UCF director, ethics professor resigns amid allegations of misusing funds

The director of the Nicholson School of Communication at the University of Central Florida has resigned amid allegations of double-dipping.

Dr. Robert Chandler, who used to teach about ethics in the corporate world, allegedly misused funds to take expensive trips around the world.

Chandler is a recognized author and communications expert specializing in crisis management.

“I definitely wouldn't look up to someone like that. That would do something like that,” said UCF student Katherine Bosch.

A letter from the dean of the College of Sciences accuses Chandler of double-dipping on travel expenses.

He’d get paid back by UCF then a third party entity also reimbursed him for costs associated with travel invoices.

“Someone of this power, it's a terrible thing to take advantage of that and use it to their own benefit,” said student Marissa McNeil.

Records show Chandler took trips for speaking engagements and seminars all over the world.

He received about $46,000 in extra compensation for some of those trips, according to records.

He’s since paid back around $30,000.

Chandler said in a letter he was slow at completing the reimbursements and would get paid back by a third party in the meantime.

He claims to have done nothing wrong and said the system is flawed.

His book on trustworthiness in business and corporate integrity goes for $110 online.

He was not available for comment.

The university is still investigating and school officials have not said is criminal charges will be filed.