Mike Garrison: A Leader Like No Other
I’m willing to bet that Micheal S. Garrison was the only university president in the United States of America who attended, but did not speak at his own school’s commencement ceremony Saturday.
How sad. It’s Garrison’s very first commencement as President — and he’s too scared to address the very people he’s charged with leading for fear of being summarily booed. What a pathetic coward this man is.
He is unable — and unwilling to lead. There’s really no greater indication of the fact that Mike Garrison’s term as President is absolutely over.
Tags: Mike Garrison
May 18, 2008 at 5:13 pm
It’ not over til it’s over. Let’s put together all the great ideas that have been posted on this blog to get him OUT at the BOG meeting, if not sooner.
As an alum, I’ve signed the petition, emailed each of the BOG, and had comments published in the PPG and DP.
What are the main things we need to do now? I’m thinking about one BOG member in particular, Steve Kite. He has a seat at the table and represents faculty. How’s he going to vote? Any faculty having collegial conversations with him?
May 18, 2008 at 5:17 pm
So, the “climate of fear” cuts both ways, eh?
May 18, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Garrison was not present at today’s Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Commencement.
May 18, 2008 at 5:22 pm
As expected, Garrison was a noshow at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences graduation today. ECAS, the flagship of the university. How many presidents of major universities hide at graduation? That shows he feels guilty and is scared. He’s a fucking pussy is what he is.
May 18, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I think the WV News Media mogul knows something we do not. What was the 100 hours about? Is Garrison home writing his resignation speech?
May 18, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I’m reminded of a term we used with student projects when they went out and “shadowed” people whose careers they wanted to observe.
Since we want to end a career (at WVU, at least), could those of you in Morgantown “shadow” Mike Garrison? Since he didn’t show up for graduation, where else will he be publicly in the next few weeks? Make signs and alert media, perhaps?
May 18, 2008 at 6:21 pm
>>>>>>>>>Garrison was not present at today’s Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Commencement.
Just stunning. Unless he was on death’s door, he was obligated to be there. What a wuss.
May 18, 2008 at 6:23 pm
It’s worse than that. He wouldn’t even acknowledge to the college that he wasn’t coming until a few days before. Perhaps the thing to chant in a circle around Stewart hall would be COWARD COWARD…
May 18, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Bray Carey isn’t so much of a media mogul anymore.
May 18, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Maybe his (rather generous) pay should be docked, considering he’s not carrying out the ordinary duties of a university president.
May 18, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Where is Doc Foglesong?
May 18, 2008 at 6:58 pm
All the more reason to keep up the pressure on MG and the BOG.
May 18, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Thinking about how to communicate the passion which the Faculty Senate feel and expressed in its meeting.
One person who spoke with passion was retired professor Sophia Blaydes. Since she is retired, she doesn’t face many of the problems that current faculty have with speaking out.
She was awarded the Order of Vandalia a couple of years ago. I’m wondering if anyone knows her, and if she might be willing to speak publicly to the media? It would make the faculty senate more personal and real to people. Any thoughts?
May 18, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Doc Foglesong is partly back in WV. He could give Garrison some pointers on how to run a university.
May 18, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Garrison not showing was expected, BUT the representative from the BoG, Robert Wells, and Alex Macia were expected and did not show up. Only members of the BoG there were Kite and the SGA President.
May 18, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Doesn’t Robert Wells have a relationship to Garrison? Were they student’s together? Involved in student government at the same time? Can’t remember
May 18, 2008 at 7:32 pm
My prediction, based only on Garrison’s conduct and the steady erosion of his base of support, is that he will resign this week. He will be able to say that he presided over the commencement activities, and thus is not in the unprecedented (I would suspect) position of not having remained in office long enough to do that.
Even that fat bastard can figure out that when people like Bray Cary and Steve Walker jump ship, it’s time to leave.
May 18, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I’ve heard rumors from several people that were at ceremonies this weekend that something is going to happen on Monday.
May 18, 2008 at 7:48 pm
indiechica, that’s a little vague, isn’t it? Several people? Anyone with any credibility?
May 18, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Resignation by Monday? That would be sweet. Deepthroat. What does your spidey-sense tell you about what might unfold this week?
May 18, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I’m betting the resignation doesn’t happen until everyone has left town, and they have somebody lined up to fill in. Question is, does that person have to kiss Big Joe’s ass?
I’m not sure Doc Foglesong would be any more happy with the politics in Morgantown than he was with the politics in Mississippi.
May 18, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Supposedly, Wells was the best Man at Garrison’s wedding. I’ve never been able to confirm that, however.
May 18, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I will bet that Kite is one of the BOGs who is having a change of heart. He presided over the faculty assembly/meeting and it had to affect him
May 18, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Solution…I hope Steve will listen to his heart…agree that the meeting had to affect him. Haven’t met him in person but have emailed back and forth, and he seemed very nice. If I were a colleague, I’d offer support. It’s a tough position to be in.
May 18, 2008 at 9:05 pm
HK, is that your picture on the “about” page or is that Bruce Springsteen? Are you really a law school dropout?
Do you realize you are about to become a folk hero/legend? When this goes national, and it will, the legend of fifth column will go with it. There will be a Hollywood movie. Who will play Hippie Killer? Brad Pitt, maybe.
May 18, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Do any of you people sit back a reread this blog?
When your resignation predictions don’t come true, someone just picks a new date. A new reason he will resign. Why would he?
The true reason this is dragging WVU’s reputation thru the mud is that you all will not let it go. Do you think Heather is the ony person to get a degree she did not earn? In this or any other institute of “higher learning” Do you think anyone at WVU would dare issue another in light of the current situation?
Who do you pick to replace Mike Garrison? Another President who does nothing to get salaries in line with national averages?
Sure maybe I’m selling my sole for better pay. I can’t feed my family my sole….
May 18, 2008 at 9:18 pm
you can probably afford to feed your family sole. It is your soul you are selling.
