Former professor fired for allegedly misusing lab fees
By: Amir Kurtovic
Issue date: 2/11/10 Section: News
Nicholas DiMarco, a former Webster University professor in the School of Business and Technology, was fired from his position in the spring of 2008 over an alleged scheme that defrauded students of nearly $100,000 between 2001 and 2007, according to documents obtained by The Journal.
The money was charged through lab fees that DiMarco applied to courses he taught. The lab fees were supposed to be used for purchasing instructional supplies, such as Myers-Briggs personality tests. But instead, according to the documents, DiMarco made copies of the materials and submitted invoices from a company controlled by his brother, Vincent DiMarco.
When contacted by phone, Nicholas DiMarco denied all allegations against him. He did not provide an explanation for why he was fired, nor did he provide any further comment.
WU administrators contacted for this story also refused to comment, citing a university policy that does not permit them to discuss personnel related matters. Those contacted include Jim Staley, vice president of Academic Affairs and Dan Hitchell, associate vice president for Resource Planning and Budget. President Elizabeth Stroble also said she could not comment on these allegations.
The company that was allegedly used by Nicholas DiMarco to submit the invoices, NDV Properties, Inc., is registered in New York and lists Vincent DiMarco as its CEO. When contacted to comment on this story, a receptionist who only identified herself as Marge, said Vincent DiMarco was out of the office for the day and was too busy to comment on these allegations.
Nicholas DiMarco had been at WU since 1988 and was one of the highest paid employees by the time he was fired. He was the only professor to make the list of the five highest paid employees in 2007. WU's 990 tax document for 2007 lists Nicholas DiMarco's pay at $163,426, almost as much as Benjamin Akande, the dean of the School of Business and Technology, earned in the same year. Akande made $163.765 in 2007, according to the 990 tax forms.
The money was charged through lab fees that DiMarco applied to courses he taught. The lab fees were supposed to be used for purchasing instructional supplies, such as Myers-Briggs personality tests. But instead, according to the documents, DiMarco made copies of the materials and submitted invoices from a company controlled by his brother, Vincent DiMarco.
When contacted by phone, Nicholas DiMarco denied all allegations against him. He did not provide an explanation for why he was fired, nor did he provide any further comment.
WU administrators contacted for this story also refused to comment, citing a university policy that does not permit them to discuss personnel related matters. Those contacted include Jim Staley, vice president of Academic Affairs and Dan Hitchell, associate vice president for Resource Planning and Budget. President Elizabeth Stroble also said she could not comment on these allegations.
The company that was allegedly used by Nicholas DiMarco to submit the invoices, NDV Properties, Inc., is registered in New York and lists Vincent DiMarco as its CEO. When contacted to comment on this story, a receptionist who only identified herself as Marge, said Vincent DiMarco was out of the office for the day and was too busy to comment on these allegations.
Nicholas DiMarco had been at WU since 1988 and was one of the highest paid employees by the time he was fired. He was the only professor to make the list of the five highest paid employees in 2007. WU's 990 tax document for 2007 lists Nicholas DiMarco's pay at $163,426, almost as much as Benjamin Akande, the dean of the School of Business and Technology, earned in the same year. Akande made $163.765 in 2007, according to the 990 tax forms.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
none
posted 2/11/10 @ 10:22 AM CST
He also had unfair grading practices. Shady character all the way around.
Not Happy
posted 2/11/10 @ 10:43 AM CST
As I continue to read stories that are uncovered by The Journal I am becoming more and more unhappy with their findings on the WU administrators. While, I am currently a student at WU and inches away from graduation, I'm beginning to think I should have put my money elsewhere. (Continued…)
Keith
posted 2/11/10 @ 3:46 PM CST
Any information on how he got caught?
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