People are correct in their assumptions that the public face the Board of Governors put on Friday was pure bullshit. Specifically, Ellen Cappellanti’s comments to the Daily Mail that that contrary to rumors swirling in the public, there was no division on the board as to its support of Garrison.
I happen to know that this is false. There was plenty of division on the Board. Cappellanti in particular is said to have been vocal opponent of Garrison, so her comments left some people scratching their heads Friday evening. Ah, the things people will say to avoid being knocked out of a potential federal judgeship…
But know this — the Board was and is very upset with how all of this played out. Most of them — even Steve Goodwin, probably — had come to the realization that their little dream of Mike Garrison as president wasn’t going to work out. With the exception of Garrison’s BFF Robert Wells, they knew it had to end. But they deeply resent that the public dared to speak up and tell them what to do. The nerve of you people!
Look at the men and women on the Board of Governors. They are the glitterati of West Virginia. These are people who have spent their entire lives being told how important they are, and telling other people what to do. Some of them even inherited this role from their parents — or in Steve Goodwin’s case, from his more intelligent and accomplished older brothers. But he’s still a Goodwin, dammit! And how DARE the faculty tell Little Brother Goodwin that his hand picked boy-president isn’t up to the job? You don’t have a SAY in this. We can buy and sell you 1000 times over. You are the little people. We can crush you under our $1500 Italian leather shoes as casually as we do a spider on the sidewalk. YOU don’t get to tell us how to run OUR university. Garrison will go when we are good and ready.
If you don’t think that’s how the members West Virginia University Board of Governors see themselves, then you haven’t been paying enough attention.
They are completely divorced from reality. They have no concept of who they work for, or who they serve. They are a cancer. And they need to be cut away.
June 10, 2008 at 6:16 pm
HK, I was working on tomorrow’s to do list as you were apparently putting up this post. I decided that we were too much in synch to wait until tomorrow morning to post Wednesday’s to do’s. So here it is.
Wednesday’s To Do List
1. Encourage Governor Manchin not to reappoint Steve Farmer to the BOG at governor@WVGov.org or 1-888-438-2731. Urge your local Delegates and Senators to also encourage Governor Manchin to replace Farmer. You may get contact information for legislators by going to http://www.legis.state.wv.us/ and entering your zip code in the box in the lower right-hand corner.
Remind them that R. Rodriquez has indicated that Farmer told him months before the appointment that M. Garrison would be President. That allegation affects Farmer’s credibility and his ability to continue to serve on the BOG. Not re-appointing Farmer would be a strong way for the Governor to indicate that he wants WVU to be able to move forward.
2. Urge Governor Manchin to appoint three new BOG members that add to the BOG’s diversity and represent greater expertise in higher education and management. Up to three of the Governor’s appointees may be non-residents and with Barnette and Wells leaving the BOG, none of Manchin’s appointees will be from out of state. There will also be no racial minority group member on the BOG.
Contact Manchin or Scott Cosco at scosco@wv.gov with your recommendations for the WVU BOG.
3. Post your suggestions for BOG members and possible interim Presidents on HK. There have been postings about why some of the names mentioned shouldn’t be appointed. Who would you recommend be appointed? Post them so the rest of us can start forwarding those names.
June 10, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Good job, Lou!
I don’t believe for one minute that any comment from anyone on the BoG or their supporters present said anything to the press on June 6 that was not carefully scripted in advance.
June 10, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Most of “these people” do not understand that the faculty-student interaction is the very heart of academia. They SHOULD be working for us, to see to it that we have the resources to do our jobs and do them well. There’s not a damn one of them who could teach my course, write my grant applications, or write my papers. Most of us want high academic standards, but recognize that by working at a Division I school, we will have to put up with semi-literate athletes in some courses. They certainly don’t understand that we consider the granting of the bogus degree for political expediency stabbed that very heart of academia. It was/is the unforgivable F.
June 10, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I enjoy reading HK’s posts!
I’ve been thinking…
As we continue to discuss future WVU goals and analyze issues, it’s important to move towards a “massive cultural change.”
I’ve witnessed plenty of WVU “loyalty” that builds functional blindness–an unwillingness to see the deeper layers of insecurities of this university.
This WVU mindset created a deeply entrenched, myopic culture of low expectations; perpetuated by low outcomes. And it’s this culture that “enabled” and “supported” the process of selecting Garrison–who clearly was the wrong talent for a university president and was an obvious buffoon. (Try to envision a-n-y university selecting him as Prez and it’s clear how bizarre it was.)
Let’s work to change this culture so the infrastructure doesn’t allow for this to continually occur–for BOG members to be so “WV inter-related” and out of touch, for the power to be so obviously with a “good ole boyz” network, for the university to be profoundly weakened by more inept leadership.
As we push for “integrity”, it will only implement itself with a new infrastructure created by actively pursuing faculty for “key” positions from beyond the boundaries of WV.
June 10, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Imagine that you are a member of the board of governors and that you learned that the person that you helped make president of West Virginia University had gone way out of bounds by participating in a scheme to give a close acquaintance and the daughter of the governor an unearned degree—his watchers failed you. Imagine further that, as a board, you did you not receive ethics training and that neither you nor the person that you put in the office of president had participated in training offered by higher education associations in the management of higher education institutions. Imagine further that you begin to learn of the Garrison/Bailes/Manchin cronyism that decimated the leadership of the health sciences center—all the more ironic because the department that Bailes manages has lost substantial sums of money. Imagine further that you begin to learn of the enormous cost of all the search’s that will take occur to replace the people purged by your chosen president or that that have had to step down due to the Bresch scandal. (These include a VP for research, a VP for health sciences, a provost, a dean for b&e, a dean of medicine, and key faculty members.) Add up the cost of a search firm at 1/3 the annual salary of each of these and you begin to understand the looming problem. Now further imagine that the link between your chosen president and the governor’s office and your chairman is about to be unmasked through foia request for David Satterfield’s e-mail and computer files. Satterfield who is linked to several bog members and is buried in the WVU administration was Wise’s economic development director and now runs a consulting business while holding an administrative position that is a cover for shoring up Garrison. Now imagine that you are beginning to see the possibilities of criminal prosecution for subverting the search process that selected your chosen president—a man who was unqualified for the post and who could not stay in bounds while he learned on the job. It was never going to happen and now you know that. Now you have to think about two things: do you stay on the bog and risk prosecution and do you really want to put Garrison in a position at the university where he can do more damage and keep this scandal alive longer—thus increasing the likelihood that it will eventually touch you in ways that will affect your career and your income—not to mention your family and your relationship with the governor? Do you really want to do that—or do you still not get it? Only we can save ourselves from ourselves. !We Ourselves!
June 10, 2008 at 7:59 pm
profound.
June 10, 2008 at 8:02 pm
you write just like Hippie Killer
June 10, 2008 at 8:03 pm
The only question I have is, what will HK do with his time? Might have to find another issue to blog about, although there are going to be few targets as ass big as Garrison. Then again there is still the small matter of his continued ability to feed at the public trough (/a)
June 10, 2008 at 8:04 pm
and I am trying to forgive him for saying I can’t write
June 10, 2008 at 8:05 pm
That link might not work. Try…
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200806091192
June 10, 2008 at 8:08 pm
We ourselves – appropriate name. I think, too, that we should be more strongly calling for a special prosecutor (federal?) to look into all this. We’re so deep into it now that it behooves us to root out the problems to their true depth. Burn it all down so it can be rebuilt properly.
June 10, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Amen, JK and !We Ourselves!, Amen!!!
June 10, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Staggering – that is the most depressing thought I’ve had lately, second only to pondering Garrison continuing as president. How can any of us, in good conscience, stand for his remaining at WVU in any capacity? How can the expenditure of his salary (and Case, Walker, Macia, etc.) be anything but waste in state government in its truest form? How can the people of WV let any politician remain in office that would encourage such practices?
June 10, 2008 at 8:12 pm
There is no way that this will not end in prosecution. The ties are being publicly disclosed, and it is tougher and tougher to hide.
June 10, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Holy moley. Whole lotta back slappin’ going on with this post.
June 10, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Has anyone heard a morsel of remorse or seen anyone punished for wrong doing? WVU will not recover until this happens, and it seems as if it will be a cold day in hell before it does.
June 10, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I’ve always wondered what the fuck is in the water in Ripley. I mean, Ripley isn’t exactly the center of the universe. These people are simply filling a vacuum. Their power grab, up until about 4 months ago, was simply taken for granted.
Hey Goodwins, why don’t you actually RUN FOR OFFICE instead of anointing, uh, appointing yourselves and your clones?
June 10, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Me @ 8:11: You mean sacrifice WVU to rid ourselves of Manchin? The idea stinks but that’s really the only way to clean up the state.
June 10, 2008 at 8:44 pm
To We Ourselves:
“One man’s transparency is another’s humiliation.”
–Gerry Adams
June 10, 2008 at 8:54 pm
To beat Manchin in Nov., the entire state would have to be as upset about this scandal as we are. In order for that to happen, the scandal would have to grow, and all the while WVU would be the whipping boy.
June 10, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Mike Garrison has already sacrificed WVU to try and save himself.
No joke!
June 10, 2008 at 8:57 pm
He already threw the eMBA program out the window to protect those in power. And the BOG let him.
June 10, 2008 at 8:57 pm
You’re right, but it could get worse: Yo.
June 10, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I have no idea what is going on the HSC, but I wish you all well as it is investigated. Obviously, corruption is endemic.
I had enough difficulty trying to wrap my head with the Bresch Degree Scandal.
June 10, 2008 at 9:48 pm
If there’s one place I wouldn’t be looking for the cure for cancer, it’s at HSC.
June 10, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Yeah, and did I hear Butcher talking about a Heart Institute. Right….
June 10, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Bob Beto and the Heart Institute. Please … don’t get me started.
June 10, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I wanted to just make a few comments in reference to a couple of things people keep bringing up.
OIT is not monitoring your usage of this blog. They don’t care what you all read (unless you are surfing porn sites at work. if you are – shame on you!) and most of them read this blog too. Now I can’t speak for Academic Technologies – which is not part of OIT – and anything they might be doing, but think they have much better things to do than note whose IP address is visiting this blog and compose an enemies list. IT folks are staff like most of us, so I really don’t understand this paranoia.
If you are REALLY concerned about it, why don’t you subscribe to the feed for the posts and the feed for the comments in Google Reader? It’d save you from needing to refresh to see new posts and you wouldn’t have to actually go to the website, just Google.
I’d also like to take a moment to defend Terry Nebel. He works his ass off to advocate for staff and truly has our interests in mind. We are constantly frustrated by the faculty’s disregard for our concerns and holier than thou attitude. The last department I worked in (at HSC) I was specifically told in a meeting with three other staff people by the director that we had to put all faculty needs above everything else. Essentially that they had the right to treat us like crap because they were PhDs. Well needless to say this put me off because last time I checked, I was a professional with degrees of my own and over a decade of experience. I will not tolerate being viewed as a second class citizen simply because they do research and (supposedly) teach (though they often complained about that). I worked a job that should have been three different positions and all they did was complain and make us miserable with their pettiness and backstabbing.