May 18, 2008 at 9:25 pm
You might find that more career options open up for you once you learn the difference between a “sole” and a “soul.”
“Sole” is what bootlickers like you taste every morning when you wake up. “Soul” is what you could sell, if only you had one to sell.
And to answer one of your questions, yes — I think this is the only time that the President of WVU collaborated with his staff to give a bogus degree to wealthy, powerful alumna and former prom date.
And even if that weren’t true — part of the reason why what they did was SO wrong is that they more or less did it out in the open. Of course, why not, when they can count on people like YOU to not give a shit.
West Virginia might be the only place in America where something this crooked could go on for so long right out in the open. And pieces of shit like YOU are the main reason why.
May 18, 2008 at 9:31 pm
wow
May 18, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Double wow. LMAO. Guess ohwtf likes “sole food”
May 18, 2008 at 9:53 pm
HK,
You forgot to answer the law school question? If you play nice maybe they will give you that elusive JD.
May 18, 2008 at 9:56 pm
This is an issue that will not die. It will live on and on. I posted that I have received calls about this from all over. I still do!
The Damage has been done.
Garrison going won’t solve it.
Heather quitting Mylan won’t solve it.
I can’t sole it.
HK keeps it on the front burner, so maybe he is the solver.
OhWTF, is it really all about the money? Or is it about the Pay Raise? Has Garrison bought your complacency with a 5 and 7% raise?
Jeesh.
May 18, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I will not work somewhere that shames me and my name for integrity. I feel guilt by association with this dirty scandal. I did nothing wrong, but did so because I am employed by WVU. Keep the pay. It came from our poor students’ anyway, and they haven’t got a dime. If I wanted to work on an assembly line and get raises to buy me, I could have skipped the PhD. WVCouch is right. This damage is done and cannot be undone by this administration.
May 18, 2008 at 10:09 pm
So this is really funny:
We pick up a huge recruit, Ebanks, a previous Indiana recruit, a top HS player, who decided against Indiana after all the crap they are going through, and Huggy says:
“He had a great visit to our campus last month,” says Huggins. “One of the many things that pushed us over the top were his visits with our president and athletic director. Devin was impressed to spend a half hour with the president and athletic director, and had the feeling that everyone here is onboard to win a national championship.”
ugh, Huggys, congrats on the recruit, BUT WE ARE NOT STOOPID. A recruit because of the president. yea, yea yea…
May 18, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Guess he particularly liked the shiny new eMBA that the boosters offered him
May 18, 2008 at 10:29 pm
HOW ABOUT CHARLES VEST,MORGANTOWN BOY,WVU GRADUATE ENGINEERING,MIT DOCTORATE,PROVOST UNIV.MICHIGAN,PRESIDENT MIT (FAIRLY ACCURATE)???? INTERIM PRESIDENT WVU,2008-2009. WE NEED SOMEONE OF HIS STATURE AND INTEGRITY TO RESTORE OUR REPUTATION, A MAN WHO COULD STAND AGAINT THE SMALL MINDED ,PROVINCIAL THINKERS IN WV GOVERNMENT
May 18, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Sole, soul, makes no difference.
Bootlicker?
Maybe bootleg liquor.
Sell out? Sell what?
I got to admit this place is a riot.
May 18, 2008 at 10:40 pm
ohwtf.
…dragging WVU’s reputation thru the mud is that you all will not let it go. Do you think Heather is the ony person to get a degree she did not earn? In this or any other institute of “higher learning” …
Where have we heard these talking points before? At least come up with some original arguments of your own and stop regurgitating the drivel handed out by the administration’s PR firm.
Oh wait. You can’t.
May 18, 2008 at 10:56 pm
By not showing at graduation the Garrison is not only signaling his demise as pres he is ending whatever political career he though he’d have. If he runs and hides from some 21 year-olds with signs on their hats, what will he do when it get rough in a campaign. Who is going to back this guy as a candidate when he gets wobbly at the first sign of some trouble? Papa Joe must be shaking his head in disappointment. He is gutless and running scared, let’s keep up the pressure, he and some of cronies will crack.
May 18, 2008 at 11:03 pm
is there anyone at WVU that has been an interim president before?
I heard there was……??
May 18, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I love Sophie Blaydes - she had me glued to my shoes with her speech at the senate meeting, and I remember her as a teacher in the English Dept.
(”the panels report was so clear, I could just scream….”)
She will voice her opinion, but she has WAY too much class to become any sort of spectacle.
May 18, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Duane Nellis was at the ECAS graduation today.
May 18, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Nellis’ son was graduating. Don’t think he would touch it with a ten foot pole at this point. Also, it may be that the absence of MG, however inappropriate, is a PR thing that his highly paid consultants have told him to do. That is, lay low a while and let it blow over. Avoid major headlines (like the ones from the honors convocation) and it will all pass.
May 18, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Graduation is over, it’s now offically summer - Will it blow over? Will this issue die over the next couple months. I don’t think so.
May 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Charles Vest is a great idea.
May 18, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Some of us at Health Sciences just got a group email from someone called Nicole Puccio who is supposedly a registered nurse at WVUH. Quite a scathing bit of outrage on Paul Brown’s behavior in attacking Garrison and ‘his wife and two daughters’. Funny that - I did not know the whole first family was involved in this whole shonky eMBA deal…
Seriously though, is this person related to Garrison et al by blood or marriage or anything else? Can anyone draw the link?
May 18, 2008 at 11:26 pm
any relation to Larry Puccio - Manchin’s COS?
May 18, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Probably. Those Puccio’s are always telling people what to do.
Larry Puccio is a big reason why Manchin is such an asshole. He’s the guy who does the dirty work.
