Posted By: CTMountaineer (10:00am 06-07-2008)

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The problems have little to do with Garrison. Putting the blame squarely where it belongs means putting the focus on the Manchin family.

West Virginia's higher education system also shares in the blame. It is constructed in such a way that a Governor can name at least half the members of the Boards of Governors of the institutions, thus giving him/her virtual control. That is an inappropriate politization of higher education and an invitation to potential corruption.

Posted By: WVUfamily (7:01am 06-07-2008)

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Maybe Heather Bresch will find Mike Garrison a job at Mylan, since she cost him his at WVU

Posted By: roughroad (11:42pm 06-06-2008)

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Wonder if Heather Bresch feels bad about this. Maybe she'll call Garrison to apologize for this mess. This could have been avoided if she had only come forward and apologized and said she was going to go back to school and finish up her degree. I don't know how she thought she had a degree. Did she produce a product? such as a research paper? Her silence speaks volumes. However, I think Joe Manchin has lost his chances of ever becoming an elected US Senator!!!

Posted By: Pat (10:45pm 06-06-2008)

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Did the "powers that be" over Mrs. Bresch's master's degree program think that perhaps she was not capable of taking the required courses and earning the necessary grades to graduate from the program, prompting them to fabricate from thin air courses and grades to supplement the small number of credits she had honestly earned? Money and contacts were certainly not keeping her from completing the degree requirements. Mrs. Bresch should be angry that the actions taken have undermined the perception that people have of her intellectual competence and integrity. Administration at WVU has an obligation to demand that students work up to their potentials and leave the institution armed with all the knowledge they can absorb while studying withing their specific field. Only this will provide them with the "edge" they will need when they enter the workforce, and to expect less is a setup for failure.

Posted By: Earned WVU MBA (10:42pm 06-06-2008)

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I earned my degree. The professors were great. It is my ethical character that made me complete all the assignments myself and attended all the classes. It is sad that one person could cause so much mistrust in the program by attempting to get a degree she did not earn.

Posted By: Ashamed Mountaineer (10:12pm 06-06-2008)

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Finally, someone involved at the top level in this state does the right thing, even if he did it way late. The bad publicity from the Rich Rodriguez fiasco (an ongoing cluster on BOTH sides), and then the govenors' daughter getting awarded a degree for doing half the work. In both cases the govenor did all the wrong things. The BOG failed the university they were asked to stewart and presumably protect. Shame on you, not one of you had the moral compass to step up? Politics of and for the few are spiraling out of control in WV!

Posted By: dubVu (10:06pm 06-06-2008)

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THE MEDIA HAS TOO MUCH POWER. THEY HELPED FUEL THE ONE-SIDED FACULTY STORY. GARRISON DID NOT COMMIT MURDER, GET A DUI OR CHEAT ON HIS WIFE. IN FACT, HE WAS FOUND "NOT GUILTY" OF ANY WRONG DOING. YET, THE MEDIA PRESSURE WAS TOO MUCH TO BEAR. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP HIGH GARRISON. THE NEXT TIME THE CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT RUNS OUT OF TEST TUBES, THEY'LL CALL ON THE MEDIA TO GET THEM ORDERED.

Posted By: JC (9:54pm 06-06-2008)

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Garrison would make a good politician, maybe he'll run for Governor. Huh?

Posted By: formerfaculty (9:37pm 06-06-2008)

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Faculty received no raises from 2000 until July of 2004 - get your facts right. The legislature does not consider college faculty to be state employees - so does not include them when other state employees get pay raises (only when a college or university president raises tuition and includes faculty raises in the equation). But - college faculty are not permitted to run for the legislature - because there are listed as state employees.

Posted By: PrestonAlum (8:37pm 06-06-2008)

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Sunshine, Apparently you don't know the history of WVU and the #1 Party school goes back way before Bucklew came back as President.