…so anyway…Terry. Yeah. He’s a good guy and I may not agree with him on everything, but the staff are his #1 concern. You all scoff that staff seemed to be only concerned with raises, etc., but hey, we’d be working here whether it was WVU or a community college. We work here because we live here and we want to stay here. This affair wasn’t entirely an academic issue as one ill-quoted staff member put it, but to be perfectly honest, we were pretty excited that for once a University president was going to actually listen to staff concerns and finally give us the salaries that had been promised over 8 years ago.
I agree that MG really did have to resign. I agree that the BOG needs to be changed. I don’t agree that this affair was a black and white issue for everyone – the staff are the case in point.
Faculty would do well to try to earn the hearts and minds of the staff a bit more and have our backs once in awhile.
June 10, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Friend of Education: agreed, there has been little in the way of “punishment” for what has occurred at WVU. In addition there has been no apology forthcoming from any of those involved including the person who started the entire incident. The good Governor has been deafeningly silent regarding the role he and his family played in all of this. At what point does he finally acknowledge what everyone already seems to know, and apologize? And what of his daughter?
June 10, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Why does the BOG feel the need to project a façade of solidarity? I can understand them not wanting to have public confrontations on issues, or air their dirty laundry in public, but if there are serious questions to be dealt with, then you’d think they would acknowledge the possibility of a diversity of opinion. The corollary is that if there are no issues that they deal with that admit a diversity of opinion, then the work they do is inherently trivial and meaningless. So how about an occasional statement to the effect that “we are vigorously debating the merits of …”
Obviously Steve Goodwin’s ego needs a lot of stroking (sucking?), but a new BOG chair without his insecurity would go a long way to making them seem less dysfunctional.
June 10, 2008 at 10:32 pm
To Devil’s Advocate:
I’ve been around WVU long enough to recognize the truth in your point, but it isn’t fair to make a blanket statement. I also know plenty of faculty who really value and appreciate staff and understand and regret that many staff people are overworked as well as underpaid. It’s not all black and white. Terry has been a wholehearted staff advocate and deserves credit for that.
It’s also true that creating division between faculty and staff will not improve things, and that it’s important that we have dialogue. I don’t know of any faculty member who isn’t 100% pleased that the staff will be getting raises and would not continue to support raises for staff going forward, no matter who was president of the university.
June 10, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Thanks Devil’s Advocate. These points needed to be made.
June 10, 2008 at 10:51 pm
search-for-truth@ 10:32
You are absolutely right. It was disingenuous of me to imply that all faculty act that way. I must emphasize that I am basing my opinion on my personal experience and on that of anecdotal comments from other staff members on their interactions with faculty. I wholeheartedly agree that fostering division will not improve things. I just wanted to point out that the faculty as a group might want to try and make an effort to reach out to staff.
June 10, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I will be the first to admit that my connection with STAFF, even more so than faculty, made me feel welcome at the university. Secretaries in the department of political science and in the Journalism School made this place like home to me.
Sure, the faculty were and are great, but most of the staff went the extra mile to help me in any endeavor.
That is something you just cannot find anywhere else, especially at a university approaching enrollment of 30,000.
I am glad they finally got their pay raise promised to them eight years ago.
June 10, 2008 at 11:12 pm
At my time at WVU, I have only ever had one faculty member give me the holier than you attitude. I have had some who where frustrated with a situation and projected it, but we should not take that personally. We have all been in that boat at one point or another. It is unfortunate though that the human mind tends to remember the worst, over the good.
June 11, 2008 at 12:37 am
We Ourselves:
If I were a member of the BOG, I would be writing my letter of resignation right now! Well said!
June 11, 2008 at 12:44 am
Don’t mean to break the conversation, but here is this week’s DA, for your reading pleasure. (I would link specific articles, but a hefty portion of the paper is devoted to what’s been going on.)
http://www.da.wvu.edu/
June 11, 2008 at 2:15 am
I was amused by the DA article on HK.
A blog is what it is. It is not a newspaper where reporters are supposed to check every fact and write objectively. It is a place where people share their complaints about all that is wrong with the world and other people choose to tune it in or out. Sometimes the information is right on and sometimes it’s completely off base.
I began to read this blog off and on more than one year ago when I heard about it during the WVU search for its president. I have come to appreciate that HK seems to be right more often than he seems to be wrong and he and his commentators tell us things regular media in West Virginia never seem to dig even the slightest bit to discover.
It’s been eye-opening to see how a little blog can expose some of the rather open secrets of the power elite, like Garrison’s plans to stack the WVU BOG, which was not exactly a big secret in the Wise administration.
I applaud HK for his efforts. It’s obvious to me as I cut through his razor-like wit that he cares deeply about WVU and West Virginia.
I hope there will always be a place for people like HK. In the long run West Virginia will be a better place if there is.
June 11, 2008 at 2:25 am
NightShifter: The problem with the media in this state, is that most of them are in bed with the politico’s also, and the rest are running scared.
June 11, 2008 at 2:30 am
Wise damaged WV alot. Garrison, hopefully, is the last of the blowback.
Think of the damage he did in Washington.
June 11, 2008 at 3:08 am
What if ?
1. Garrison really is a nice man.
2. He really does love WVU.
3. He knew there were problems there.
4. He thought he could solve those problems.
5. His arrogance wouldn’t allow him to consider the fact that someone else might do it better.
June 11, 2008 at 3:57 am
What if?
1. I know Garrison and many people who have been strong-armed by him over the years. He is not a nice man, and that’s why he has so many enemies in addition to having so many friends.
2. I do believe he loves WVU, but loves himself more. Why else would he broadcast the 72 other bogus degrees story far and wide?
3. He did know there were problems at WVU.
4. He did think he could solve those problems or at least solve those problems for which the people who put him there were not responsible.
5. His arrogance was his downfall. As HK said, he was far beyond his depth.
June 11, 2008 at 4:05 am
He, I suspect you are right about the media. They depend on the power elite for their day-to-day stories and are reluctant to bite the hand that feeds them.
I thought this of Hoppy Kercheval throughout the presidential search process. He has good sources and knew the truth about the search long before the rest of us. Yet he said glowing things about Garrison, I think, because he knew that the Garrison machine, which was certainly going to prevail, would take care of him. Only when he saw the tide of public opinion overwhelmingly begin to turn did he seem to turn.
I am reluctant to judge the motivations of people I do not know, but that’s my read on Hoppy Kercheval and this is a blog.
June 11, 2008 at 5:13 am
Dominion Post June 11
headline
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMSNBcjAwMTAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 11, 2008 at 5:13 am
NS: Yes, Hoppy disappointed me on this too. He does have a lot of influence though. You seen what happened after he turned.
June 11, 2008 at 5:20 am
Loved Perone’s comment. Thanks for the link.
June 11, 2008 at 5:26 am
joe in town
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMSNBcjAwMzAz&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
seismic editorial
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMSNBcjAwNDAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 11, 2008 at 5:30 am
PPG WVU mentioned here.
June 11, 2008 at 5:57 am
Garrison is as though he is just moving in, not out. I don’t trust these people to do what say publicly even.
June 11, 2008 at 6:37 am
In case you missed it, today’s to-do list was posted last night and is the first entry on this thread. See how many things you can check off as done.
June 11, 2008 at 6:52 am
Thanks, Lou.
I have not reviewed all the activity from yesteraday. Fill us in with what you may have concluded about the BoG, pop tax, and stuff.
Another observation of the day is how the propensity for the BoG to now use staff leadership as their (or Garrison’s) spokesperson is continuing in today’s Dominion Post lead article. I think the last 3 months of Garrison are getting down to “perception control” via the media. Yes, the press got on board with all this when they had to, but this is no accident.
That also includes perceptions of who is or is not “legit” on the HK blog, as if the rules are the same. I just hope HK has some trustworthy folks to assist with the HSC mess.
June 11, 2008 at 7:07 am
He~on the PPG article~I saw a draft of proposed regulations for the relationship with pharmaceutical companies a while back. I believe it was while Prescott was still Dean so at that time WVU Med School had started on a plan. Like Pitt’s plan it included pens, notepads, food, etc and discussion started about having samples in a centralized location. I haven’t heard anymore about it.
June 11, 2008 at 7:07 am
What about a new focus for this blog and the WVU Faculty? Let’s work to correct the BOG problems by researching the composition and alternatives for selecting a competent Board and work with the Legislature to get it changed. It is totally unrealistic to think that the Boards of prestigious universities do not have wealthy, successful people who commit sins such as making political contributions. Now is the time for us to do something positive by proposing a process and competencies of a Board that can lead this University. To continue this frenzy of bashing everyone will do nothing to solve these problems. Sorry, but it is time to move on.
June 11, 2008 at 7:10 am
I t seems to me that the BOG approves of the initial result in giving HB the degree. I am sure they are unhappy about the resulting fallout, but I suggest everyone of them would have facilitated awarding her the degree. I doubt they see it as any big deal, that is why they see nothing wrong w/ MG actions or those of anyone else involved. I believe that is why the BOG doesn’t get why this is a crisis. The mess with the internal investigation is IMO designed to ultimately justify her getting a degree, although I am sure she doesn’t want to hear about it again. But I also believe she wants vindication of her position. I think we will get results that substaniate her position before the election.
Poltical influence plays a role in every state university, but a balance must be struck among academics, political roles and donors roles. In the last several years appearances have outweighed the interests of education and students in favor of donors and politics. that is why the powers that be think this situation does not merit action, just my opinion.
June 11, 2008 at 7:16 am
http://wvgazette.com/Opinion/Editorials/200806100505
Chas Gazette Answers need at WVU re: Garrison’s contract and where he is going
June 11, 2008 at 7:17 am
I agree xcuseme, the groundwork must be done to lay the foundation for a better process to governed higher ed generally and esp WVU. Donor and persons of plitical influence are important, but their needs to be a balance with competing interests. sadly lacking for a long time AT WV.
June 11, 2008 at 7:28 am
Huntington News Editorial
http://www.huntingtonnews.net/editor/080611-ed.html
June 11, 2008 at 7:35 am
xcuseme and mteerfish: I am beginning to do just that and would love your help. We should be researching our peer institution’s governing structure and gleaning the best system for WVU. The time for browbeating the WVU BOG is decidedly at an end for me. I want to engage them and the WV State Legislature to make changes.
Peer institutions would be defined as state, land grant schools of similar student population size. From my research so far, there are five that are most similar to WVU: University of Kentucky, University of Nebraska, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin and University of Georgia.