May 18, 2008 at 11:55 pm
here is the text of the email that some of us at Health Sciences got…
To all:
It is appalling to me that Mr. Brown is taking such a vicious stance against President Garrison, his wife and his two daughters. If he is taking such time to disperse all this negative, hateful energy into his campaign against President Garrison, where are his students falling? Obviously, he is not focusing on them to be first in line as decent professor should be doing. Please contact Mr. Brown and take a stance against this political campaign that is not only harming his students but all involved, including WVU. Tell Mr. Brown to spend more time being an educator and less time being an investigator !
Thank you,
Nicole Puccio RN
May 18, 2008 at 11:57 pm
looks like Nicole Puccio got her degree in Nursing from WVU in 2005 and comes from Fairmont… Larry Puccio’s daughter perhaps?
May 19, 2008 at 12:05 am
Try this for Puccio.
May 19, 2008 at 12:06 am
Charles Vest is a good choice. Also, H. Marshall Jarrett, a finalist for the Law School dean’s job. He is head of the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Dept. of Justice. He is above reproach. And if anybody could get to the bottom of the situation at Health Sciences, it is he. What an investigation he could lead!
May 19, 2008 at 12:08 am
OHWTF to blame the critics is illogical. HK did not cause this mess. Although HK has done a great job with this blog, he did not break the story; the PPG broke it and has kept reporting on it. HK did not get this story in the NYT and the WP or the Economist. We are being laughed at nationally and internationally not because of WVU’s critics but because of WVU’s own actions.
While some of this blog’s language may be coarse, neither this blog nor any of the other forums for criticism of this matter are keeping this in the news. What is keeping this matter in the news is that powerful individuals will not make WVU their priority. Instead they have made their own selfish interests their priority.
May 19, 2008 at 4:44 am
Good point on Puccio’s “blind trust”…not a fan of Abernathy, but he got that one right. Listen, this is less about MG and Heather than it is about this culture of corruptness and the acceptance thereof. Hell, look at Earl Ray “Just a Heartbeat Away” Tomblin and his family’s plunder of the Treasury. And now we have this Morgantown Mafia, in control of the WVU checkbook….c’mon this is not about personalities…it principles.
Who is the “Mr Brown” in Puccionova’s email?
May 19, 2008 at 5:57 am
Paul Brown, WVU faculty on MIR site calling for Whistleblowers
May 19, 2008 at 6:40 am
i believe Paul Brown has a PhD, and i believe he got it legitimately, so therefore Ms Puccio he should be addressed wih the respect of that title, unlike your friends (MG) given degree of eMBA to heather Bresch…..which is in part why we are all in this mess anyway……………
May 19, 2008 at 6:45 am
……..and while Dr Paul Brown is a cantankerous sort, he is HONEST, and is one of the few at the HSC that will speak his mind………….he has ALWAYS,to me, been the type that sticks up for an open ,honest ACADEMIC environment……
May 19, 2008 at 6:47 am
Sometimes 100 hours is just 100 hours
Perhaps MG was just trying to keep the spotlight where it belongs at graduation…On the students and not on himself.
After all, he’ll be there in the fall and these graduates will be trying to get employment or grad school admission with their drive-thru degrees.
Let’s face it we’ve run out the string. There’s only so much that 600 faculty and 10 bloggers (with 5 or 6 pseudonyms apiece) can do…
May 19, 2008 at 7:00 am
Don;t recall seeing this referenced:
http://chronicle.com/news/article/4502/embattled-west-virginia-u-president-says-he-wont-speak-at-commencement
and Chucklehead, watch!
May 19, 2008 at 7:05 am
>>>>>>>>Perhaps MG was just trying to keep the spotlight where it belongs at graduation…On the students and not on himself.
Bullhockey.
May 19, 2008 at 7:14 am
Commencement is not the only time it’s supposed to be about the students and the faculty. He will be a distraction next fall, and it’s about the students and faculty, so maybe MG will not show. Then there’s the spring semester, the following summer, etc. He sounds like he understands part of the equation, but needs a bit of help to see the big picture. I’m sure he considers himself lucky to have a faculty willing to teach him as well as the students.
May 19, 2008 at 7:23 am
The Charleston Gazette online has a survey asking if you think MG should resign.
May 19, 2008 at 7:26 am
Over the weekend, I watched the film “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room.” Comments by former executives that open the documentary seem to fit our situation:
“The fatal flaw, if there is one, was pride. Then arrogance, intolerance and greed.”
“Many of them were so blinded by the money that they didn’t see they were sinking their own lifeboat.”
Are we still in the 100 hours? There’s a full moon tonight.
May 19, 2008 at 7:31 am
Thanks WVU Employee. So far, it’s 79 percent (369) for Garrison to go; 21 percent (97) for him to stay. The poll is on Charleston Gazette’s home page: http://www.wvgazette.com/
May 19, 2008 at 7:34 am
Vic Sprouse calls on MG to resign; asks people to contact BOG.
http://www.changewv.com/2008/its-over-for-garrison-and-a-new-day-will-dawn-for-wvu
Reminder: It’s not D vs. R, us vs. them - it’s doing the right thing for the state of W.Va. and its flagship university.
May 19, 2008 at 7:53 am
That’s definitely worth reading, LaR.
Chucklehead said: “Let’s face it we’ve run out the string. There’s only so much that 600 faculty and 10 bloggers (with 5 or 6 pseudonyms apiece) can do . . . ”
My first thought is: I hope you’re wrong. Second? You mean I could have been half a dozen people on here? I need to expand my horizons.
May 19, 2008 at 7:57 am
I’m not a Republican, and LaReina is right about non-partisanship on this matter.
Senator Sprouse’s blog is a strong right-hand jab, and the empty chair metaphor and picture tell the tale.
But, as I’ve wondered before, who will be the first major WV Democrat to say, “It’s over. It’s damaging to the state, as well as the university, and at this point it’s simply preposterous.”
John Rease has called out Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, as well as the Democratic US Senators.
My guess would be that key state leaders don’t want at this stage to appear to be interfering with the duties and responsibilities of the BOG.
Will that change after the June meeting if the status quo remains intact?
