The Fifth Column comment section right now serves as proof that quantity and quality are 2 separate things. But every once in a while, we get a keeper. Read, learn and imagine:
“By the way, I heard that Parker Brothers just licensed Clueless: The Mountaineer Whodunit? game. Our friends at Parker Brothers think it will be the biggest thing since Morgantown Monopoly, the game where people try to get WVU to buy their property so they can build a hotel right next to it. If you’re lucky you land on “Waterfront Place” with enough money to buy it and build a hotel on it. If you’re unlucky you land on “WVNET” and the Governor makes you sell your property to another player. The only thing missing from the Morgantown version: there’s no “Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect Millions of Dollars” card.
I was especially disappointed to hear that Parker Brothers expressed no interest in the Stewart Hall version of Sorry! though. They didn’t like it that everyone in Stewart Hall seemed to move forward, never backwards, in our version despite resignations and reassignments. Plus they didn’t think the name was realistic because no one in Stewart Hall ever seemed to be Sorry!” - Happy Keller, 8:07 p.m.
Now if only someone among us possessed mad Photoshop skills…
June 25, 2008 at 5:04 am
Outscooped by ex-Button - A real resignation
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8yNSNBcjAwMTAx&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 25, 2008 at 5:07 am
faculty
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8yNSNBcjAwMjA3&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
Editorial
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8yNSNBcjAwNjAy&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 25, 2008 at 5:08 am
The cartoon, not the letters
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8yNSNBcjAwNjAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 25, 2008 at 5:13 am
lawsuit again
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8yNSNBcjAwOTAz&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
medical lawsuit
http://olive.dominionpost.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RFBvc3QvMjAwOC8wNi8yNSNBcjAwOTA0&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom
June 25, 2008 at 5:29 am
Check out the 2 Gazette postings from ex-Button from the end of the previous thread @4am
I thought the board games was a priceless post - good job for a good laugh!
June 25, 2008 at 5:42 am
Steph: here are today’s Gazette links:
Walker:
http://wvgazette.com/News/200806240584
Brazaitis/Boyd Edwards op-ed piece:
http://wvgazette.com/Opinion/Op-EdCommentaries/200806240616
June 25, 2008 at 5:56 am
And, for what it’s worth, Eric Bowen’s story about Walker in the Dominion Post is superior to Veronica Nett’s in the Gazette.
Bowen wastes no time in getting down to the nub: he points out that Walker’s brief statement stops short of saying whether or not he might continue on at WVU in some other jog and that Garrison “also has not said whether he would leave the university or just his post as president.”
Nett in past articles has bafflingly clung to statements to the effect that Lang & Sears and others have lost their jobs (technically true but poetically utterly untrue) and that 10 hours of unfinished coursework were at issue when Bresch was awarded the unearned degree, rather than 22 hours, including the two incompletes for which grades were manufactured.
Much as I admire the Gazette’s strong, no BS editorials and while it seems Eric Eyre will prove to be up to the task of reporting on the HSC, Nett, while adequate, comes off as an untested rookie who lacks confidence and pulls her punches.
June 25, 2008 at 6:01 am
Hey! Now HK is posting his own to do lists. What’s going on here?
Once you’ve laughed, you can go to http://garrisonmustgo.com/ for some action suggestions. There’s a new item about an interim president as well as the major task of the last few days.
June 25, 2008 at 6:05 am
No longer clueless, thanks for indicating that you miss the list here. A click on the link will take you to it so it really doesn’t take much time to get to it.
June 25, 2008 at 6:06 am
I feel like I should apologize for the medial lawsuit link. Way TMI for this hour of the morning! Nothing is ever nice about such things.
Lou:
Has anyone figured out why you can’t post your list? Have you tried to copy it back from GMG? I noticed that links aren’t active on the GMG posting.
June 25, 2008 at 6:09 am
Lou:
a test - the new item on your TO DO list for today, copied form GMG
2. Review the letter by a former provost in the PPG on “Righting WVU”: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08174/891539-35.stm
June 25, 2008 at 6:11 am
Try this again for Lou’s TO DO list:
The question: How long is it until the terms of three BOG members end? The answer: ONLY 6 DAYS
1. Repeat the major task of the last few days. Focus on the BOG as it will be in July. That is the group that will select an interim president, form the search committee for a permanent president, and select the permanent president. Its composition is critical.
Urge Governor Manchin to replace ALL THREE WVU BOG members whose terms expire on June 30 including Steve Farmer. In the same message, urge Governor Manchin to appoint three new people who have a background in higher education. More of the same won’t cut it.