We could develop our own report for the WVU BOG restructuring based on a case study approach using the aforementioned universities. It is time to funnel our frustrations into creating change. This, in my mind and a few others, is a great approach.
June 11, 2008 at 7:42 am
Joshua & Mteerfish, Absolutely we need to get hard data and examples that make sense for WV. Another place we we may want to look is Michigan State. They have a combination of appointments and elected board members that reportedly works well. No first hand experience, but it may be worth checking. I am working on that now.
June 11, 2008 at 7:47 am
xcuseme: E-mail me at Jaezaz@aol.com and we can compare notes. There is a lot of diversity when it comes to higher education administration. So, there are a lot of options.
As an aside, do you have an academic background? Our research would probably carry a little more weight if at least one of us had the experience in higher education. I have research experience, but no one calls me doctor yet except for Bob DiClerico lol.
June 11, 2008 at 7:53 am
Goodwin’s remark that “There will be a backlash if we don’t shoot him” reduces the options Goodwin sees with regard to MG’s future: either pay him as a “consultant” at his presidential salary until mid-2010, or shoot him. Clearly, members of the BOG need the mental capacity to see issues in more than either/or terms. I might offer a thrid option: let him go Sept. 1. Stop paying him and let his future begin that day somewhere besdies Morgantown. Remember, the interim and future presidents will need salaries too.
Thinking along another theme: we must be vigilant to make sure the BOG and other powers that be do not pit the staff against the faculty in the coming changes.
June 11, 2008 at 7:55 am
Why hasn’t Garrison’s staff (Walker, Macia, etc.) been held accountable for the Bresch debacle?
What constitutes something agregious enough for Lang and Sears to lose tenure?
Why is Garrison humming along like nothing has happened?
Why has no one actually lost their job over this?
June 11, 2008 at 7:56 am
Valid question, Klopmen. Rumor has it Craig Walker has his eyes fixed on the athletic director position.
June 11, 2008 at 8:00 am
Anyone with DP or Chas. Gazette ties? More attention needs to be paid to following Lang, Sears, Macia, Walker, and Case. Where are they? Where are they going?
How does a university get over a scandal with no apology, no repercussions, and no new leadership? Pitiful.
June 11, 2008 at 8:05 am
Joshua Austin and xcuse me, I will help any way I can. I don’t have lofty academic creds….all WVU, BS, JD and almost MA, but I have taught as adjunct for many years and also served on BOE, and taught public school in addition to practice of law. those examples are excellent places to start. Schools of any sort can not function w/o donors, pols and faculty and many of us love sports. The institutions you mentioned all seem to combine those things well.
June 11, 2008 at 8:06 am
Making Craig Walker the AD seems to me the surest way to garner intense scrutiny from the NCAA for eveything done here. That may or may not be a good thing, dependig on your disposition vis-a-vis the athletic program.
The shuffling of staff brings up a couple of questions in my mind. Does the president have the authority to just invent a “special advisor” position or “spokesperson” position OUT OF THIN AIR? Aren’t there budget and EEOC concerns about filling positions at state univrsities without proper process? Moreover, was there already a “spokesperson” in that position at the HSC? What happens to lesser life forms when a pariah needs to land somewhere? Will the deparrtment Lang returns to (botany?) have a faculty line available? Oh, I forgot, his contract allows him to be paid from another source FOREVER! THe budget must be pliable to allow for that salary AND the interim provost/eventual provost salaries as well. As the DA editorial implies today, when will the “administrative disgrace fee” be added to student fee bills?
June 11, 2008 at 8:08 am
inthetrenches: need I say divide and conquer? obvious game plan. also will try to pit (PITT LOL) bloggers against each other.
June 11, 2008 at 8:08 am
Inthetrenches: Wasn’t John Fisher our NCAA compliance officer on campus? I have heard that, but I was not sure. Just curious.
June 11, 2008 at 8:12 am
What credentials does he have to be AD? Please say it isn’t so.
June 11, 2008 at 8:13 am
Inthetrenches: I am with you.
Here is my worst case scenario:
Mike Garrison resigns and takes up a faculty position in the Department of Political Science teaching West Virginia Government.
Jerry Lang continues teaching leadership studies, focusing on the Pushkar Scholars in the program.
Stephen Sears takes over the entrepreneurship program at the College of Business and Economics teaching a course on Ponzi Pyramid Schemes and business ethics.
June 11, 2008 at 8:16 am
Well, it is more like: What credentials does Craig Walker have to be chief of staff? He has a master’s degree in sports managment, so I guess that makes him at least qualified on paper.
June 11, 2008 at 8:19 am
I think the 1800 who supported Garrison would sing a differnt tune (or sign a different petition) if Bresch was a star football player and the NCAA was doing the investigating rather than the PPG.
June 11, 2008 at 8:21 am
with that top notch resume he can find the position of his choosing anywhere. gee whiz, i have to admit I am flabbergasted once again.
June 11, 2008 at 8:24 am
another of my cred. is that my xspouse and i spent over $150K out of pocket to send kids to WVU. we are beyond dismayed at this mess.
June 11, 2008 at 8:26 am
Mteerfish: Certainly, it is a sign of the end times. I am with you there.
I bet that if people stopped donating to the Atheletic Department, Garrison and Co. would have been run out of town months ago. There would have been no doubts then.
I love football, do not get me wrong. But I think you need a college to play collegiate sports. I will have to check with the NCAA on that one.
June 11, 2008 at 8:36 am
One more to do. Comment on the Charleston Gazette editorial. See Poe Dunk’s post @ 7:16 for a link.
June 11, 2008 at 8:38 am
As long as the “Bresch Scandal” is still part of the catalyst and background of this picture (many pictures, many messes), and as long as press coverage will be used, manipulated, and sought, and as long as the greater family connections are in the back of everyone’s minds, and as long as there are so many surnames from which to choose -
Why not simply redefine this worst in history WVU debacle as the “Manchin Degree Scandal” and see what happens?
You’ll have to be consistent. I look for simple things to do at all times.
June 11, 2008 at 8:44 am
Steph: That is perhaps the most brilliant idea I have heard. What a great PR tactic.
June 11, 2008 at 8:45 am
I keep seeing Garrison’s salary as $225,000 in various newspapers.
His contract says $255,000.
June 11, 2008 at 8:46 am
I guess they forgot the money that is rolled over from the WVU Foundation.
June 11, 2008 at 8:49 am
PR is all some of us have, and why not speak the truth and stay anonymous? This certainly does NOT happen every day. Glad you approve!
And what about the stupid “seismic” comments – I like the “lame duck” term. Perone’s seismic comment is good. I forget where it appeared. I’ll look.
perception is reality – that’s all that’s left of these 3 months, unless BoG has another ploy as they dig out from under the Manchin Degree Scandal.
BOOYA: if you read the contract, about $22,500 comes from WVUF and BoG is not obligated to replace it.
June 11, 2008 at 9:00 am
reposting comments about the “seismic” end of the Garrison regime:
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMSNBcjAwNDAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMSNBcjAwMTAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Thanks, Dr. Perone
June 11, 2008 at 9:01 am
Yes, seismic end, but what will be the aftershock? Sorry, I am having a literary day lol.
June 11, 2008 at 9:08 am
I know what you mean, Joshua. I hope you can tap into the MIR meeting and see if your efforts with mteerfish&xcuseme can be joined or complement theirs.
Lou:
Sorry to miss you this morning. I was BoGGed down with catching up on the blog regarding The Manchin Degree Scandal, as well as trying to process some of the HSC stuff.
Is there any connection to the guy they chased down and arrested, who was sawing off catalytic converters in the Ruby parking lot last night? I wonder if the cops told him “you will remain free until I clamp these cuffs on you” instead of “you’re under arrest?”
June 11, 2008 at 9:13 am
Steph: I’m a bottom-line kind of person. The contract says “Your annual salary will be $255,000…”
Does anyone really believe the foundation is going to withhold its contractural obligation?
And if we’re delving into details of the contract, which I have indeed read many times in thorough and studious manner:
The foundation also is on the hook to help pay travel and moving expenses for Garrison and his kin as well as put money into a “discretionary account” for the president.
And if you’ll jump down to paragraph 16 of the contract, the board clearly states that it “commits to employ” Garrison “at the Presidential salary” until his contract runs out in 2010 while he’s president or serving “in some other capacity.”
There’s nothing in the contract that says the board isn’t required to pick up the foundation’s portion of the salary.
June 11, 2008 at 9:19 am
Is there anyone else who wonders when the good guy, Wayne King, who is head of WVU Foundation, will jump ship. I bet he rues the day he came into the Mountain State. He has a great reputation and sure hope he toughs it out until better times here (hopefully they will be here before he retires…)
June 11, 2008 at 9:24 am
I wonder if moving expenses will include the move from the President’s House to his “interim” residence PLUS another move in 2010?
June 11, 2008 at 9:42 am
Can we have our $100k back from his inauguration?
I am still pissed that classes were canceled and top money spent (more than most staff or faculty make all year) just for him to congratulate himself. What an asshole.
June 11, 2008 at 9:45 am
There is a comment in Chas Gazette in response to editorial. it talks about impact of this fiasco on economic development. I think it is a good strategy to head in that direction on this blog too. We need to find some good business leaders and shore them up. We might even find one or two in Morgantown, but that lets out Rotruck, Petroplus, Leech, Puskar, bar owners, Lorenz, etc. Dig deep, since we need a few good men (and women) to change things or this morass continues.
June 11, 2008 at 10:29 am
inthetrenches asked: “Aren’t there budget and EEOC concerns about filling positions at state universities without proper process?”
I believe WVU fills positions without proper process any time it wants to. Remember, the head of “social justice” can simply waive any job posting. I’m sure jobs are created for the “right people” all the time.
June 11, 2008 at 10:45 am
The Manchin Degree Scandal – I like it. Keeps the situation somewhat focused on where this all started and where it still has to go for justice to be done.
June 11, 2008 at 10:49 am
For those looking into governance and presidential searches, see the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges web site. The chair of their Presidents’ group is Lee T. Todd, President, University of Kentucky.
http://www.nasulgc.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=183&srcid=263
Also see the Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities,
http://www.agb.org/
And The State Higher Education Executive Officers site:
http://sheeo.org/
On the SHEEO site:
http://sheeo.org/govern/govletter.htm
Strengthening Higher Education in America:
A Message to State Governors
The letter to the Governors includes a call to them to:
Recruit and appoint outstanding business and civic leaders with credibility and stature to coordinating, governing, and advisory boards for higher education. Many good people will be interested in these appointments, but the times require especially able and credible civic leaders. Nothing short of the very best in these roles can be effective in the coming years.
Build a broad, bipartisan base of support. Addressing the educational challenges facing the nation will take many years. Success is unimaginable without a public consensus on fundamental goals, shared leadership among political, educational, and civic leaders, and initiatives that extend far beyond terms of office.