May 19, 2008 at 8:00 am
Nothing. That’s why it’s called “status guo”!
May 19, 2008 at 8:00 am
Err… “quo” (egg on face)
May 19, 2008 at 8:05 am
This comparison isn’t perfectly symmetrical, since Dreyfus was wrongly accused, but this scandal is starting me of that affair, with Hippie Killer in the role of Emile Zola.
The list of WV “A-listers” who have demonstrated impartiality and integrity grows:
Walker, Cary, Hoppy, Raese, Sprouse, the Gazette, the Morgantown DP…
May 19, 2008 at 8:10 am
About the Gazette Poll, I read it wrong and so I voted for him to stay. Point is, may not be as close as it indicates.
May 19, 2008 at 8:11 am
It’s saddening that Double Entendre’s acid observation about certain political realities may well be shown to have been correct.
May 19, 2008 at 8:30 am
I have to say that unless we do get some big Dem guns coming out firing in favor of Garrison’s ouster, an attempt could be made to politicize the issue, saying that conservatives are the ones behind the attempt to get Garrison removed. Thank God the papers came out in favor of resignation, or it could have just been a laundry list of noteworthy conservatives in the state.
May 19, 2008 at 8:42 am
Could Amy Neil be “Baghdad Bob” in disguise? I haven’t seen that guy in awhile but the comments would suggest they may be the same or at least at a minimum they were trained at the same place.
May 19, 2008 at 9:14 am
folks, I’m looking for the email addresses of BOG members from a former post in the blogs over the past few days. I’ve looked but can’t find anything but their names but I was fairly certain someone posted their emails. Please point me in the right direction as I want to send my Monday “shame on you for appointing a big ole pussy who doesn’t bother to show at graduations this weekend” and “shame on you for not attending” email.
BTW, the “is Michigan looking for a new president” comment yesterday was damn funny
May 19, 2008 at 9:25 am
Yep, he wasn’t at the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Commencement. This guy’s unbelievable. Next thing you know he’ll have Nicole Puccio giving his addresses for him.
Cartoons here: http://spinachflame.wordpress.com/
May 19, 2008 at 9:25 am
WAJR IS CURRENTLY REPORTING REPORTS OF A POLL INDICATING THAT 69% FAVOR GARRISON–GO TO THEIR WEB PAGE & CAST YOUR VOTE
http://www.wajr.com/page.php
May 19, 2008 at 9:32 am
just voted against him.
don’t like the way that poll is phrased
May 19, 2008 at 9:51 am
the gazette poll is 80% for garrison to resign.
May 19, 2008 at 9:51 am
It’s amazing how badly that WAJR question is phrased. I’d discount that poll.
Here are the BOG e-mails: a636@aol.com, ecappellanti@jacksonkelly.com, hank.barnette@skadden.com, jason.parsons@mail.wvu.edu, jdailey@whmcontractors.com, prmartinelli@mail.wvu.edu, rwells@baileyglasser.com, sbfarmer@fcclaw.net, sgoodwin@goodwinware.com, steve.kite@mail.wvu.edu, tclark@citynet.com, wnutting@ogdennews.com
May 19, 2008 at 10:17 am
Bray Carey sounds good on hoppy right now.
May 19, 2008 at 10:49 am
Snoopdog1: You are so right about Charles Vest. Getting rid of Garrison is very important, but only a first step. If he’s replaced by someone from the same old crowd, what good will it do? Former Pres. of MIT and WVU alum — the perfect combination.
WVU’s reputation is already ruined. The only way to restore it is to get someone with NATIONAL recognition to come in and set the institution on the path of righteousness. And talk about fundraising. You think Vest isn’t connected to some big bucks?
At this point, Marshall Jarrett can probably do more good by staying in the Justice Department. He would have been a fabulous Law School dean, but now let’s hope that someone finds a legitimate reason for the feds to investigate this whole sorry mess. I don’t think the Bresch scandal is enough. If other allegations on this blog are true, though — such as the one about Mylan trying to buy up WVU property on the cheap for a parking lot, or the one about Waterfront Place being sold to the university because it’s not returning enough on the investment, or the one about BOG members telling coaches months before the search began that Garrison would be the President — the combination of all those things being done (if true) by a small group of interrelated people for their own enrichment and power enhancement sounds like racketeering to me. So let’s hope Jarrett can head up a Public Integrity investigation at some point. If he can’t do it, I hear Elliott Spitzer is looking for a job. And Lord knows the people of WV will allow themselves to be screwed a lot cheaper than a DC call girl.
May 19, 2008 at 10:50 am
You may think I have just fallen out of the cab of my own truck, but I have reviewed the Q&As and the comments of Mike Garrison from the past week into the weekend, and he is not going ANYwhere by pressure put upon him by ANYone. He will fight this until he is bloodied, bowed and wavering, but he will remain standing, even if he is alone. I am afraid that he will not leave of his own accord, no matter how bad it gets. He may be undermined now, but he is willing to wait it out until the next academic year begins.
The only way he is leaving is by way of his bosses, the BoG, taking his job away from him. Others far more eloquent than I have remarked on how his long term plan for political greatness absolutely depends on him holding on to this job. I think some are going to become convinced he has learned his lesson, will toe the line, and in fact will be motivated to create a tremendous legacy to offset this scandal. If that is the case, the BoG may give him that benefit of a doubt.
So the pressure points must be on the BoG members, in however if can be achieved, by inciting Mojo to work on them, or inflicting a thousand cuts on each of them via whatever means possible. Unless Mike knows where some bones are buried belonging to those folks, we may have a chance.
May 19, 2008 at 11:02 am
Amy Neil as Bagdad Bob!! That’s hilarious and so true. The other campus PR people cringe every time she’s quoted in the paper but put the blame on Bill Case. He’s the highly paid communication czar. What’s not funny is a story in the Dominion Post that their photographers were denied access to commencement floor as in years past. They’re so afraid of another photo of Garrison being dissed by a student. I have never seen such a poorly handled PR team in my life. Why aren’t they gone? Becky Lofstead where are you???!! Case and Neil had the nerve to lecture other campus PR folks on crisis communication a few weeks ago. They mocked Elliot Spitzer’s performance at his news conference…at least Elliot had the balls to resign and not drag the state through his personal mess.
