Following faculty complaints and a student protest, Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty reversed course yesterday and gave tenure to a law professor who chairs a state commission that examines wrongful convictions.

"This is to inform you that your application for tenure is successful," stated a three-sentence letter to John T. Rago from the president. "I appreciate your important contribution to the university and look forward to your future successes."

Mr. Rago had received a favorable tenure vote from faculty in the law school and its dean. But Dr. Dougherty departed from those recommendations last spring and issued a denial, which would have likely meant Mr. Rago would depart Duquesne and relinquish directorship of the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law.

Just over two months ago, a grievance panel of faculty from across campus voted unanimously to recommend that Dr. Dougherty rescind his decision.

And last Thursday, in a sign of growing tension between the law school and Dr. Dougherty, about 150 students rallied and marched on the administration building to support Mr. Rago's tenure bid. Referring to the president, one sign held by students who complained about several issues said, "Charlie Dough has to go!"

University officials yesterday declined comment beyond the letter to Mr. Rago and a separate correspondence to the grievance committee in which Dr. Dougherty said he sought advice from faculty across campus.

Dr. Dougherty last year did not publicly state what issues in or out of the classroom led to the denial and a spokeswoman, Bridget Fare, said at the time that tenure votes are advisory and that the decision rests with the president.

Mr. Rago, an assistant professor whose commission on wrongful convictions convened last month, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

"We're jubilant," law Dean Donald Guter said of the tenure decision.

"This has been a very divisive issue," law professor Bruce Ledewitz added. "This may enable us to close ranks, heal wounds and move forward."