Taken from the SHEEO web page:
“We can no longer afford to be complacent about the performance of higher education in America”
Four former governors, James B. Hunt, Jr., Garrey Carruthers, Frank Keating, and Richard W. Riley (who also served as U.S. Secretary of Education), recently wrote to every governor in the United States urging them to make higher education a priority and develop a state plan of action.
Their letter included three national commission reports – A Test of Leadership, from the National Commission on the Future of Higher Education, Transforming Higher Education: National Imperative – State Responsibility, from the bipartisan Blue Ribbon Committee of state legislators, and Accountability for Better Results, from the National Commission on Accountability in Higher Education – and studies generated by SHEEO and the National Center for Public Policy in Higher Education on state policy leadership for higher education.
The package sent to the governors included:
• The Letter (personalized for each governor)
• A Test of Leadership (very large – download via “save link as” recommended)
National Commission on the Future of Higher Education
• Transforming Higher Education: National Imperative – State Responsibility
Bipartisan Blue Ribbon Committee of State Legislators
• Accountability for Better Results
The National Commission on Accountability in Higher Education
• Measuring Up 2006
National Center for Public Policy in Higher Education
• The Need for State Policy Leadership
National Center for Public Policy in Higher Education
• How Should States Respond to: A Test of Leadership? (very large – download via “save link as” recommended)
Paul Lingenfelter in Change Magazine, January/February 2007
June 11, 2008 at 10:52 am
I hope no good guys or gals jump ship. good minds with good character are needed to create a new politics. IMO WV ed systems from top to bottom have been on a downhill slide for quite sometime, I don’t care damn reports says. I have seen it first hand at every level.
Criticisms of WV as insular and too related are true… i don’t know about your family but most of the time “mine ain’t no place to find any peace.” I submit there is food for fodder there. The type of politics we are dealing with is just a much costlier form of old fashioned vote buying. there has to be a price to pay politically and therefore financially if this mess is not handled properly. I truly believe if the BOG keeps these people on at these salaries, which are astronomical in terms of this state, many alumni will cease donating permanently. they need to come to a realization that the bubble has burst. I don’t know if any of them are unselfish enough to do that.
Nevertheless, we must present an alternative to the persent method of governing that serves the interests of our students and which will not give anyone an easy way out. A clean but inclusive system that allows for diversity of interests to be represented and not subject to undue political pressure.
In re: Manchin scandal
why were te principals not required to meet and the facts be determined from first hand sources. and if the Dean of B&E is biased against Prof. Speaker he should have recused himself in favor of the asist. dean. the pres.’s office should not have made apppearances on behalf of a student who is totally capable of representing herself. Fundamental questions remain unanswered. this combined with the fact the meeting between the principals 10 yrs ago took place in the presence of a lawyer, now her subordinate, reeks to outside observers. BOG has a duty to make public the answers to these and a number of other questions that are legitimate concerns. If they can not or will not do that, it confirms that the worse case scenario. It does aqppear this matter was a setup from the beginning and that the elevation of Prof. Sears as Dean and the elevation of HMB was timed. BTW who the hell takes their lawyer to a meeting with their prof. unless there is a reason? If the attorney was there to act as a witnes to the conference, Prof. Sears should have been so advised. another question that requires an answer.
Thank you all for the opportunity to blow off on here.
June 11, 2008 at 10:54 am
My pipe dream has always been that the university would be run by faculty and staff governance, basically an extension of college and department procedures. I realize a university is hugely more complicated than an academic unit, but what do you think the chances of attracting some really gifted teachers, scholars, and researchers would be if we could be that unique operation among academic peers?
June 11, 2008 at 10:56 am
See the following State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) site regarding a call to Governors that speaks to governing boards and involvement of the public in higher ed. The letter to the Governors is linked, but I cannot get this blog to accept a post with the links in it:
http://sheeo.org/govern/govletter.htm
June 11, 2008 at 11:29 am
See these reports on state higher ed governance:
http://www.highereducation.org/catreports/governance_state_policy_leadership.shtml
This report examines seven states’ governance structures:
http://www.highereducation.org/reports/governance/governance3.shtml#seven
June 11, 2008 at 11:29 am
Ok, this is the story, some BOG’s were critical of how MG handled things (even those who liked him) but they agreed to come to a consensus that it would be less “devastating” to WVU’s image to keep MG and try to work with him and train him. They thought it would be more “devastating” to WVU’s image to publically ask for his resignation. That’s from the horse’s mouth of one of them. Or at least that’s the party line of what was worked out. Either MG was not pressured by the BOG into resigning and did it on his own (with palpable pressure from some other heavy hitters, yet that would make me like him a little better if he decided to do it on his own) or that was the party line that was worked out. MG agrees to go, but the tradeoff is the BOG remains united in singing his praises. Especially those who had been reported to be critical of him.
June 11, 2008 at 11:49 am
This site links to a database on state higher ed governance and related policy briefings, from the Education Commission of the States:
http://www.ecs.org/ecsmain.asp?page=/html/issuesPS.asp
Guidelines for states considering reorganization:
http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/32/13/3213.htm
June 11, 2008 at 11:54 am
The broadening of the presidential search process at Harvard, from 2006:
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=512415
June 11, 2008 at 11:56 am
Designing the search process at Dartmouth:
http://thedartmouth.com/2008/05/12/news/facultyinput/
June 11, 2008 at 11:58 am
BOG clarification,
Are the dissenting BOG members really that stupid? Hearing about the nature of the dissent is actually making me lose respect for them – and I could previously have sworn that I would love to hear about the dissenting voices, and would respect them. I have more begrudging respect for Goodwin and his buddies doing what is in their own self-interest than for the dissenting BOG members who are letting themselves be led around by the nose like this. They NEED to speak out publicly. How is it possible that they don’t see this?!?!?!
June 11, 2008 at 12:01 pm
See how Harvard broadened its search process:
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/02.15/99-search.html
June 11, 2008 at 12:38 pm
As Hippie says, It’s like the Sopranos. Are they stupid, being bullied or being mollified with promises of promotions? Assuredly, at least supremely conflicted. Or made a trade to get to the next step. Let’s hope at least some of them move forward with their current discussions of the need of the BOG to reach out to their critics and invitite dialogue and ensure that the BOG becomes more transparent and approachable. That’s currently the/a struggle. Whether to remain autocratic and aloof or whether to open up and invite openness and change and transformation for WVu from within. And move toward fixing and healing some of the problems. Same players on same sides here. We’ll see what happens. You could contact them politely and tell them the next step should be the BOg’s reaching out to have respectful dialogue with all voices and that you would appreciate their interest in doing this. And that it is imperative for the healing of WVU. I know, it seems obvious, but those who would want to do this, might have to fight for it. Even within themselves.
June 11, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I enjoyed the DA piece you participated in HK. I also pimped what has been going on here on the blog on my newspaper’s website.
http://parkersburgregister.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=5
June 11, 2008 at 1:34 pm
This is off topic. However, can anyone confirm or deny the rumor that Disgraced Ex-Provost Lang’s teaching duties will include teaching a class in ethics?
June 11, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Nice article, Steven. How about a follow-up saying he didn’t really resign, but “stepped aside?” Maybe he stepped to Evansdale campus?
June 11, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I thought he was going on sabbatical? Good question Faculty Malcontent (isn’t that redundant?)
June 11, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Why is a professional LOBBYIST a Commissioner on HEPC?
How much does a Bond Counsel make for facilitating the BOG bond calls and why does that firm have representation on the BOG?
Why would anyone supposse that Wise/Satterfield have a soft landing plotted?
Will Rotrock show up on BOG? (another LOBBYIST)
Are the BOG “replacements” entitled to full status until after the state Senate give “advice and consent”?
Why does Morgantown need a WVU mayor? (OK, that’s a softball and really can be argued)
Why is Paris Hilton a celebrity? (sorry wrong blog)
How many “interim” positions does WVU need?
How many Fishers does it take to run WVU?
June 11, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Morgantown – WVU announced yesterday it will add a new fee to cover the cost of retaining the services of former President Mike Garrison and his staff in other capacities.
The Defunct Administrator Fee will be established to contribute to the Fund for the Silence of the Lambs and be added to tuition bills starting in the Fall of 2008. It will join the other additional fees listed on the WVU website including the Mountainlair Construction fee; Daily Athenaeum fee; Student Affairs fee; Health, Counseling and Program Services fee; Transportation fee; Radio Station fee; Recreation Center fee; and Athletics fee.
These fees are prorated on a per credit hour basis. The new fee will cover the salaries, none of which were adjusted to their new, decreased job duties, of Bill Case at $135,000 as HSC spokesman; Alex Macia at $185,000 as legal VP; Gerald Lang, who resigned his position as WVU Provost, and will return to teaching at 82% of his current salary, or $199,627; Former Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Steven Sears, who will retain his tenured teaching position with a salary of $159,862; and Mike Garrison, who has yet to be reassigned, at $255,000. With an annual dole of over $900,000, and current enrollment a little over 28,000, the new fee will be about $17 per student, per semester.
Craig Walker, Garrison’s chief of staff, will remain in his position and will continue to earn $177,500 a year.
Reaction from students was mixed. “$17 bucks a semester! That’s a case of Natty light and pack of Phillies!” exclaimed Travis McNeil, a general studies major from McDowell County. “I really don’t think we should have to sacrifice West Virginia’s only number one ranking to cover up the lack of academic integrity and political pervasiveness in the current administration.” Another student, finance major Ann Langley saw a positive side, “The students should be thrilled! With a minimal investment of $17 a semester, the students will be able to sign up for the leadership studies courses currently taught by Lang, and he will guarantee you an A or B out of thin air. You don’t even have to go to class!”
It is currently unclear whether Federal or State financial aid will cover the new fee. With this kind of fee being exclusive to West Virginia University, several financial consultants do not believe that aid will apply, but the idea of funding massive administrative screw-up’s could spread. “This could become a problem as long as Joe Manchin III is governor.” said local financial consultant Charles O’Keefe. “With the dramatic increases in unqualified political appointees to administrative positions in state government, WV taxpayers could soon find a similar fee added to their property taxes as state citizens.”
Although the new fee must first be approved by the WVU Board of Governor’s, the current administration does not foresee a problem.
June 11, 2008 at 4:03 pm
>>>>>>>Lurking In The Grass Says:
June 11, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Why is a professional LOBBYIST a Commissioner on HEPC?
That’s the next great question. Nelson Robinson is a cancer on WV government, but his ties to Tomblin, et al., are so deep it’s unlikely they’ll ever be undone. Why is Tomblin’s wife a college president when her only job experience was as a PR flack?
Just another embarrassment.
June 11, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Lurking: I don’t know how much bond lawyers get in fees for each individual bond issue, but this story might give you some idea:
http://wvgazette.com/News/200801231598
It is on the ex-Goodwin & Goodwin bond lawyer who made close to $240,000 a year.