May 19, 2008 at 11:03 am
If it’s true that 42 percent of Mon County voted for Manchin’s rival in the primary, you’d think that might get the governor’s attention.
May 19, 2008 at 11:05 am
During this mess, I’ve often thought how glad Becky must be that she moved to a different position.
May 19, 2008 at 11:06 am
The question is if he is where he is because the governor wants him there — but I would hope BoG members will risk the governor’s displeasure — some of them seem to have acquired their wealth in ways not beholden to him or dependent on his favor. I wonder what will happen when the guy who allegedly is G’s former roomie (no way to verify).
May 19, 2008 at 11:10 am
oops - I accidentally deleted part of my previous post: . . .becomes the chair. (I tried to find more info on Wells - I something that he was associated with some sort of physician group prior to Bailey Glasser, but I can’t find any info.)
May 19, 2008 at 11:25 am
Here’s how Bill Case got his job at the HSC in the first place (back in about 1990): he had it HANDED to him. His friend, the Communications Director, rewrote the job description just for him and wasn’t about to hire anyone else. Then when Case left to join Governor Wise’s staff, he was only there a few months and decided to quit, so his friend created a new job for him at the HSC and he came back again. Now if he has to leave the president’s office, I’m sure his friend will have a job waiting for him at the HSC again. This is how things have always worked at WVU, folks. The good old boys always stick together.
May 19, 2008 at 11:50 am
Emergency Board of Governors meeting today at 1:00 p.m. Keep your fingers crossed…
May 19, 2008 at 11:56 am
New state slogan “West Virginia - State of Denial”
May 19, 2008 at 12:01 pm
From http://www.wvvotes4.com: Primary returns in the Governor’s race:
Monongalia: Manchin 62.6% Kessler 37.4%
Kanawha: Manchin 69% Kessler 31%
Ohio: Manchin 71.3% Kessler 28.7%
Marion: Manchin 78.2% Kessler 21.8%
Cabell: Manchin 85.5% Kessler 14.5%
May 19, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Just over the wire in Hoppy’s last minute: BOG has called an emergency meeting for 1:30 today to discuss personnel matters.
May 19, 2008 at 12:08 pm
From the Secretary of State’s on-line meeting notices is the following information (below). The meeting is by conference call, and the number is here. Everything may be done in a closed session, but it would be interesting to listen to the public part.
Meeting Details
Back to List Agency: West Virginia University Board of Governors
Committee/Sub-Committee:
Date of Meeting: May 19, 2008
Time of Meeting: 1:30 PM
Location: By Telephone 1-800-446-1162 x 540728
Purpose: Emergency meeting to discuss personnel issues
Emergency Meeting:
May 19, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Emergency BOG meeting today? Where did that information come from? Steve Kite, the current Chair of the Faculty Senate and faculty rep on the BOG is a Garrison supporter. The June meeting will be his last as Senate Chair, but he’ll be on the BOG for another year. Unfortunately, if he continues supporting Garrison rather than representing the majority faculty opinon, there’s little can be done about it.
May 19, 2008 at 12:16 pm
But rumor has it there’s a divide on the BOG and that some members are pissed, so something could actually happen.
May 19, 2008 at 12:20 pm
AP says Faculty Senate Executive Committee also meeting this afternoon.
May 19, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Could this be the 100 hours that Bray was talking about? Maybe he is in the “know” more than he has been given credit.
May 19, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting is a regularly scheduled meeting - that doesn’t mean anything special.
May 19, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Oh, didn’t know that.
May 19, 2008 at 12:43 pm
A resignation will make little difference if the Board of Governors is left intact. Manchin will simply put another croney at the helm.
Has anyone noticed that the new Dean of the College of Law was far less qualified than the other final candidates for the position. Is this another Manchin appointment?
May 19, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Turnip Truck Driver:
“I have to say that unless we do get some big Dem guns coming out firing in favor of Garrison’s ouster, an attempt could be made to politicize the issue, saying that conservatives are the ones behind the attempt to get Garrison removed. ”
–
Well TTD, it looks like you may have gotten your wish.
Betty Chilton isn’t exactly Rush Limbaugh. Her paper’s editorial calling on action against the BOG if Garrison isn’t ousted is probably what has precipitated this momentum leading to today’s meeting.
That action forced the rats to the lifeboats on the BOG, and that is why I think Garrison is gone by midnight.
May 19, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Hippie Killer,
Do you remember what Governor Manchin’s first act was when he got in office?
It was to overhaul/reform the state’s Ethics Commission. He strengthened the laws, increased the staff and gave them $1 million dollars more in their budget.
Does anyone see the irony of this in light of his daughter’s bullshit at WVU. Can’t we use these ethics laws against Boss Garrison?
May 19, 2008 at 1:06 pm
In addition to Ann’s list of BOG members this was from the Vic Sprouse posting and it has phone numbers for a few members and a few additional names( I don’t think Sally Smith and Carolyn Long are on the other list). Also, Tom Clark must have closed his account because I get undeliverable messages for him (tclark@citynet.com)
Ellen Cappellanti – Jackson Kelly – 304-340-1277 – ecappellanti@jacksonkelly.com
Steve Farmer - Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, Charleston, WV – 304-346-5980 – sbfarmer@fcclaw.net
Sally Smith – Bowles Rice – 304-347-1115 – ssmith@bowlesrice.com
Carolyn Long – Braxton County School System – 304-765-7911
Ed Robinson - President, E. L. Robinson Engineering, Charleston, WV – 800-856-6485 - ed@elrobinson.com
James W. Dailey - Chairman, W. Harley Miller Contractors, Inc., Martinsburg, WV - (304) 267-8959 - jdailey@whmcontractors.co
May 19, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Anyone on the BOG who has friends in other states, especially academic contacts, has to be seriously considering what this is doing to the university and state. Maybe even BOG members only feel free to speak if they can afford to have their income cut off.