Posted By: passerby (7:39pm 06-06-2008)

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The real abuser here, Heather Bresch. She knew the degree wasn't
earned but yet pushed on to fulfill her personal agenda, pad her
resume. I cannot believe Mylan has not taken any action in this
issue. Who wants a deceptive executive third in charge? Another
black eye in corporate America.

Posted By: seacat (7:25pm 06-06-2008)

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It's about time. WVU now must hire someone with experience and integrity.

Posted By: Frank (7:16pm 06-06-2008)

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Well, at least we have begun to rigght the ship, but now there are several more we need to toss overbaord. Wake up West Virginia and stopp letting this crew get away with this - he wasn't alone!

Posted By: Jack (7:14pm 06-06-2008)

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I'm sure he will get a big job making big bucks at Mylan.

Posted By: joaniep (7:07pm 06-06-2008)

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Definitely, yes! Now WVU can begin to move forward again. I applaud the faculty for their courage in taking the president to task. I only wish that he had made this decision sooner.

Posted By: August '08 WVU Grad (6:41pm 06-06-2008)

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Garrison needs to leave well before September 1. I don't want his name on my diploma.

Posted By: WVUGrad (6:02pm 06-06-2008)

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A lot can happen between now and September 1. It wouldn't surprise me if he changes his mind, with encouragement from Mike Goodwin and Manchin.

Posted By: Cynic (4:28pm 06-06-2008)

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To all who are celebrating the end of these stories--Mr. Garrison ensured continuing coverage by dragging out his resignation date to Sept 1--tired of hearing about it now? Imagine how tired of it you will be by then. Tell him and the BOG he needs to go NOW. Give WVU back to the people of this state.

Posted By: Grateful Grad (4:14pm 06-06-2008)

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I want to thank the faculty, staff, and students, and friends who signed the MIR petition. I can be proud of my degree thanks to their actions in this horrible mess.

Posted By: Sitting back watching (4:13pm 06-06-2008)

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Woo-hoo! After reading many of the posts I am relieved to see that West Virginians are questioning the moral-compasses of their many leaders. Toughen up the questions and keep 'em comin'!

Posted By: WVU FAN (4:10pm 06-06-2008)

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Thank goodness he has finally resigned! Is there any way to move that date up to July 1? The Sept 1 date means that we will have to keep hearing about this throughthe beginning of football season. Enough already: Garrison, Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Posted By: WVU '83 (3:48pm 06-06-2008)

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Why September 1? I would rather he resign effective July 1 so that people would stop talking about it. I know the man has to be smart. However, after reading some of his writings and listening to him speak, I have my doubts that he was ever president material.

The other thing that people are missing is that those that have already resigned are STILL TEACHING at WVU. It is my belief that all should pack up their things and leave.

Posted By: rosey (3:38pm 06-06-2008)

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Oh, well! So glad that WVU faculty, staff, and students took it upon themselves to demand justice for the sake of their college.

To the faculty and staff on the Montgomery campus: What will it take for the you to speak out for the sake of your college. Everyone, with the exception of the Tech employees, has spoken. Carry your own load and quit relying on others to save your jobs and your college.

WVU has a proven record of neglect on the Montgomery campus for over a decade; WVU, or anyone else for that matter, is yet to even supply "the plan" much less put any type of public plan into action.

Posted By: sad WV (3:24pm 06-06-2008)

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I just wish that Mel Kessler had gotten a few more votes on Primary day, so that we could have a new WVU President and a new Governor. The staff of Garrison did what they did to keep the Manchin family happy and it is just that simple. Garrison got blindsided by the whole thing and he is the one that must fall on the sword. I do not think he had the qualifications for the job to start with. He is just a Mountaineer that loves the school and jumped at the chance for the job.

Posted By: gomanchin (3:13pm 06-06-2008)

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manchin acts like a little innocent girl in al of this - he needs to take responsibility as well - manchin is a camelon - he blends in whatever enviornment he is in - now that obama is the nominee, manchin comes out and says he supports him - he takes no lead, only follows

Posted By: wvustudent (3:13pm 06-06-2008)

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This is just rediculous. Garrison had to take the heat for others mistakes.

