Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) admitted to misstating his college history after reports that he embellished his resume in a small echoing the lies of another first-term GOP lawmaker, Rep. George Santos.
“Before I said that my title is from [Middle Tennessee State University] in International Relations,” Ogles said in a statement obtained by the Tennessee Star. “When I pulled the transcript to verify, I realized I was wrong. My degree is in Liberal Studies. I apologize for my mistake.”
Ogles said he transferred to Middle Tennessee as a senior to study political science and international relations, but dropped out “because of interfamilial matters” and to help the family financially. He said he completed his studies years later through the university’s distance learning program and was awarded his degree in 2007.
“After completing the online course, I was awarded a Bachelor of Science, and MTSU sent me my degree a few months later,” Ogles said. “At that time, my understanding was that I had completed my studies in Political Science and International Relations.”
He said he learned he earned a bachelor’s 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 by Nashville’s WTVF-TV earlier this month raised questions about his background.
While Ogles recounted his experience as an economist during last year’s campaign and during recent appearances, WTVF said he has never received formal economics training, aside from a community “Principles of Economics” course in which he earned a C, according to Middle Tennessee. transcript.
The network cited an earlier version of Ogles’ biography, which said he earned a degree in economics and policy from Middle Tennessee. Another version of his resume from 2009 said he majored in international relations and minored in English and psychology.
His bio on the website now states: “Andy earned his degree from MTSU.”
Ogles also appeared to adorn his resume with his work against human trafficking. Ogles claims he works as COO of Abolition International, “overseeing operations and investments in 12 countries.” WTVF reported the organization was out of operation in 12 states during its time there.
His biography now says he manages operations and investments in “several countries.”
Ogles’ mistake echoes the falsehoods spread by Santos, who has been convicted of lying about his employment and educational records, and has been the subject of several investigations.
Ogles was among the Republican members of the House of Representatives who rejected the offer of Rep. Kevin McCarthy for speaker of the House in January. Ogles opposed McCarthy in the first 11 rounds of voting, then switched to McCarthy in the final four rounds.