Prominent U of M professor who expensed luxury trips resigns

A University of Minnesota professor who was convicted of domestic assault and who was under investigation for questionable spending of taxpayer money at the university has now resigned, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has learned.

Aaron Doering, 48, had been on paid leave from the U of M since his arrest for dragging and choking his now-former girlfriend in December 2018. 5 INVESTIGATES found Doering had previously been accused of domestic abuse by two other women.

2 more women say they were abused by well-known professor at U of M

Doering was considered a leading voice on climate change and and a renowned explorer who traveled the world on university funded trips.

In July, a six-month investigation by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS found at least $30,000 in questionable spending by Doering, including first class flights, expensive meals, and gifts that appeared unrelated to the professor’s work at the university.

On the university’s dime: A professor’s unchecked expenses

At the time, University administrators confirmed they launched their own internal audit of professor Aaron Doering’s expense reports, but had provided no further updates until Wednesday.

A university spokeswoman did not provide any other details about the timing and terms of Doering’s resignation. In an email to 5 INVESTIGATES she wrote:

"Aaron Doering has resigned his tenure and employment and is no longer an employee."