And I also mentioned this before, but the mayor position in Morgantown is mainly a ceremonial role. City council picks the mayor and the mayor posses really no more official power than any other person on city council. Justice’s position in student orgs isn’t really that big a deal because he doesn’t have much power with the university (except for being able to penalize dumb frat kids that cut down trees in parks.)
June 11, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Newswire, that is a really funny article! It is a great way to put things into perspective. To give Lang some credit, his leadership class was actually very good, although I guess he has some trouble practicing what he teaches (and yes, nearly everyone got As or Bs).
June 11, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Newswire – the humor is appreciated. On a serious note, I’d like to hear something about the process that is supposed to be going on with the Academic Integrity Officer at WVU, regarding Sears and I guess Lang. Now a spoof on that could be funny, too.
My bright idea – can I take it back? I read a comment in the WV Gazette about “The Manchin Degree Scandal,” and now it’s scary – is there a target on my back?
Lou:
it may not be safe to meet with me anymore. What do you think? BTW, I really did show up today, but my disguise was so good, you didn’t notice. Maybe the gestapo will miss me, too.
Aww – no regrets. But if the AM postings stop showing up, check the missing person’s report. I may have to get out my fake Lobbyist ID – that should buy me some time until things die down.
Lurking – be sure to fill us in on what you learn from the article above, if anything. This whole “Manchin Degree Scandal” is really giving all the lawyers a black eye. That’s too bad, because I know a few that I’d my life in their hands if it came to that.
June 11, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Lang is not teaching ethics.
Fisher is not the NCAA compliance officer
The HEPC has a list of peers for WVU: it should be available on the website or through a simple phone call.
June 11, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Lang set up the leadership program in the Eberly College with Larry Cote with the understanding that he would teach in that program when he stepped down from the Provost Office. His plan was to stay until June, 2009 but was forced to move out one year earlier. Yes, he will teach leadership.
He also made sure about the 80% pay.
He is laughing all the way to the bank.
What a sham.
June 11, 2008 at 4:56 pm
As far as disguises for meeting in public, I would ask that no one wear the Nigel Clark beard, as I don’t want the real Nigel Clark to get worked over. (Unless he’s anonymously posting here, in which case, he’s just getting what’s coming to him!).
June 11, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I know that the Academic Misconduct Policy is a slow one, but supposedly it has been put into motion. Or at least that’s what Garrison claimed. I know it’s a long shot to expect anything at all from that, but it’s another area that can be held to account. On the other hand, its confidentiality cloak is very strict.
June 11, 2008 at 5:04 pm
inthetrenches –
Lou has already been using the “Nigel Clark” look! Ask Prof. Clark if he minds, would ya?
I’ll check and see if Lou has a Mike Garrison toupee – perfectly coiffed (no law school pun intended.) He can order a “bold and seismic” from Panera.
inthetrenches – (what disguise are you using these days?) We don’t want to miss you. I’ll be the one with the target on my back.
June 11, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Good one, Newswire.
June 11, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Steph: My disguise? I’m alternating a native of WV and an outsider (even/odd days). I figure at that rate I’ll have a fighting chance against the various mobs sporting pitchforks and torches, or federally approved tasers.
June 11, 2008 at 5:17 pm
inthetrenches:
Mobs? real mobs? you are really scaring me now. Lou and I are early risers. How about you?
I think it may be time to go totally undercover, in the most nondescript manner possible. We can start rotating those uniforms common to the leading industry in WV: service! Monday/Sheetz, Tuesday/WalMart, etc. Then, and only then, will we become totally absorbed into the background -not even noticed.
Instead of those jobs being stepping stones for the underemployed to rise up the American way via higher education, we can have that available for our own “soft landing” as well.
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
June 11, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I actually prefer to wear my academic robes, which leaves me invisible to the BOG.
June 11, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Fisher used to be WVU’s representative on some NCAA governing council.
June 11, 2008 at 5:23 pm
donut @4:16
That bond attorney link is dynamite! Who in the world was his girlfriend, Heather Bresch?!
What a downfall, and look where he landed, “inthetrenches!”
I hope this keeps Lurking digging into this bond counsel area. Good instincts, I would say.
June 11, 2008 at 5:24 pm
That’s it – full regalia! The cloaking device.
June 11, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Steph, I’m sorry that I missed you this morning. I’m going to join you and inthetrenches in full academic regalia tomorrow. That should make it easy to recognize each other and yet, as inthetrenches indicated, be invisible to the BOG. I don’t think the 1800 who signed the Justice petition can see us in that garb, either.
June 11, 2008 at 6:56 pm
<>
That’s only fair, A clue?, since I never saw many of those 1,800, either!!!
June 11, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Sorry if this was posted earlier; I’m not completely caught up. The article headline is ‘Manchin Considers WVU BOG Appointments.”
http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=25069
June 11, 2008 at 8:04 pm
this blog has wonderful stimulating people…I am new and this is a great place.
having said that: unless you have served in a position such as the BOG or something similiar, it is difficult to see their perspective. my point is if EC is working on it behind the scenes, be appreciative of it. it would be wonderful if everyone was outspoken and always on the record, but often more is accomplished off the record. i am just damn glad to hear they are not in lock step, if that is true.
lurking; GREAT work on bond counsel, it is there, just requires digging . …are you PI?
MG’s parachute, not golden, but what would it have looked like if he didn’t have one? Forseeable that serious issues would arise, how did BOG plan to deal with them?
if the BOG, MG and JM want to write people like me off as crazy faculty (my apoligies to the Academics), they are making a big mistake. real pissed offedness is out there among people who are not faculty.
pardon my errors etc. I handwrite most things.
June 11, 2008 at 8:08 pm
ps does MG really have a toupe? omg
June 11, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Mteerfish: I suggest you e-mail me as soon as possible at Jaezaz@aol.com.
June 11, 2008 at 8:22 pm
inthetrenches at 5:08: Don’t pitchfork me, bro!
We will know you by your injuries, should you turn up (God forbid) in the ER. (Lose the regalia before you present, though, or they’ll call the Psych resident.)
Steph: I haven’t gotten around until now to thank you for posting the DP links. They are much appreciated.
Lou: Thank you, too, for all the lists and links. It’s a bitch keeping up w/ all this.
June 11, 2008 at 8:23 pm
will do
June 11, 2008 at 8:25 pm
mteerfish: if that’s a rug, Mikey needs to sue.
June 11, 2008 at 8:34 pm
that was just a joke, guys, but maybe it is a rug
June 11, 2008 at 8:41 pm
70’s grad….great link to Dartmouth process. Their goals were excellent.
Newswire: too funny, I truly believe you can often accomplish more with humor than anger. Eg. I loved Nick Rahall response to Cheney’s comment, much more effective than the posturing outriage.
Josh Austen, I am trying to email, not working.
June 11, 2008 at 8:42 pm
KT,
no shortage of lawyers for him.
June 11, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Jaezaz@aol.com
June 11, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I got that…will keep trying
June 11, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Educate, Agitate and Organize.
To educate we must investigate.
Always test the Hypothesis: Follow the money.
Campaign contributions to Manchin, including the soft money by Mylan and friends, relationships that go way back. Which is fine, but like Justice Maynard, as Governor, Manchin is the regulatory enforcement arm of government who has twisted the office trust by ordering the hush hush on contributions to the Governors Mansion rennovations and specifically to the party tent, fit for a king, King coal and his mistress Big Pharma, it no doubt appears now. The Luv Gov Manchin has been hush hush on Big Pharma financial disclosure about influence peddling to doctors, hospitals and pharmacists, disclosure that would have interfered with the relationship between Mylan and WVU, disclosure widely understood becausing advertising and cloaked lobbying are known to be at the root of the high cost of medicine. This is the quality kind of relationship which facilitated our health care crisis. Governor Manchin is a republican democrat who has never been for the working gal, remember Charlott Pritt? Manchin doesn’t even care about our own public work force, a majority who are also women.
Garrison was the inside straight, he just wasn’t supposed to get caught. Pat him on the head, he continues to be a great distraction from the problem of the power of special interests corrupting the public purpose of government, absolutely. You know, come on now, we all good old boy’s here.
Voters understand stuff like this and heaven forbid the voters actually start thinking about people who expect free degrees, while we don’t have affordable health care, are still in debt from college, gas, groceries and rent, we might well show up on election day and vote different. It wouldn’t hurt to join a union or two while I’m thinking about it.
If it wasn’t for elections and unions, they really would never care what people think, governments job is to help take money from the working people and pass it on to the connected ones. The upper crusties know this is their fundimental duty, to keep the feed lot full of plump taxpayers, ripe for the picking. The only way to change the way the upper crusties operate is to change the boss. We have never needed to bite the bullet more than we need to today, and vote third party. The good People of West Virginia need to use our democracy to take our state back from the fat cats and their arrogant expectation of privilege.
Now, if you want a few rocks to dust off, look into what happened back during the 2004 election when there were news reports about candidate Manchin getting campaign help in ways representing undisclosed aid, and the West Virginia news saw fit to question it. As SOS Manchin would also have investigated election violations.
Same players. Same disregard for rules and accountability. Justice Benjamin is unethical and just as smug. No more wonder why Garrison was so happy to be in the crapper of public opinion, a half million dollars! Just enough money to question. Garrison has served as a very useful lot of distraction from the rats nest BOG the long twisting hand from the Governors Mansion.
June 11, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Well, it’s getting difficult to process the ideas and clues. There is an entire Clue Family on the other thread, and it appears there may be a set of quadruplets among them.
I am still in awe of the profound statement of “inthetrenches” @5:22. Very fitting considering the emperor’s new clothes (and I do think his hair has to be real.)
I’ll just keep creating new nams for new scandals, and post from my morning paper. I’m glad it’s doing some good.
June 11, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Steph: it maybe real but it makes a great question. Could someone give it a tug just to be sure?
June 11, 2008 at 9:32 pm
This was added to the AP wire a couple of hours ago so it will be in the newspapers tomorrow.
WVU interim president won’t be named soon
By The Associated Press
MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia University Board of Governors says it may take a few months to name an interim president of WVU.
The board issued a statement Wednesday, saying its goal is to appoint someone as close to Sept. 1 as possible.
While it’s possible an appointment could come sooner, WVU spokeswoman Janey Cink says it will most likely be very close to Mike Garrison’s departure date.
Garrison was ensnared in a master’s degree scandal involving the governor’s daughter that began last fall.
The pressure for a change in leadership was unrelenting when he announced last week he will stop serving as president Sept. 1.
The board says the search for a permanent president will begin after the interim leader is in place.
June 11, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Also, nice “article” from earlier Newswire. While it was a joke, the reality is that the money does have to come from somewhere to pay these jokers. I just don’t think we can let this issue go untill all of them are gone. Imagine getting $185,000 like Alex Macia is receiving in spite of all of his involvement with the Manchin Degree Scandal. That alone is a huge slap in the face to all West Virginians.