May 19, 2008 at 1:08 pm
In light of all the requests here for the BOG email addresses, I am adding a page to GarrisonMustGo.com that will have contact info for the BOG’s.
I am missing some of the members email addresses, so if you could all take a look and provide any missing info, I would appreciate it.
Here is the page.
May 19, 2008 at 1:09 pm
M: we must have cross posted. I will get that info in my page too. Thanks.
May 19, 2008 at 1:23 pm
The BOG will need a major shakeup, even if MG goes. And the HSC situation is even worse than the Bresch mess. Who knows what will happen there?
May 19, 2008 at 1:28 pm
He’s gone!
BREAKING NEWS: WVU Board of Governors calls emergency meeting
by The Associated Press
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Board of Governors is holding an emergency meeting to discuss personnel issues.
The board’s filing with the secretary of state’s office does not say what personnel matters it plans to consider during today’s meeting.
Board members plan to meet by conference call.
The meeting comes the same day WVU’s Faculty Senate executive committee plans to discuss two no-confidence votes by faculty involving President Mike Garrison. Both votes demanded Garrison’s resignation over the awarding of a master’s degree to Gov. Joe Manchin’s daughter.
Investigators recently determined that Heather Bresch hadn’t earned the executive master’s of business administration degree WVU administrators had retroactively granted her.
May 19, 2008 at 1:35 pm
garrisonmustgo, I enjoy reading your site, too. Nice pictures and links. I tried to leave a comment, but it gives an ‘error’ message.
May 19, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Let’s hope they do the right thing. Then the work will be a REAL search for legitimate leadership. Come on, BOG!
May 19, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I’m currently in the conference call. They wasted no time going into executive session. One of the media outlets on the line is the New York Times if that tells you anything.
May 19, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Here is a lying ass statement from our lying ass governor…he knows his goose is being cooked as well!
Here is the statement the governor released through his office:
“As a father, I must admit that I was hoping that the controversy surrounding my daughter’s E-MBA coursework at WVU would eventually resolve itself and subside. However, as a Governor, I recognize that is not realistic.
“In both roles, it has been extremely difficult for me to watch this controversy unfold. As governor, my natural instinct in a crisis is to do my very best to dive in and help bring all sides together to find a resolution. However, because of my family’s involvement in this particular situation, I feel that this is one time in which I am not in a position to follow that instinct, because it is likely that one side or the other would be inclined to question my ability to remain objective.
“WVU holds a special place in the hearts of both Gayle and I not only because we are proud graduates of WVU, but because it is also the place where we met, fell in love and started our family. From our perspective, this controversy all started because our daughter sincerely believed that she had her degree, because of a meeting that everyone admits took place with the program’s director in 1998, and when she contacted the university last year, she was simply asking them to find the records that she believed would confirm that.
“Had they told her that after looking through their records they didn’t have the proper documentation on file, we honestly believe that while she may not have liked that answer, she would have accepted it and moved on with her life.
“At no time would she have asked anyone to either “guess” as to her records or to fabricate grades on those records. As a result, Gayle and I are both angry, in particular, at the fabrication of grades that took place, because it unfairly damages our daughter’s reputation as much as it does the University’s. It was absolutely wrong and, in my mind, completely unacceptable.
“Although I remain confident in President Garrison’s ability to follow the recommendations of the independent panel’s report, I am also fully aware of the concerns that have been raised by the faculty, staff, students and alumni of WVU and recognize that they must be addressed in some meaningful manner. WVU needs to find a way to begin to heal the wounds that have been created over these last few weeks, and it will take all parties working together to achieve that goal.
“To that end, I have seen it stated many times by individuals and the press that because I appointed certain members of the Board of Governors, they must be following my orders as to what to think and say regarding President Garrison and the independent panel’s report. This simply is not true.
“The Board of Governors is made up of extremely bright and accomplished people who were not given this responsibility lightly and who I trust to do the job assigned to them to the best of their abilities. While many members are appointed by a governor, they do not serve at the will and pleasure of a governor. They may act as they wish during their four-year terms as long as it is within legal and ethical reason.
“Therefore, the WVU Board of Governors members are not under my control and remain free, as they always have been, to make their own individual and collective decisions on this or any other situation. As I said previously, I am not in a position to make a recommendation to them in this instance even if I wanted to because, regardless of what it might be, it would not be viewed as being made objectively - and I absolutely understand and accept that.
“As a result, I consider this matter one that should be decided by the members of the Board of Governors based upon their own insights and beliefs and information, and as governor, I will continue to support whatever direction they believe is in the best interests of WVU both now and in the future.”
May 19, 2008 at 1:47 pm
when was tbat statement made?
notice he doesn’t glowingly support Garrison.
May 19, 2008 at 1:48 pm
“that”, rather.
I’m so excited that his ass will be out of here soon that I can’t type.
May 19, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I just directed the media to this blog to read that statement. Where else can it be found? Some e-mail me or something: holywriter@gmail.com
May 19, 2008 at 1:50 pm
“Someone”
May 19, 2008 at 1:50 pm
e @ 1″35 PM:
What kind of error are you getting when attempting to leave a comment?
May 19, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Incredible. Just like Pontius Pilate.
May 19, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Garrison Must Go, thanks for putting that page together! I know a few people have said it’s futile to pester the BOG but I think it’s definitely worth it. Especially since it looks the governor is trying to “pass the buck” to the BOG.
May 19, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Steve,
Go to the DailyMail.com
May 19, 2008 at 1:53 pm
A good investigative reporter could unveil the truth at Mylan if he or she wanted to.
