one of two Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system presidents accused of plagiarism by a former MnSCU adjunct instructor.

In a letter released today, a research integrity officer at the University of Texas at Austin told Duran that an inquiry concluded that her behavior "does not rise [to the level of] scientific misconduct," and that a formal investigation was not necessary.

The letter did not provide further details.

"We are pleased, but not surprised, with the outcome," MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone said in a statement. "These reckless charges are one tactic in a coordinated campaign of personal attacks intended to tarnish the reputations of MnSCU presidents. We consider the matter closed."

Duran could not immediately be reached for comment, but said in a statement, "I am extraordinarily grateful for the support of my colleagues, my community, and our students during this time."

Duran and South Central College President Annette Parker were accused of plagiarism in their doctoral dissertation by Nicole Helget, who taught English at South Central for eight years.

Last month, Western Kentucky University cleared Parker of the charge.

Helget has also led a campaign to compel MnSCU officials to release documents she feels would show undue corporate influence in "Charting the Future," the chancellor's reform plan for the system.

MnSCU leaders say system policy in allegations of plagiarism is to ask the universities that awarded the degrees in question — in this case Texas and Western Kentucky — to evaluate the claims.

Helget declined to say much about the Texas findings, but stood by her allegations.

"My assessments were accurate," she said.