John Lavine, dean of the Medill School of Journalism, said again the quotes were authentic but he used "poor judgment" in not naming the two students he quoted anonymously in columns published last year, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

A student journalist at the Daily Northwestern had called the quotes into question.

"I have been in journalism for more than 40 years as a reporter, editor, publisher and educator," Lavine, 67, wrote in an e-mail. "I do not make up quotes. But I did exercise poor judgment, and I apologize for that."

Lavine's use of unnamed sources and the veracity of the quotations remained under review by Northwestern's provost. Professors and students gave his apology mixed reviews.