I’m not offering up any sources, but they just might discover that employees, including top managers, at Mylan KNEW Bresch did not have her degree.
And, that they were suprised when WVU admitted she didn’t have the degree.
Of course, this is just a “hunch” on my part…
May 19, 2008 at 1:53 pm
thanks
May 19, 2008 at 1:54 pm
The governor is throwing Garrison under the bus as we speak. Manchin would throw Heather Bresch under the bus given a chance.
May 19, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Our “100 hour Man ” is on the call just emailed me that he doesn’t expect an annoucement in this today - more likely the June 6th date.
my thought is they will give him an opportunity to jump instead of being pushed- particularly if they don’t have any strong statement of support today after this call.
May 19, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Man, I was already thinking Garrison must be out based on the emergency BOG meeting, but after reading Manchin’s statement, I’m convinced. He’s done.
May 19, 2008 at 2:05 pm
MANCHIN TO BOG: GO AHEAD, FIRE HIM!
May 19, 2008 at 2:10 pm
where’s Donald Trump when we need him?
YOU’RE FIRED.
May 19, 2008 at 2:11 pm
GettingImpatient @1:53:
Of course they (Mylan) had to know. Isn’t it customary to ask for a transcript in these cases prior to putting an executive’s signature to SEC docs? At worst you would expect that they would have gone to her and asked for proof *after* the story broke so as to cover their own ass in potential litigation.
Because princess Heather; “your word and the university’s word ARE NOT “better than a transcript”.
May 19, 2008 at 2:17 pm
He won’t go under the bus. He’ll be thrown out of the state plane with a lovely golden parachute and a big pillow tied to his ass.
May 19, 2008 at 2:18 pm
anyone surprised goodwin {manchin’s buddy} called for the executive session?
May 19, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I dont understand why Mylan isnt being looked at.
Or maybe it is?
May 19, 2008 at 2:21 pm
He’s out.
May 19, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Why do I have a feeling all they will do is recommend firing Lang and Sears and maybe Walker?
BTW, HK, who IS the 12th Cylon?!? I am dying to know.
May 19, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I said Garrison would go when he became a political liability to Joe Manchin.
Re Mountain Daddy’s 1:43 posting: I think we are there
I know many want to use a large canon. However, I believe that carefully considered actions, although slower, will be much better.
Get Manchin out and then begin to replace the BOG members w/ those who take their jobs seriously to promote the integrity of WVU. This is not a “quick fix”.
THANKS:
–to the Faculty Senate for insisting on outside members of the panel. Had they not done it progress would have been halted at that point.
–to the panel for their careful findings.
–to Hoppy for spending a whole show on that report.
–to Lang and Sears being pushed from their mountaintops (lifting tenure from them is a sticky situation–however, Lang being ousted in disgrace from Provost is a HUGE punishment to his HUGE ego. And it was nationally public.)
–for the Faculty Senate’s vote of “no confidence”
–for the faculty meeting last Wed. and their motion votes, esp. #1
–to the citizens of WV for “getting it” and being livid.
–to donars, alumni, students et al. for standing up vocally
These have all been necessary in the progression to this point. The progression needs to continue.
Patience–the process is methodical, but that is the best way to accomplish real change. Haste usually leaves unintended consequences which may be as bad as the initial situation they were meant to address.
May 19, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I agree Lawbot.
On the other hand, the governor is maintaining his position: “From our perspective, this controversy all started because our daughter sincerely believed that she had her degree, because of a meeting that everyone admits took place with the program’s director in 1998, and when she contacted the university last year, she was simply asking them to find the records that she believed would confirm that.”
It’s exhausting keeping up with the permutations.
May 19, 2008 at 2:36 pm
The gov’s daughter sincerely believed she had her degree. . . and she also said no one would make her take the GMAT to get into the program — it’s obvious she believed rules didn’t apply (reminds me of Leona Helmsley, “only little people pay taxes”).
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08102/872380-85.stm
May 19, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Shouldn’t Governor Manchin, who so often touts his policy of fiscal responsibility, wonder why he, Gayle or his daughter NEVER paid for those 22 hours of classes?
May 19, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Tom Zarek.
May 19, 2008 at 2:46 pm
The question is…did Mylan sincerely believe she had the degree?
As Left Shadow said earlier, corps. ask for little things called “transcripts”.
How is Mylan avoiding prosecution?
May 19, 2008 at 2:48 pm
My God, this is like waiting for Nixon to resign. Think we’ll be treated to a sweaty speech and the “V” sign from Mike?
May 19, 2008 at 2:52 pm
The BSG spoiler was so NOT cool…behind a few weeks on watching :(
May 19, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Hopefully, he’ll be the “classy” guy he is and limit any gestures to the “V” sign!
May 19, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Waiting for the helicopter to land on the Mountainlair plaza to whisk him away.
May 19, 2008 at 2:59 pm
To Fairmont?
May 19, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Wolverine, relax. It’s not a spoiler–the final Cylon hasn’t been revealed.
May 19, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Remember the first set of 21 comments on Mike’s Blog: One said, “Mike, don’t come back to Fairmont”.
May 19, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Two faculty members [Larry Hornak, Byrd Professor of Computer Science & Electrical Engineering) and Laura Brady (Director of Center for Writing Excellence)] have today resigned from the executive level Strategic
Implementation team, no longer willing to serve on a committee that supports the current president.
May 19, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Just so everyone knows, multiple sources are telling me now that Garrison’s resignation could come any minute now.
Of course, I’ll believe it when I see it.
May 19, 2008 at 3:20 pm
To save a lot of scrolling, perhaps you should start a countdown entry? It is, after all, another chapter in the saga.
May 19, 2008 at 3:22 pm
please start another entry.
May 19, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Left Shadow: it would seem they should have known, especially if Mylan has the tuition reimbursement plan that others in this post have said they do. I find it incredible that Governor Manchin could make that statement with a straight face.
May 19, 2008 at 3:25 pm
BoG meeting right now - rumor is that G will resign.
