FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Fayetteville State University is investigating men's basketball coach Mike Bernard over questions that he overstated his qualifications on his resume.

A copy of the resume, obtained from the university by The Fayetteville Observer, says that Bernard received a master's degree in political science from Atlanta University in 1978.

According to an official at the school, now known as Clark Atlanta University, Bernard never received a degree from the school.

"Our records show that his start semester here was the fall of 1976 and he went through May of 1977," Mary Daniel, staff assistant in charge of enrollment verification at Clark Atlanta, said Wednesday. "His major was political science. But no degree was received."

Questions about Bernard's resume arose last week when the Observer received an anonymous tip questioning the coach's credentials. Chancellor Willis McLeod confirmed the investigation on Wednesday and at least two athletic department employees said that they have known about it for several weeks.

"I am waiting to hear from Clark Atlanta University in regard to Mike Bernard," McLeod said. "As soon as I am able to verify everything one way or an other, I will be prepared to make a statement."

Bernard, 53, has been a college head coach for 16 seasons, compiling a record of 320-177 at North Carolina Central, Norfolk State and Fayetteville State. He took N.C. Central to the NCAA Division II national championship in 1989.

Bernard was hired by Fayetteville State in 1998. Known for his fiery personality on the sidelines, he's led the Broncos to a 65-44 record in four seasons. FSU went 18-9 last season.

In December 2001, football coach George O'Leary resigned five days after being hired by Notre Dame when it was learned he did not have the master's degree he listed on his resume.

Since then, the athletic director at Dartmouth, the women's basketball coach at Vanderbilt, U.S. Olympic Committee president Sarah Baldwin and several college assistant coaches have been fired or resigned for similar irregularities.

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