Posted By: Grad 68 (2:34pm 06-06-2008)

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If only MoJo and his daughter had some moral fiber about them, this whole mess would have not taken place. Mike Garrison fell on the sword. MoJo acts as if nothing has happened, business as usual.

Posted By: SUG (2:20pm 06-06-2008)

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Is there any way that Garrison can take the governor with him

Posted By: Chris (1:52pm 06-06-2008)

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I wish Mr. Garrison no ill will, but I am very glad that he finally came to the right decision. I'm sure the last few weeks have been very difficult for he and his family and for that I am sorry but he could have ended this a few weeks ago when Lang and Sears did the honorable thing. There are still problems that need to be addressed such as a political BOG and governor who thinks he can run a university but those can be addressed with time. Now, let's begin to heal our beloved WVU!

Posted By: alum in colorado (1:51pm 06-06-2008)

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Its about time - Garrison was a festering lesion poisoning the entire process.
Now the real culprit - Manchin - has to go. When will West Virginians stop being stooges for the Manchins?

Posted By: alum73&retiree07 (1:49pm 06-06-2008)

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It seems as though we have gone full circle now--from a pol being selected over a proven excellent academician to the academicians pressuring out the pol. Bravo, I say!

Posted By: Jennifer (1:37pm 06-06-2008)

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This is so sad. We need to move on and stop with all the negativity. Doesn't WV get negativity publicity already about every little isse. Enough already!

Posted By: bob r (1:30pm 06-06-2008)

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Right decision...months too late!!

Posted By: faculty (1:19pm 06-06-2008)

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No. it will hurt WVU more and indeed it is a big lost for WVU.
However, it is clear that the MIR’s strategy of advocating and carry out self-destruction of the University in the name of “integrity” in order to oust President Garrison worked. They have used quotes from MIR group to media outlets destroying and giving a worst image possible to WVU.
The real harm has been done by this group and not by the Bresch case. The continuation of these negative publicities are the real harm to WVU nationally and internationally. How they are going to justify their action?

Posted By: Richard (Air Force Veteran) (1:06pm 06-06-2008)

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Garrison leaving is long overdue. Joe Manchin is known as a micro manager and Garrisons appointment was purely political, Garrison had absolutely no experience in education. I wonder if a local hospital would hire somebody working the cash register at the local Seven-Eleven to perform heart surgeries? Doubt it. A memo to voters, you've keeping electing democrats to run this state for the past 70 years and look where it has got you. The state is being flushed down the toilet and now Manchin, Byrd and his cronies are going against the will of the people by casting their vote for Barrack Hussein Obama who only got 26% of the vote. My point being is that the Garrsion situation is exactly why this state is in the condition it is.

Posted By: Alum in Centreville VA (12:54am 06-06-2008)

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Tough as it may seem, this is management. As a manager I was responsible for my staff whether what they did wrong (or incorrectly or fraudulently, ommitted or committed) was willful or not. Depending on the severity of the issue it was not only my problem but my manager's problem. If Mr Garrison is the only one to go it still does not relieve the core issue of defining the process going forward. The BOG must ensure the search for a new president is fairly conceived and is carried out bearing primarily the interests of restoring the stature of the University I love. Since the BOG remains intact and some question their judgment it may be advisable to contract or enlist unbiased support for the search. This, too, is common management practice.

Posted By: douglas halsey (12:31am 06-06-2008)

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I don't believe that the resignation of Garrison should end debate or investigation of this issue. I doubt that the degree was given freely, or was a voluntary gift because the WVU staff decided it is time to make a mockery of all degrees from our flagship University. The role of the Governor and his daughter has not been addressed, and I suggest that any malfeasance on the part of Garrison should be shouldered by the person who encouraged the WVU staff to belittle those WVU graduates who actually earned their degree. If the Governor is involved, bring it out, if he is not involved, we need to know.

