Link: http://www.newschannel5.com/global/story.asp?s=8674699

...from NewsChannel 5 in Nashville comes an interesting story of a number of state employees who, it seems, were prepared to knowingly pay money to have degrees created for them.

Last month, Newman hired Lichtenberger to head the state's codes enforcement training program...Lichtenberger signed her state application saying she had attended Belford University, receiving a bachelor's in business.
What the commissioner didn't know at the time was this: "It is a sham institution," Newman told Williams.
Belford's slick web site offers affordable bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in just seven days. Get credit for what you've learned in life for only $449.

The bad news is that several instances of purchasing of degrees were by people who probably have acquired academic tenure as a result.
The application for employment of the State of Tennessee contains the following statement:
The employment application used by the State of Tennessee includes the following passage:

Under penalty of perjury, I certify that the information I am providing in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I am aware that should investigation show any falsification or material misrepresentation, I will not be considered for employment, or if employed, I will be dismissed and disqualified from future examinations. I hereby authorize the State of Tennessee to make all necessary investigations concerning me or my actions and to receive and make available to all state agencies my academic records or other materials pertinent to my qualifications. I further authorize and request each former employer, educational institution, or organization (including law enforcement agencies) to provide all information that may be sought in connection with this application.

I await news of action being taken against the employees found to have falsified their qualifications...but I'm not holding my breath...