NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Rutgers University’s president, a neuroscientist, was brought in last year to turn the school into a medical sciences powerhouse, but he has quickly become a target of criticism from some lawmakers who question his ability to lead the university amid a series of embarrassments in the high-profile athletic department.

Still, Robert Barchi has the support of the state’s most important politician, Gov. Chris Christie, who said Tuesday that he has “absolute confidence” in Barchi and won’t meddle in university business, including its decision to hire Julie Hermann as athletic director.

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