You may contact Manchin at governor@WVGov.org or 1-888-438-2731.
2. Review the letter by a former provost in the PPG on “Righting WVU”: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08174/891539-35.stm
It is possible that members of the BOG haven’t seen this. Call it to their attention and suggest that they contact the Association of American Universities and American Council on Education for recommendations for an interim president.
Lou
June 25, 2008 at 6:11 am
And this may represent a sea change in Mountain State groupthink. It’s from the conclusion of the today’s fine Dominion Post editorial:
Referencing the integrity of the WVU administration: “When Rodriguez left with barely a goodbye, he was Public Enemy No. 1.
“Now we wonder.”
It would be entertaining to observe the reactions to that comment, coming as it does from within this state’s upper echelon news media establishment, if Aged Wolverine posted it on the WVU Rivals & Scout message boards.
Oh, wait, I already know what they’d say: The D-P’s Bob Hertzel is critical of Mountaineer-dom to the disgracefully unpatriotic extent that he’s de facto anti-WVU sports (which merely means he doesn’t follow lockstep with their rigidly enforced and lemmings-like party line).
June 25, 2008 at 6:12 am
Good morning Steph and Lou and Exbutton. The volume of stuff in the papers is amazing. I am afraid for the HSC. Looks like the beginning of the end.
June 25, 2008 at 6:12 am
How strange, Lou, that I can copy it from GMG and the links are still active. I hope you don’t mind me trying this out today.
I hope GMG doesn’t mind, either. I won’t do this if you guys don’t want me to. How very strange - I wish I knew more about computers.
June 25, 2008 at 6:23 am
ex-Button:
I appreciate your commentary on the day’s media reports. Sometimes I re-read them hours later and finally figure them out. Nett certainly does seem to be lightweight.
Lou:
That letter you referenced was a good one. How sad is it that the entire world of WVU and its alumni worry on a daily basis if their BOG has the where-with-all to deal with their academic charge with the proper and up to date information. They always seem to be “moving forward” by backing into the closed door sessions.
Good morning, Looselips. I agree that the HSC editorial was good in that it showed the bad judgement (again) at the top, where of course, it’s just rotten.
Theme here is “laugh” and I’m not coming up with anything. Thinking of the Clueless last night - I remember “Risk” and my brother always beat me in conquering the world. Can we ship some people off to Irkutsk?
June 25, 2008 at 6:26 am
Thanks, Steph. I haven’t tried posting directly here for a couple of days. Being rejected that early in the morning just added to my depression about everything going on. And I’d not thought to try a cut and paste from GMG. I’ll try a direct post here tomorrow as well as the usual one on GMG.
June 25, 2008 at 6:39 am
Lou:
I’m a total idiot with most of these things. Something on your end? Having problems at that hour of the day certainly is enough to drive a man to tears.
Just between you and me, before we start partying with Looselips, we have gender and enemy issues to deal with. I realize my paranoia is showing on this one, but I also don’t want kicked out of my own family. It might be best to fall back on the Liberty Tax outfits - all those people on the side of the road had bears anyway, so we’ll blend in. Was it Looselips who said blogging is therapeutic? I must disagree! So much self-doubt! Anonymity ain’t what it used to be.
At least we can go into denial, and simply do your list. I’ll see if I can post that letter you referenced.
June 25, 2008 at 6:39 am
The DA has an article about the search for an interim president that you’ve got to read: http://www.da.wvu.edu/show_article.php?&story_id=35589&archive_date=2008-06-25
Among other things, it indicates a group of BOG members has had a preliminary interview with someone, that Paul Martinelli thinks they are to be ready to meet on short notice “to make sure we can sit down and meet and not be overly concerned in terms of the news media and the faculty overhearing,” and that Steve Goodwin is weary of the criticism of the last search.
June 25, 2008 at 6:40 am
“beards” - dust off your Nigel Clarke for tomorrow.
June 25, 2008 at 6:51 am
Great link to DA today, Lou. I constantly forget about their Wednesday-only publication.
I certainly had my laugh, too! Goodwin is “weary,” and again - he has done nothing wrong. And the problem is that people won’t participate without being negative! How can that happen when they are paranoid of “the faculty overhearing!!!”