June 11, 2008 at 9:35 pm
If they don’t have an interim in place, it will be hard to give Mikey the boot.
June 11, 2008 at 9:36 pm
mteerfish:
you mentioned “real pissed offedness.” Is your new word new slang, or do you use the archaic three-syllable pronuciation?
A day of TMI results in such things.
June 11, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I am WVU grad…’72, I don’t remember much. I believe archaic is applicable.
June 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Rodriguez’ interview, where preliminary clips seem to indicate he is spilling the truck load of beans, and kicking over a few large crocks of Manchin and Garrison and BOG shit:
http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=39742&catid=208
June 11, 2008 at 9:49 pm
the question is has he resigned effective Sept. 1 or is this a lawyer ploy?
June 11, 2008 at 9:56 pm
This AP news – is it really significant? I think not, and talking to potential interims can take up all this time. I think they will have a very tough time, with or without improved shared governance. The BoG also needs to reorganize itself, so keep sending in those ideas – Lou will remind us and tweak the TO DO list.
The question I ask myself is – why announce this at all? They say “take a few months.” Sept. 1 is 12 weeks and 2 days from the announcement. I think this is designed to get minds off their July meeting and the appointments that need to be made.
What else would they want us to not be thinking about? Or maybe they think this will make the calls and mails stop. I’m sure they wish they could have a break! Let’s not let that happen.
June 11, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I saw in one of the Chas. papers a comment that maybe since Garrison “stepped aside,” he is just waiting behind the curtains to become interim president. It was likely intended humor, but anything is possible.
June 11, 2008 at 10:01 pm
If MG is appointed interim president, the entire state would be sunk into real pissed offedness.
June 11, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Steph: is that new slang or archiac three syllable pronunciation?
To be blunt, I think there are many people who laid real money down at WVU, to educate children, donations, any cause asked, band, athletics, COL, SOM, foundation, small and medium donors always ready to give.
these guys better not f it up again. pissed offedness won’t describe the outrage if they play a game with this.
June 11, 2008 at 10:17 pm
How can one hire a VP for HSC Healthcare without knowing the President’s goals and directives, especially in light of there not being a President? How can anyone with any integrity, common sense, etc., even apply for the position knowing this?
June 11, 2008 at 10:19 pm
The BOG, any current administration, be it WVU or HSC, SHOULD not be on ANY search committee for either the VP for HSC or WVU. Then, and only then, will a true leader in each capacity be hired.
June 11, 2008 at 10:40 pm
It is critical that a new adminstration be in place with all deliberate speed recognizing that it must be an open, fair and inclusive process designed to bring us an adminstrator with impeccable credentials. Anything less is an open door for these joewhackers to screw it up even more. Oddly enough the people currently under the microscope maybe less likely at this juncture to pull more BS.
June 11, 2008 at 10:48 pm
well, that would be an accurate assumption, but could also make for an excellent makeshift reversal microscope, which allows for a more underhanded, covert avenue of “business as usual”
June 11, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Macia, Walker, Cummings, Sears, Lang all seem to be paddling the boat of the same side so they go around in circles in the small pond. With Garison as the cox-man.
June 11, 2008 at 11:00 pm
This latest “stepping down” movement by Garrison is nothing but a ruse. Nothing short of more tom foolery on the part of the BOG. Perhaps all should unite and not report to their respective offices until MG vacates his, and permanently. And, with his extensive experience with phone calls and lobbying, I believe him to be an ideal candidate for teletech, saw a commerical, they’re hiring.
June 11, 2008 at 11:01 pm
good point
June 11, 2008 at 11:08 pm
BOG could and should ask “Mr. Garrison are you resigning as of SEPT. 1? get the BOG and MG on the record….if they let him avoid answering, I think it is prudent to assume you are correct, strategic command.
June 11, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I certainly do not have a law degree, but I can’t help but wonder how it is that the gaurantor (so to speak), this being MG, as president of WVU and guilty of not fulfilling his duty in protecting the very heart of this institution, be permitted to have HIS contract fulfilled? A breach of HIS contract has been HIS own doing, hence, there is no longer a binding contract, am I correct in this thinking?
June 11, 2008 at 11:28 pm
the other party is not complaining of a breach….indeed their position has steadfastly remained, he has done no wrong. you or I might agree he has breached his contract but we have no right to enforce the agreement or claim a breach. I think it is safe to assume the BOG does not want another high profile contract dispute.
June 11, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Looking into my crystal ball: yes, yes, the fog is clearing, now I can see. Oh, it’s Richie Rod and Bray Carry doing an interview, and it looks like Richie (the once beloved coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers) is coming off as very believable. Could the publics’ opinion of Richie be changing?
Maybe we hillbillies were wrong about Richie Rod. Let’s think about this coaching debacle. Who was spinning this story to the press? Oh yes, it was the WVU Administration and who do we trust in the Administration?
Pres. Garrison? No, BOG? No. Oh hell, there is no one I can think of.
Basically, the administration has proven, during the “Manchin Degree Scandal”, that they can’t tell the truth. Oh yes, I think Governor Manchin was helping out with the spin after our coaches departure. I’m not sure that my ESP is working, but let’s suppose public opinion turns in Richie Rods favor. If that happens, opinion would automatically turn against Meddling Manchin and what’s left of the WVU Administration. Now we have the ingredients for a real election in November. We know Hillbillies don’t care a hellava lot about academics, but they love football. Let’s not forget about those dumbass republicans going into the fall with a “Week” candidate. Russ would probably do us less harm anyway. The hardest thing he would have to do, is to apologize to Rich Rodriguez on behalf of the entire state of West Virginia.
Bob Dylan said, “You gotta serve somebody”.
The Great Carnack says, “You gotta trust somebody”.
The Manchin Degree Scandal taught us who we can trust. Thank God and Greyhound we did get something out of it.
Now folks, I must retire to my meditations. May God Bless
June 11, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Various spokespersons in the prez’s office have confirmed when asked by the press that MG is stepping down as prez. Does this leave the door open for a postion as interim pres? Yes. But, if the BOG thinks that the genteel faculty senate was a mob, wait until they see the real mob that will emerge if they try to pull a fast one & keep their boy on the dole. Our elected officials appear to have been shaken from their slumber (see the link posted much earlier today that included statements from legislators). I suppose the state legislature will be deemed a “mob” by the BOG if they try to take away the BOG’s “right” to exercise unbridled power over the peasants.
MNA guy:
Thanks for the DA link. I don’t care what the old wolverine says, the DA is doing a service bringing the story to the students. (Although wolverine does have a point about the slant–if you have a bully pulpit, you should use it). Don’t know if you saw my reply to your post about podcast idea on the other thread.
From Wikipedia: Bully Pulpit: “This term stems from President Theodore Roosevelt’s reference to the White House as a “bully pulpit,” meaning a terrific platform from which to persuasively advocate an agenda. Roosevelt often used the word “bully” as an adjective meaning superb/wonderful. Roosevelt also had political affiliation with the Progressive Party, nicknamed the “Bull Moose” party. It got the moniker when Roosevelt ran for President as its candidate in 1912, after declaring himself as “fit as a bull moose.” “
June 11, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Oh Great Carnack:
You are very wise. The oracle at White Sulphur Springs has foretold the tale of a young man who turned to football in an attempt to improve his lot in life and escape his father’s fate of toiling in the coal mines. The oracle has foretold that the day of reckoning will come. The young man will return home, triumphant, vindicated at last. The truth will set him free. WV fans will become Michigan fans. There will be peace in the land of Gators, Fiestas, and Roses. (But the young man will still be out 4 million. He really should have listened to the oracle when it told him not to sign the contract).
June 12, 2008 at 12:13 am
fox hunter @ 11:37 – I saw your reply – thanks again. I’m trying to get some momentum going with those ideas, though I personally have no experience with video production.
As for the DA and Ry Rivard… in the few times I’ve spoken with him, he’s displayed a very neutral attitude about the news going on around him. His writing is respected on campus; I’m not going to read too much into his article about HK. I trust the DA staff to balance professionalism in journalistic practice with the need to accessibly disseminate necessary information to the student body.
June 12, 2008 at 12:22 am
corruption rules in wv….but at least mike garrison is on his way out
June 12, 2008 at 12:35 am
Like inbred rats. Even the republican Candidate for Governor, former State Senator Weeks, voted to give Manchin this unrestrained power.
We So need fresh ideas. What about these 3rd party candidates? Are there any? Will Ohio invade West Virginia if a 3rd party wins?
Wasn’t Jesse ventura an independent Governor? They came out ok.
Contrary to the yellow dog infotainment media blackout, 3rd parties are alive, starved for cash, fighting disinformation and trying to make a difference when corruption is so wide spread.
June 12, 2008 at 1:27 am
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200806111849
R&V got a $450,000 contract for the HSC report, even though another nationally-known company offered to do it for $355,000.
Craig Walker brokered the deal. Isn’t there a fiduciary responsibility to get the best price for the University? Seems like a firing offense to me, as if there weren’t enough against him already.
June 12, 2008 at 5:07 am
I’m sure the actual consulting firm used was immaterial; the administration was going to spin it whichever way it wished.
WVU could argue that spending more for the report was a way of stimulating the local economy.
I’m sure they’re dying to release a response along these lines: “Why did we do it [hire the more expensive firm]? Because we didn’t think anyone would notice! And so please don’t examine our deal with Barnes and Noble for the bookstore, or the Dell computer kickbacks, or the vending machine contracts, or the National Travel scam. That’s all we have to say about the matter. D’oh!”
June 12, 2008 at 5:26 am
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAwMTAx&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 5:29 am
misc. B&E
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAwNTAx&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 5:30 am
new endowment SoM
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAwMzAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 5:33 am
allusions to scandal – editorial
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAwNjAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 5:34 am
Thursday’s To Do List
1. There is only one thing for today but it is something that everyone should do.
Contact your federal representatives and urge them to talk with Governor Manchin and other state officials about the need for greater diversity including non-residents experienced in higher education on the BOG. The State of the University speech is being given in Washington, DC on Monday. That event is typically attended by federal and state legislators, alumni, etc. Given this, it’s likely that there will be opportunities for national representatives to speak with state officials.
Contact them TODAY so they will have a chance to see your message before Monday’s event. For Senator Byrd go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=WV to access a web form. For Senator Rockefeller go to http://rockefeller.senate.gov/contact/
For all Representatives, go to https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml to send email. It may take a couple of steps to get to the right page but don’t give up.
If everyone who reads this blog emails their representative and at least one Senator, it may have an impact.
