Representative. Rep. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) admitted to misrepresenting his college history after it was reported that he embellished his resume in a case that echoes the lies of another GOP lawmaker, Rep. George Santos.
“I previously stated that I graduated [Middle Tennessee State University] it was in international relations,” Ogles said in a statement obtained by the Tennessee Star. “When I got my transcript to check, I realized I was wrong. My degree is in Liberal Studies. I apologize for my mistake.
Ogles said he moved to Middle Tennessee to study political science and international relations, but dropped out “because of a family issue” and to help his family financially. He said he completed his studies years later through the university’s distance learning program and graduated in 2007.
“After completing the online courses, I received a Bachelor of Science degree and MTSU mailed my degree a few months later,” Ogles said. “At that moment I realized that I had completed my studies in Political Science and International Relations.”
He said he realized he had indeed received a broader degree in liberal studies with minors in political science and English after receiving his official transcript last week.
Ogles made the disclosure after a report from Nashville’s WTVF-TV earlier this month raised questions about his background.
While Ogles touted his experience as an economist during his campaign last year and during recent appearances, WTVF revealed that he never received any formal training in economics beyond a “Principles of Economics” course in college community where he earned a C, according to Middle Tennessee. . transcription.
The network cited an earlier version of Ogles’ biography that said he majored in business and politics in Middle Tennessee. Another version of his CV from 2009 said he majored in international relations and studied English and psychology.
His bio on his website now reads: “Andy is a graduate of MTSU.”
Ogles also appears to have beefed up his resume in terms of his anti-trafficking work. Ogles said he served as COO of Abolition International, “overseeing operations and investments in 12 countries.” WTVF reported that the organization failed to operate in 12 countries during its time there.
His current bio says he has managed operations and investments in “several countries.”
Ogles’ false statements echo those spread by Santos, who has been criticized for lying about his job and education and is the subject of multiple investigations.
Ogles was among the Republican House members who resisted Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become Speaker of the House in January. Ogles opposed McCarthy in the first 11 rounds of voting, then moved in favor of McCarthy in the final four rounds.
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