Former official's academic, military records questioned
BY SCHUYLER KROPF
Of The Post and Courier Staff
The embattled head of the state Public Service Commission abruptly resigned Wednesday while his resume was being reviewed for truthfulness.
Executive Director Bruce F. Duke submitted his resignation in a letter that was unanimously accepted by the commission following a special meeting and executive session.
"Mr. Duke told us he is resigning to pursue other career opportunities," said commission staff attorney Jeff Nelson.
The claims in Duke's resume were not addressed during the meeting, said Nelson, who noted the PSC also is undergoing a restructuring.
In recent weeks, questions have been raised over whether Duke misstated his academic credentials and military record. PSC officials investigated and referred the matter to the state's human resources department. A report is expected in the next 10 days, said commission Chairman Randy Mitchell.
A copy of Duke's resume was not available Wednesday from the PSC, but in 2002, the S.C. Senate adopted a resolution praising Duke's accomplishments based on other jobs he had in state government, including working for the Senate Finance Committee and State Reorganization Commission.
The resolution, which was printed in the Senate daily journal, said Duke graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1991 with a master's degree. USC shows Duke receiving a bachelor of arts degree in political science in 1990 but has no record of his earning a master's.
The resolution further noted Duke was recognized as USC's outstanding defensive back in football in 1976, a claim that could not be verified by USC.
The resolution said Duke served in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1974 and 1977. Records obtained from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis show his service lasted about half that time, from July 31, 1975, to Dec. 13, 1976.
No decision has been made about hiring another executive director, Nelson said. Under the PSC restructuring, the commission chairman is the chief officer, he said.
The PSC regulates utilities in South Carolina and helps set prices for their public services. PSC members appointed Duke as executive director in January after he had served both as deputy executive director and controller, according to published reports.
A phone message left at Duke's Columbia home was not immediately returned.
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