June 12, 2008 at 5:35 am
Joe’s visit – somehow, this amount of money looks very low, but the slant is up to you
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAwOTAx&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 5:40 am
Nehlen didn’t go out of state for bypass
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAxMzAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 5:41 am
someone will be under oath
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8xMiNBcjAxMzAz&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 12, 2008 at 6:04 am
inthetrenches – I’m so glad you could get up early and join Lou and I, here at the secret cafe. Lou outdid himself this morning, don’t you think? I got lost in the arts&entertainment today, and would have missed that big meeting in DC.
Let’s hit that “send” button all at once for our Federal mail of the day, and perhaps get a reminder off to the troops later. Oops, I meant “off to the mob.”
No one seems to notice the regalia. I don’t think they are awake yet.
June 12, 2008 at 6:12 am
Interesting that Nehlen stayed in WV for his surgery.
I’m doing the same thing but using this blog for my procedure: HK provides me with a vented spleen.
June 12, 2008 at 6:24 am
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200806111849
Here’s something about R&V
what about botox? that should be even easier.
June 12, 2008 at 6:40 am
Steph: Interesting article in the “Charleston Gazette” today. Thank God President Garrison has Bill Case out there to get everything straightened out.
It kind of reminds me of George W. Bush telling former-FEMA director Michael Brown “Heckuva job, Brownie” after Hurricane Katrina. At this rate, it looks like Case is due for a promotion–one with the same pay and fewer responsibilities. Oh, wait…I think that happened already.
June 12, 2008 at 6:45 am
So let me get this straight, WVU goes with the more expensive, less reputable consulting firm and I have to get three quotes on a benchtop centrifuge (~$6000) and then write a 2 page explanation as to why going with the absolute low ball quote is not the best thing for my research. WVU then hems and haws and decides I cannot spend my own grant money on the equipment I want. Heres to waking up yet another day in the beautiful state of WV.
June 12, 2008 at 6:51 am
I don’t have a benchtop centrifuge, either :(
Come to think of it, I don’t have a bench….
June 12, 2008 at 6:54 am
At least the press is picking up the fact that Garrison isn’t going anywhere. He may not be President as of Sept 1 but plans a being made for him to land somewhere. Guaranteed money plus cush benefits can’t be turned down I suppose. What kind of role do you put MG that still allows an interim President to do his job, and then be able to run a credible search with credible candidates? I am not sure. The idea of that the BOG may ask MG to stay on as interim President. Sounds crazy, but nothing would surprise me in this fiasco. We have to keep in mind that MG still has “seismic” things to do.
June 12, 2008 at 7:12 am
Hoppy has a commentary on Garrison.
http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=25071
Have you emailed your federal legislators yet? See the 5:34 am post for why this is important.
June 12, 2008 at 7:27 am
azlo:
Isn’t it pathetic to see the good people getting a paltry $60,000 at Clay-Battelle for pharm? I’m sure there were group hugs, too. Glad they got it, but Sheesh!
That’s what, less than 1/4 of a Mikey salary?
June 12, 2008 at 7:33 am
Lou:
I read Hoppy’s commentary. As for the cardboard box referents -
I see now that I am truly heartless.
I think I’m proud of that, too.
Are you heartless, Lou?
June 12, 2008 at 7:38 am
I am although I’d be willing to provide some non-cardboard suitcases, if needed.
June 12, 2008 at 7:43 am
Lou:
Did you catch the Cindy Frich posting on the “Momma” thread – about pop tax.
Deadlines are pressing – will have to leave you guys with your coffee refills, and go into executive session.
Which reminds me: Today’s D-P front page has Martinelli once again voicing for BoG. But he mentions not knowing if the executive committee has been addressing the “resignation;” he (Martinelli) hasn’t heard anything.
According to BoG procedures, all BoG members are to be notified of any Exec. Committee meeting. They can participate but NOT vote, however. Interesting. Apparently they are not required to notify agenda when they notify meeting date.
How many levels of secrecy does this BoG need? Even their clause about using RRoO states they can adapt that any way they want as well.
All these published rules and policies when the simple version is – they do whatever the governor wants. By default, that must also include the governor’s daughter.
I really hope these governance issues can be changed, and fear I may not live long enough to see it.
I’ll check in later, Lou and inthetrenches. Time to hang up the regalia.
June 12, 2008 at 7:51 am
Devil’s Advocate is dead wrong.
I quit reading this site from HSC…because I was directly asked why I was reading HK, and was asked if I was posting to it.
You get the picture. Big Brother from the Family Manchin is watching.
I really don’t care if they watch me or not, fuck them all. It is a free country, and I am not violating the law.
The point remains, however, they are watching.
Buyer beware.
June 12, 2008 at 8:08 am
I access this site several times a day from HSC and have never had any difficulty or anyone say anything to me. It is just plain stupid for IT (or whoever) to be wasting their time on tracking down hits to a site.
June 12, 2008 at 8:52 am
WVU goes with the higher priced consultants bcause they have major cnnflicts of interest (Wheeling Hostital CEO with cnnection to Bailes and also a board membership at UPMC). Can’t do business any other way here in WV. It wouldn’t be right.
June 12, 2008 at 9:05 am
Top ten answers to the question, “Why are you reading HK?”
10. I love soap operas.
9. One should always have something sensational to read.
8. Getting to know my (home/adoted) state.
7. I think I’ve met some of these people.
6. I thought it was an Ozzy Osbourne fan site.
5. I like to read my own writing.
4. It provides all the links in one place. I hate research.
3. The porn site is down.
2. Because, like Diogenes, I am seeking an honest man.
and the #1 (drum roll)
1. What, you mean you’re NOT reading HK?
June 12, 2008 at 9:21 am
Sorry to interupt the current thread, but some one made a comment about folks forgiving RR.
Please…let me have whatever you are taking. My tooth is killing me.
There is NO WAY I see folks understanding why he left…at least not in the sports community of WVa.
If you check out Rivals WVU site, they typically have about 35% of that brd or more dedicated to insulting RR and/or Michigan in general on a daily basis.
Some days they have half or more posts dedicated to the topic…and this is how many months later? They do everything in their power to put us down, in an attempt to build their self-esteem.
The big laugh is they actually think Stew is a better coach than RR…and that Stew is a man who stands by his morals. Still havent got an expanation from em though for the reason Stew would back Garrison…and believe me…I have stirred that pot :P
Scout has an entire board dedicated to RR…but isnt as active as Rivals on the subject IMO. Rivals is required reading daily. One must see it with their own eyes, to understand how delusional the folks are there.
I think it was divine fate to find this blog. Until I did find it, I seriously thought these idiots were the norm…not the exception. The inferiority complex displayed by those cretins is of biblical proportions.
Really like the folks I interact with around here…too bad the sports community doesnt have a “lick of sense” generally speaking. Their voices could of helped gotten Garrison out long ago :(
June 12, 2008 at 9:23 am
trenches:
11. because real life is better than fiction. You can’t make this shit up.
June 12, 2008 at 9:26 am
In Hoppy’s commentary he says, “Only the heartless want to see Garrison carrying a cardboard box with his belongings out of Stewart Hall on Sept. 1.”
What the hell is he talking about? He still doesn’t get it. How is that heartless to want to see these corrupt bastards leaving WVU by Sept. 1 at the LATEST! Boooo to Hoppy…
June 12, 2008 at 9:38 am
i was one of the first to trash rr. fortunately thru this site i have now learned more about manchin, goodwin and garrison. there was much more to the story than i ever imagined. i will be watching the interview on wboy and will encourage anybody i can to watch. hk, maybe you can do an interview with bray in the future.
June 12, 2008 at 9:42 am
I agree it would be heartless to see him leave with a cardboard box; let’s all pitch in for a nice WVU laundry bag with the drawstring! It’s greener!
June 12, 2008 at 9:45 am
Having lived in Marion County (Manchin home county) for many years, I can tell you that RR has a lot of “stuff” he could cite on the Family.
The HK website has done the citizens of WV a tremendous service by airing so much to so many.
Lets hope the ‘exposure’ continues, and digs even deeper. The closets are full of skeletons.
June 12, 2008 at 9:47 am
Wolverine:
I logged onto rivals dot comm created an account & went to the blue lot. But it looks like ya gotta pay to play (post) on the rivals site, is that correct? If so, the sample of comments may be skewed on this site.
June 12, 2008 at 10:01 am
http://westvirginia.rivals.com/forum.asp?mid=&tid=&sid=891&fid=33&style=2
The free brds.
June 12, 2008 at 10:12 am
Maybe a little off topic, but not for me.
Waiting for the electricians. How much do we all enjoy waiting to hear; “”This is worse than I thoght”. Coffe and listening to local radio talk show, when they played this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw
Dr. Randy Pausch “Last Lecture” (abridged)
I am not given to showing my emotions and accussed of being too reserved. Dr. Pausch’s refelctions on humility, the importance of people vs things, integrity and truth was done with such humility that I was brought to tears. This is all that is good about human beings.
Pay attention BOG…Dr. Pausch should be viewed before each and everyone of your meetings…
June 12, 2008 at 10:16 am
I found this article interesting. It suggests that the WV Supreme Court issued a ruling that indicates RR may not have much of a basis unless he can establish fraud.
http://www.wvmetronews.com/print.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=25053
WVU law students created a blog related to this. It is at http://www.richrodriguezlaw.blogspot.com/
The last update on it is May 22, 2008 os it may be relatively quiet for the summer.
June 12, 2008 at 10:22 am
Would several mucky-mucks telling RR the same thing–that the $4mil would never be collected–amount to fraud and/or conspiracy to commit fraud? I bet Matlock would say yes!
June 12, 2008 at 10:29 am
Ooooo…conspiracy theories.
Where is Mel Gibson when you need him to make up a newsletter?
Then again, that got all of his subscribers Fubar-ed.
Gonna find out not only are you guys being monitored, but I got black helicoptors outside my window as well.
Now where was that copy of Catcher in the Rye? :)
June 12, 2008 at 11:00 am
any verbal agreement rr had with mg is not worth the paper its written on. mike brown should know that.
June 12, 2008 at 11:09 am
Wolverine: thanks for the link to the free board on rivals. I’ll try to post there later tonight, I tried to post just now & got a msg about needing to have my acct activated, but I did get an email saying it was activated so I am confused. I’ll try to figure it out later. You think a site for jocks would be easier to use!
Yep, written agreements take precedence over verbal agreements. That is why Richie Rod will have to pay up even if the fans do come around to supporting their native son.
June 12, 2008 at 11:10 am
“Oral contracts are not worth the paper they’re written on.”
–Sam Goldwyn
June 12, 2008 at 11:12 am
Lou,
I don’t place a lot of faith in Tom Peyton’s legal analysis, and his conclusion that Rodriguez’s case is more or less governed by Sedlock, if for no other reason than Rodriguez’s contract with WVU is a whole lot different than a standard real estate contract. But he comments for MetroNews, so what can you expect?
The outcome of the suit will turn more on the fact that a trial will take place in Morgantown than on the substantive law.