Doug Halsey
Gallipolis FErry, WV

Posted By: kelley (12:27am 06-06-2008)

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Now, if we could just get Manchin to resign......

Posted By: Thank God (12:21am 06-06-2008)

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I'm so glad this is over. I'm sick of hearing about it.

Posted By: Malum (12:17am 06-06-2008)

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May I suggest that you consider Mary Sue Coleman (PH.D. in Chemistry) as the next President of WVU. She currently is the President of the University of Michigan. She has a steady hand is a great fun raiser, example a $100 million dollar gift from Steve Ross. Michigan has a 7.5 billion dollar endowment. Best of luck with your new President

Posted By: SHAME (12:14am 06-06-2008)

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This is is the saddest and darkest day in the history of West Virginia University. We have taken a bright and promising man and turned our backs on him. For those of you who read the report objectively you know this to be the case. What has happened to my state. I am ashamed of you who cast stones against this man and his family. Shame on you.

Posted By: pounder (12:07am 06-06-2008)

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It is about time. Bring on Football

Posted By: charlie350 (12:06am 06-06-2008)

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If you really want to close the circle on this affair, the Governor will also have to hand in his resignation. Why is everyone who is taking a hit at the university? Surely the origin of this whole idea was somewhere off campus. The governor had no involvement?

Posted By: WVU-Ex (12:04am 06-06-2008)

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Why is so much attention on Garrison and not Heather Bresch? She's the one who's been claiming this degree on her resume. So, the Governor "commends" Garrison, well, what about his daughter? What she did was far more unethical than Garrison. Will she lose her job? Will anyone write something negative about her? Probably not because that's WV politics.

Posted By: anidea (11:57am 06-06-2008)

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Given that West Virginial really shouldn't be supporting two major universities perhaps we need to look at merging WVU into Marshall.

Morgantown can then become Marshall's northern campus!

Posted By: WV.Alum.In.Georgia (11:56am 06-06-2008)

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Here’s how we are guaranteed the full $4 million owed to us by Rodriquez, which now is somewhat in jeopardy since Garrison resigned (and it could be believed he actually promised Rod the buyout amount would be decreased).
Go through the legal process. If the judge declares a lesser amount for Rod to pay, then Garrison has to pay the difference.
Either way we get our $4 mil.
Only seems right since they both screwed WVU.

Posted By: melinda (11:46am 06-06-2008)

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I don't understand why he is the only one to take the fall for this.There is more going on here than meets the eye.I noticed something in Rod's deposition that made me a little suspicious and now they have forced this man to step down after those same people made sure he got in there.He is obviously taking the heat for a lot of other people. He cant' be the only person who knew about this.Come on people, open your eyes and mind. I smell a rat!

Posted By: Liz (11:36am 06-06-2008)

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Good. I pray that WVU can bring in a qualified applicant who will restore their reputaion and lead them forward to educating our youth.

Posted By: Melba (11:29am 06-06-2008)

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Thank goodness the Mike Garrison presidency at WVU will be ending soon!! He might have gotten university personnel a big pay raise but the humilation WVU has endured while he was at the helm, via the Heather Bresch degree scandal and his so-called "verbal" promise to Rich Rodriquez to cancel the buyout clause in his contract, negates the little good he might have done while in office. Hopefully, the search for his successor can begin soon, without any political meddling by Governor Joe Manchin. Neither Manchin's graduation from WVU, nor his elected state office, entitle him to pick the school's president or put pressure on those who do.

Posted By: Sunshine (11:22am 06-06-2008)

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In case one forgets, Mr. Hardesty wasn't an "educator" when he became President of WVU. The faculty at that time protested his hiring because he was a lawyer from government and private practice. I believe one math professor actually sued the University over his hiring. Mr. Hardesty served for over a decade and presided under unprecedented academic, financial and athletic success at the U.

On the other hand, the President prior to Mr. Hardesty, Neil Buckalew, was an "educator." During his tenure, WVU rose to the ranks of "Number 1 Party School" and students were shot during the raucous block party in Sunnyside. He was also recently SUED for releasing a student's records in violation of federal law.