May 19, 2008 at 3:29 pm
The death watch begins…
May 19, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Manchin’s going to say whatever will protect him and Heather.
Mylan’s another story. Whole other set of rules and accountability.
Ripe for investigation, imo.
May 19, 2008 at 3:40 pm
The real guilty party escapes the effect of all the conflict. Everyone knows the true benefactors of this debacle are Heather and the Governor. They will go untouched after having sacrificed the reputation of WVU, the involved parties at the University, and Mike Garrison…
Mike was the pawn of the governor and will suffer the results.
May 19, 2008 at 3:41 pm
The tension is palpable; palpable I tells ya.
May 19, 2008 at 3:44 pm
well please…….it’s a good start…….remember we now have a piece of paper from mojo who states that the President of WVU isnt hired to do “the governors will”…..thats a damned good start and something to hold his feet to the fire on…….
May 19, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Mike was never the pawn in this game, Olfrt, and I doubt his suffering will go unrewarded.
May 19, 2008 at 3:48 pm
insert Jeopardy music…let’s all hum along…..
May 19, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Don’t go feeling sorry for Garrison now. He who lives by the sword dies by the sword.
May 19, 2008 at 4:06 pm
According to the Gazette, the BoG is still in session as of 4:00 p.m.
May 19, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I’ve got to find the Fifth Column equivalent to a meth clinic to get detoxed off the smack that Hippie Killer has been spooning me.
May 19, 2008 at 4:08 pm
The Governor’s statement is on his press page at http://www.wvgov.org/sec.aspx?id=32&articleid=1646
More spin from Joe, sounds like he’s bailing on Garrison and cutting the BOG free.
The joke is, if they do nuke Garrison NOW, it will be obvious to everyone that Manchin DOES control the Board. They had to wait for him to loose their leash.
May 19, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Hi, my name is KT, and I’m an addict.
May 19, 2008 at 4:11 pm
“I’ve got to find the Fifth Column equivalent to a meth clinic to get detoxed off the smack that Hippie Killer has been spooning me.”
Heh good call
Been reading daily since I found this blog :)
May 19, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Don’t count on action today.
May 19, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I’m wagering everything on the Final Jeopardy Question.
May 19, 2008 at 4:15 pm
<3 Fifth Column
May 19, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Don’t worry Left Shadow. There will enough to talk and rant about after MG leaves the building to wean you off your habit. The real discussion about WVU’s future begins now.
May 19, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Such suspense
May 19, 2008 at 4:18 pm
can he please take Bailes with him? a 2-fer-1 deal!
May 19, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I guess blame-casting and plausible deniabilty are more time-consuming via conference call.
Either that, or the debate is down to who has to do the press conference.
May 19, 2008 at 4:21 pm
He should take Coaches Stew and Huggins with him wherever he ends up.
May 19, 2008 at 4:21 pm
They’re trying to decide which of them wants to be the next president.
May 19, 2008 at 4:22 pm
chad wilcox: love your balls at the honors convocation. where were everyone elses?
May 19, 2008 at 4:29 pm
can’t they move this thing along a little bit quicker?
May 19, 2008 at 4:31 pm
no doubt. are they interviewing interim’s?
May 19, 2008 at 4:31 pm
they are drawing straws to see who gets the short one and has to hire him.
May 19, 2008 at 4:32 pm
hey, somebody on campus, wander over to Stewart Hall and see what the mood is. See if he car is still parked over there.
May 19, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I imagine that (with one notable exception) the occupants of Stewart Hall are quite excited? (just like we all are)
May 19, 2008 at 4:34 pm
“They’re trying to decide which of them wants to be the next president.”
I’m guessing Puccio.
May 19, 2008 at 4:39 pm
They might be arguing over whether which school to put him in as tenured faculty: Law or Business.
May 19, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Agatha@439: He’s failed at both.
May 19, 2008 at 4:44 pm
He will head back to lobbying, much more lucrative.
May 19, 2008 at 4:44 pm
If the end to a presidency has come, no lover of WVU should gloat. This is deeply soul searching stuff we are witnessing. Sadly, Heather’s journey continues beyond this little bump on her road. The lives of ruined men lie broken in the trail behind her. The cool, calculating, silent, sin-sick, corporate pill producer ran rough shod over an academic community. Who would ever want to be in the same room with her apart from confession and genuine remorse? WVU deserved something better than Heather Manchin Kirby Bresch–daddy’s statement notwithstanding.
May 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm
witness protection program is called for
May 19, 2008 at 4:46 pm
BOG member in my office building just seen outside office (AKA not on conference call anymore)
May 19, 2008 at 4:48 pm
maybe they had to pee like the poor reporters.
May 19, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Well said, Ms. Truth. My sentiments entirely.
May 19, 2008 at 4:48 pm
“BOG member in my office building just seen outside office (AKA not on conference call anymore)”
Maybe he/she just had to pee.
May 19, 2008 at 4:49 pm
“As a father…”; did you attend her graduation ceremony? We saw you this weekend at commencement, you know what it looks like. DID you attend your daughter’s graduation ceremony?
May 19, 2008 at 4:50 pm
demosthenes - was it Ellen Cappallenni ?
May 19, 2008 at 4:50 pm
It didn’t take this long for Bresch to be awarded her bogus degree.
May 19, 2008 at 4:52 pm
“Nothing transpired…”
May 19, 2008 at 4:54 pm
It’s coming. Patience is a virtue. Let’s make a list of potential interims, just for fun!
May 19, 2008 at 4:54 pm
MA CRW - learn to spell. AND no, I don’t work with Ellen C.
May 19, 2008 at 5:00 pm
No Action? It’s always about the BUYOUT with these people….GRRRRRR!!!!
May 19, 2008 at 5:02 pm
No action taken.
Like I said. I’ll believe he’s resigning when I see it.
Keep pressure on the Board. WVU doesn’t belong to Steve Goodwin.