June 12, 2008 at 11:23 am
What to look at after it gets over.
June 12, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Lurking @10:12am
I had never seen this before, and was also very moved. Thank you for the link. I am humbled.
June 12, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I was honored to be in attendance at Randy’s lecture at CMU. His book “The Last Lecture” has been a wonderful gift to send to friends.
June 12, 2008 at 2:29 pm
This is an interesting article about the selection of governing boards, presidents, etc.
http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=39877
The Virginia approach of appointment of BOG members by an independent bi-partisan board may be of interest, if there is an opportunity to restructure the process. Of course, that’s a possible long-range solution. The focus first is to get three good people appointed to the current BOG.
June 12, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Lou:
I think your TO DO is worth repeating. I hope you don’t mind a repost:
Thursday’s To Do List
1. There is only one thing for today but it is something that everyone should do.
Contact your federal representatives and urge them to talk with Governor Manchin and other state officials about the need for greater diversity including non-residents experienced in higher education on the BOG. The State of the University speech is being given in Washington, DC on Monday. That event is typically attended by federal and state legislators, alumni, etc. Given this, it’s likely that there will be opportunities for national representatives to speak with state officials.
Contact them TODAY so they will have a chance to see your message before Monday’s event. For Senator Byrd go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=WV to access a web form. For Senator Rockefeller go to http://rockefeller.senate.gov/contact/
For all Representatives, go to https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml to send email. It may take a couple of steps to get to the right page but don’t give up.
If everyone who reads this blog emails their representative and at least one Senator, it may have an impact.
Lou:
What do you know about this speech? Do a lot of alumni usually attend?
June 12, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Thanks, Steph. I was thinking of reposting, too.
Let me add that someone has suggested that federal officials may not make a difference in this matter and thus questioned why they should be contacted. They may not but if they get a couple hundred messages, they may decide to comment in the more casual environment of the State of the University message. Are any of us really so busy that we can’t take five minutes to do this on the chance that it may have an impact?
Alumni do attend, especially those in the DC area. It’s a chance to WVU to “strut its stuff” in DC. Many from WVU also attend, including Deans and others.
June 12, 2008 at 5:48 pm
That’s great, Lou. Do you go?
I hope it is well attended and that folks send in their opinions before Monday. As you say, it’s easy and could tip things the other direction.
I’ll be back later, and we can plan the next AM conference. All this HSC talk has me thinking – why do docs keep their stethoscopes on while in the grocery stores? Do we want to go scrubs? I’ll see if I have an Albert Schweitzer beard this time.
June 12, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I won’t be there this year Steph, which I regret. It should be a surreal experience.
Scrubs are a good idea. And given what’s happening at the HSC, they may be nearly as invisible to the BOG as academic regalia — and much more comfortable.
June 12, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Steph:
Albert Schweitzer’s second cousin (I believe I’m remembering this right) was Jean-Paul Sartre.
Stethoscopes are handy for listening when thumping melons. In the grocery store, I mean.
I wonder how many MIR shirts we can get to the DC speech?
June 12, 2008 at 6:23 pm
inthetrenches:
I did not know that about Sartre and Schweitzer. Being the well-trained WVU alumni that I am, I looked it up, and it is true. Small world.
I had my melon thumped in the hospital once, and I most certainly was outraged at the time. You are correct that it is best done in the grocery store.
With this heat, scrubs would be much better than regalia – I agree.
One of the “clue” folk was planning on joining us, but I can’t tell them apart – you know – “they all look the same.” I would like an update from them, as they seem to be connecting the dots.
inthe and Lou – I am behind on the articles today, especially the one Lou found about BOG’s. I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday, and NO suspense planned by the BoG that we know of.
So many “deafening silences” these past weeks. I wonder what Hardesty thinks of Mike taking all this credit, just to show something for his 7 months? Do you thik DH is on the blog?
June 12, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Steph:
The “clue” people are known for their colorful garb (Col. Mustard wears a yellow, Ms. Scarlett in red, etc.).
June 12, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Steph:
The “clue” people are known for their colorful garb–Col. Mustard wears a yellowish outfit, Ms. Scarlett wears red, etc. You should be able to recognize them easily, but avoid the Library!
June 12, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Of course! I used to love that game. I do think I saw Miss Peacock – she was following us this morning – if you are colorblind you may have missed her.
Now you have raised an interesting prospect – secret underground passageways between WVU campuses? Mike can just slip away, and surface at HSC in a new disguise. If he dies his hair black, he’d look like Eddie Munster.
If we start carrying around our candlesticks, will we look like a real mob? It’s so much more civilized than the pitchforks.
It’s a slow news afternoon – how refreshing. I think everyone got on those free brds that Wolverine told us about. I sure hope he’s doing better.
be back after I make a fine showing of doing something productive.
June 12, 2008 at 7:10 pm
What should the BOG have in mind for MG to have a role in WVU since it appears that he is staying in some fucking capacity? WTF?
I’m thinking, maybe that Garrison should run the Lifetime Activities Program (http://www.wvu.edu/~physed/lap/) or the WV Walks (http://www.wvwalks.org) – he does need get off his ass and lose a few pounds. Too much “seismic” activity.
But what about Cummings, Walker, Macia?
June 12, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Eddie Munster. Very funny. Actually, members of my family were casting MansionGate: the Movie with Drew Carey as MG, Pamela Anderson as HB, Steve Buscemi as Alex Macia. And Bruce Springsteen as HK. Am off to the gym to deal positively with that ugly aggressive streak of mine.
June 12, 2008 at 7:24 pm
SAY IT AIN’T SO JOE!!!
Gov “fast eddie” manchin’s office has announced that the gov is following the same process to choose new bog members that he used to select the current crop. It’s not over yet folks.
So what’s going to be the new role for garrison if the bog finds a way to let him stay? One rumor is that it may be something to do with the new wvu research park. That would be doubly ironic. One reason is that garrison moved out the former vp for research before taking office—the person who was the driver for establishing the park. Another is that state economic development funding for the park never came through—in part because of the theatre center development that has now become part of the waterfront hotel—only so much of the economic development money could come to the Morgantown area. Now guess which bog member is involved development of the waterfront hotel. And guess who helped garrison ease out the former vp for research (hint: also economic development related and also tied to the governor). And guess where manchin is in all of this. So this just has to be a rumor. It just goes to show that there is no viable role for garrison anywhere in or around wvu. They wouldn’t dare would they? Or would they?
Now can you imagine garrison getting up in front of folks in washington and delivering the state of the U message next week? Stay tuned for that!
!We Ourselves!
June 12, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Steph,
Being a mystery writer, I have always loved clues and have been known to drop a few myself. I’m working on my next novel with the central characters being from academia and featuring missing credit hours and grades that came out of thin air. My working title is “The Purloined Letter” but that seems awfully familiar and perhaps that has already been taken?
June 12, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Excellent title Agatha. It should be a big seller on campuses countrywide.
June 12, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Agatha, you are going to have to make your plot a little more realistic. Who would ever believe that in academia today, with all of the regulations governing us, all of the multiple review levels in place, and all of the technology at our fingertips, that credit hours could go missing and grades come out of thin air? Come on now!
I suppose the next thing you will expect us to believe is that it wasn’t the butler, but the President who did it and some character named Hippie Killer who helped expose the whole sordid mess.
June 12, 2008 at 9:11 pm
You got me. Actually, I was going to give my new detective the name of Happy Keller. I can’t tell you who the culprit is going to be, because that will spoil the book, but the clues that he left were an empty jar of hair putty and a cell phone with numerous calls to (304) 558-2000.
June 12, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Happy Keller – that is great. Now, just make sure you throw in the Braxton County monster somewhere! Maybe the monster gets all BOG’d down in the middle of the mess. I can’t wait to read it.
June 12, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Agatha:
Your talents will not be wasted.
I confess I’ve been baffled by all the “Clues” here on Happy Keller. The plot clots. Right now there are so many likely culprits – you’ve got some time to lead us down various paths of conjecture.
The MERE group will still be the good guys, right?
June 12, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Agatha:
How about “The Purloined Letter GRADE”?
I’m working on a novel called “All the Governor’s Men.”
Sorry for the gender specificity, but I need to channel Robert Penn Warren, Bob Woodward, and Carol Channing for this.
June 12, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Excellent, Dr. inthetrenches.
You can have a second career, or third, as the case may be. If you work late, we’ll excuse you for coffee. Great working titles, everyone.
Hey in: isn’t it ironic who quickly Nixon was hustle off into the helicopter once they really had the goods on him? And here we sit!
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from “deepthroat.” He/she may have returned in another guise. Or he got strep.
June 12, 2008 at 9:47 pm
“how quickly” the brain cells ebb in the evening hours. I think it’s time to hang up my keyboard.
June 13, 2008 at 12:38 am
Steph…
You get confused?
Try reading about new characters weekly in this epic tale, and having a 2 minute to 2hr memory window from all the drugs over the yrs.
Several times I have come close to drawing up flow charts, just to keep the timelines for all the wrong-doings in correct order.
Then I remember…I got a whole blog full of folks to keep the facts straight. My job here is to throw out “Atta Boys” and “Go team” for the good guys, and nasty comments pertaining to the bad guys.
Everything coming from the bad guys side seems pretty transparant when you view it from afar…like that opinion piece trying to discredit HK. The Good Ole Boy Network is so “in the wrong”…yet they just cant seem to figure it out.
Even when someone spells it out to them.
June 13, 2008 at 2:20 am
Lou, I’ve done my homework!
Thanks for making it so easy to do our part with your links, etc.
How about the rest of you? Let Lou know when your have completed the day’s assignments, so he will know how many have “acted” in addition to having “talked.”
June 13, 2008 at 5:02 am
Wolverine:
I’ll be hovering on the newest thread but spotted that you had been visiting.
Your window of optimum brain function may not be what you’d like, but I’ve been impressed with how much sense you can make out of this mess.
As you’ve said, the political PR cannot cover up the transparent shenanigans. The big fear is how big the iceberg under the recent discoveries, and how accidental they have been.
Now that the HSC mess is slowly coming out of the background (mostly due to fear tactics) it sure does have another nasty side to it.
I have to grab some coffee and get the local headlines out – off to the newest thread.
Keep filling us in from the other things you read – amazing how it all connects.
TTYL, A.W.
June 13, 2008 at 8:19 pm
inthetrenches:
Stay away from the book ideas! I’m writing one. It’s going to be called “The Garrisoned.”
June 13, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I wonder if the state of the niversity speech will be on C-Span
June 13, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Steph?
Are you flirting with Wolverine?
June 13, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Curious:
In all the time I’ve been on this blog, which isn’t very long, that is the first personal question like that I’ve seen. I’m still clinging to academic integrity, and taking the high road for now.
Curious?
Are you flirting?
I can’t believe I said that.