WORCESTER – Joseph F. Robinson, who was appointed director of Worcester’s Department of Veterans Services in 2023, denies the city’s position that he has resigned from his position while acknowledging that his academic qualifications are a point of contention.
Robinson said officials gave him the option of resigning or being fired by Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Robinson said the city claimed he misrepresented his academic achievements when he was hired. Robinson uses the honorific title of doctor when introducing himself and communicating with the public, but he has not yet completed the requirements to earn a doctorate.
The city issued a brief statement through its spokesman saying Robinson had resigned but declined further comment. “The city does not comment on personnel matters beyond that,” city spokesman Tom Matthews said.
“I’m not resigning,” Robinson told the Telegraph & Gazette.
Robinson said he told the city when he was hired that he was working on his doctoral dissertation and had completed all coursework required for the degree at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
“I told the city when they hired me,” Robinson said.
When the city announced Robinson’s hiring, a news release said he had earned a Ph.D. Free executive leadership.
Liberty officials could not immediately be reached.
The job description for the position does not list a PhD as a requirement, Robinson said.
“I did not misrepresent myself; I completed the course and there is no state or federal law prohibiting the use of this title,” Robinson said.
Robinson, who is divorcing his wife, speculates that he was ousted because she tried to question his achievements.
Robinson, a former Marine who retired with a 60 percent disability, came to the city through a recommendation from his former veterans services director. He has a wealth of life experience and also takes advantage of the benefits the office offers.
At the time, Mayor Joseph Petty called him “the best man for the job.”
“Dr. Robinson will lead our Department of Veterans Services with empathy, compassion and a strong advocacy for veterans,” City Manager Eric D. Battista said in a press release announcing Robinson’s hiring. “Dr. Robinson has more than 20 years of experience serving veterans and understands firsthand the needs and challenges veterans face every day. We are excited to have him serve in this position and serve the City of Worcester.”
He will earn $85,509 in 2024, according to city payroll records.
This article originally appeared in Telegram & Gazette: Worcester veterans services director leaves amid seniority dispute