Questions About Monterey Instructor's Claims
Students' doubts led the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a graduate unit of Middlebury College, to investigate and find discrepancies in the claims of an instructor about his background, the Los Angeles Times reported. Bill Hillar told students many stories about adventure while serving in the U.S. Army's Special Forces, and students said that he had boasted that the 2008 action movie Taken was based on his life. Students grew to doubt his various claims, causing the institute to look into Hillar's background, finding that he didn't earn the doctorate he claimed to have from the University of Oregon. Monterey was also unable to verify Hillar's military service. Hillar not only has taught part-time at Monterey, but has lectured based on his background at numerous other colleges. Hillar did not respond to requests from the Times for comment, and Monterey officials said he has declined to meet with them to discuss the issues raised about his background.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/11/23/qt