GENEVA, N.Y. — The chairman of the Hobart and William Smith Colleges board of trustees says it is investigating a claim that President Gregory Vincent plagiarized portions of his dissertation for his doctorate in education.

Chairman Thomas Bozzuto sent a message to the college community saying in part, they received an anonymous e-mail containing allegations regarding President Vincent's past scholarship.

He went on to say that President Vincent informed the colleges he believes the charges are wholly without merit. 

Bozzuto said "While I remain wary of any accusation that is unsigned, the board of trustees is committed to a thorough and serious investigation of these claims."

Dr. Vincent has been president of the colleges since last summer.