TOPEKA (FoxKansas.com) -- The state's top information technology administrator has resigned following questions about his academic background and an admission by the governor's office that the IT official's educational background had not been thoroughly reviewed.
Jim Mann, 58, has stepped down from his post, which oversees IT issues for the state and is part of Gov. Sam Brownback's administration, following inquiries into his college credentials. The questions about Mann's educational qualifications first came from the Topeka Capital-Journal.
"The questions surrounding my qualifications to perform and deliver in this position have compromised confidence in me and my integrity," Mann said in his resignation letter to the governor. "As such, I am no longer an asset to your team and your IT mission."
The Associated Press reported that Mann worked as a consultant in St. Augustine, Fla., before coming to Kansas and being named the state's IT chief, a job that pays $150,000 a year.
The news agency also reported that Mann's resume said he has a bachelor's of business administration from the University of Devonshire. But that university is not listed in an online database of accredited institutions compiled by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the AP reported.
Brownback told AP that Mann's 20-year work history played a large role in the state's decision to give him the job.
"He's got a 20-year work experience record, so we went thoroughly through that, because that's what we wanted to know: How did he perform . . .?" the governor told the AP.
FoxKansas.com Staff Writer Alfred Charles contributed to this report. He can be reached at acharles@nptvgroup.com.