This is by no means an in depth portrait of Hardesty or Buckalew. Both were considered successes while at WVU. But let's keep an open mind about future hirings. There are plenty people from all walks of life and all skill sets who would love to lead the University!

Posted By: Moron Police (11:20am 06-06-2008)

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To: Still disappointed in BOG,

Macia is a will and pleasure employee, so if Garrison goes, Macia will probably go too because it's unlikely that it will be the next Prez's will and pleasure to keep Macia around. At least I hope not.

Posted By: Happy (11:18am 06-06-2008)

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YAYY!!!! NO MORE WVU STORIES!!!

Posted By: Sara (10:52am 06-06-2008)

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Mr. Garrison I am thankful that you FINALLY took the lead and resigned. However, I remain upset that you took so long, I remain totally aggravated that the BOG did NOTHING right starting with your hiring, AND, let's not forget that C. Walker still remains as a totally unaffected employee. His duties haven't changed, nor has his salary. If it were not for the public outcry by non WVU personnel AND WVU personnel, Garrison, with the BOG's backing would still be there.
I hope that our Governor stays OUT of the next hiring process. Regardless, he has already lost my vote this fall due to his political meddling. Also, to the former grad who had Garrison as a teacher, I can see that he taught you well ... If you had been following this situation you would know that Bresch's "degree" didn't occur until 2007.

Posted By: CWManning (10:25am 06-06-2008)

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He should NEVER have been WVU President from the beginning. He was not qualified and a true political appointment. PLEASE find a fine educator out there. Make WVU whole again.

Posted By: wvmb (10:16am 06-06-2008)

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To the comment that Garrison was not at the University in 1998 when the degree was given, he may be a good teacher, but the degree was not awarded in 1998. Bresch "claimed" she received her degree. Under Garrison, the grades and classes were added so she finally "earned" the degree. Therefore he was steering the ship, when iceberg was dead ahead.

Posted By: payattention (10:14am 06-06-2008)

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the degree was NOT awarded in 1998--the trouble was in the Fall of 2007 (Garrison was president) and a group decided to make up grades for classes she never took so that she could claim to have the degree.

Posted By: terry (10:02am 06-06-2008)

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Guess someone had to be made to take the blame, so let the new guy take it....

Posted By: twwvchic (10:01am 06-06-2008)

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Wake up and smell the roses folks.... it is an election year. If Garrison didn't resign, there is a good chance the citizens would have taken it out on Manchin in November. Someone has to pay for the scandal and even though there is no evidence that Manchin was involved.... well you get the point.

Posted By: WVUguyInGeorgia (9:57am 06-06-2008)

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This resignation will definitely hurt WVU in the Rich Rodriquez case. But in the long run, absolutely the best decision. And Pastilong's announced departure comes none too soon.

Posted By: wvugirl2003 (9:44am 06-06-2008)

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I do not think Mike Garrison should have to resign as president. He was not connected to the university when the degree was handed out to the governor's daughter in 1998. I had Mike as a teacher while at WVU and I believe he is an upstanding man and good for the university. I am an alumni and I stand behind Mike one hundred percent.

Posted By: WV expatriate (9:39am 06-06-2008)

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About time! Sadly, Garrison allowed West Virginia to be dragged through the mud for way too long. Good riddance.

Posted By: WVUNEIL'69 (9:37am 06-06-2008)

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A sad but appropriate ending to his reign. Politics at its worst in our university. The scourched earth society would have preferred the demise of the university, but this too shall pass.

Posted By: Still disappointed in BOG (9:34am 06-06-2008)

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It will be a long summer in Morgantown. If it true that no BOG member asked him to leave, it is time to clean house there too. And what happens to Lang, Sears, Macia, Case, et al? The Legislature needs to step up to the plate. The Governor should have asked Pres. Garrison to resign. I'm ashamed for him.