June 25, 2008 at 6:57 am
Steph, thanks. I think it’s a good idea to keep a wary, critical eye on state news coverage of this fluid situation. While the stances taken by the D-P, the charleston papers, the State Journal, Hoppy and the Huntington paper since the independent panel report was released have been admirable, as we all know it took the reporting of the Sabatini and Boslevic in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for any of this to have come about. It’s the PPG that was the journalistic goad that prodded those news organizations in the state that have done their job to do their job at all. Well, the PPG and Hippie Killer.
June 25, 2008 at 7:13 am
Absolutely, ex-Button - PPG turned on the spotlight. Everything else from the media is piling on the band wagon (sorry to mix metaphors).
But don’t forget - this was anticipated all along by the faculty, all based on lack of qualifications and experience. Even though being negative makes Goodwin really “weary” when he is doing a perfect job behind closed doors, no one was fooled. For him, let’s change it to a vote of “full disappointment.” Maybe that will be more palatable. He should be really weary of contemplating what all of this is costing - doubled costs for presidential searching due to bad judgement, and so much more. Weary is right!
I don’t recall who or where, but a conference on workplace dynamics was once based on the idea that the ability to disagree and compromise is a sign of mutual respect.
There is not a single statement from any BOG member - ever - that exhibits this. Even today - I agree (as does Dr.Perone of MIR) that a lot of confidentiality is needed in the early search stages. But Martinelli paints a picture of scurrying around and secrecy that has no dignity whatsoever.
They can do better than this, and they should - when? Respect: Expect It.
June 25, 2008 at 8:23 am
damn fine editorial, steph. I’m not an “elitist” on mixed metaphors, especially in blog-world, and especially when they’re as colorful and apt as your “piling on the bandwagon.”
June 25, 2008 at 8:29 am
Still, we hear no one stepping up to plate and accepting responsibility for awarding an unearned degree. No acknowlegment of wrongdoing; no apology; no real resignation. The articles are mistitled when they use the word “resignation.”
These guys are stepping aside, leaving door open for interim President to use their talents, going on sabbatical, teaching classes to students who would rather they didn’t, or capturing the restructuring process at HSC. I’m resigned to seeing no one resign.
June 25, 2008 at 8:30 am
Another WVU “resignation” that means nothing. Walker was unlikely to remain as chief of staff with the new president anyhow. Not one person involved with this mess has either admitted guilt, wrongdoing, or actually left WVU.
June 25, 2008 at 8:31 am
well, molly’s mom beat me to it.
June 25, 2008 at 8:32 am
In case anyone missed the original “Clueless” entry, here’s a repost:
Clue Says:
June 13, 2008 at 9:36 pm
While Agatha has been working on her latest novel “The Purloined Letter Grade,” I have been working on a new version of a popular board game – Clue.
I’m calling it “Clueless: The WVU Mountaineer Whodunit Game.” The victim, of course, is the WVU Mountaineer, who died on the operating table as a result of six long months of open heart surgery.
As for the who? where? and with what? possibilities that I have developed to date:
•Heather Manchin Bresch on the Mylan website with a resume?
•Joe Manchin in the Governor’s Office with a God-complex?
•Mike Garrison in Stewart Hall with a wink?
•Steven Sears out of thin air with a purloined letter grade?
•Alex Macia at the Legislature with 72 bogus degrees?
•Steve Goodwin at a presidential search committee meeting with a rig?
•The entire WVU Board of Governors (save one) at a meeting with a rubber stamp?
•Craig Walker at the Health Sciences Center with a contract?
•Ron Violi and Vincent Deluzio at UPMC with a report?
Additional ideas for my new game would be greatly appreciated.
June 25, 2008 at 8:40 am
i hate to be a party pooper but, manchin ran off evil rr, signed huggy for life, is holding off a gas tax, eliminating a pop tax. hk could poduce a picture of manchin in bed with the ceo of coke, mg or bin laden and the masses could care less.
June 25, 2008 at 8:40 am
An Open Letter:
I found this great quote from Albert Einstein today. I wish it were applicable.
“Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler.”
And, for the record, I am not naive. Just trying to help out where I can and when I can. I do not know what else I can do.
Furthermore, it is very painful for me to see WVU in shambles. It has been a home to me for four years–much like to many on this blog, I am sure. I was the first person in my family to go to college, not just graduate. So, my love for this university is deep–but after all of this, it just is trying. I suppose I search for a bit of catharsis in this letter.
People might ask why I am being so middle-of-the-road right now. It is not because anyone got to me or I am playing favorites. I am doing that because it is the fair thing to do. I have grown throughout this past month from a cynic to a realist to a semi-optimist. The contacts and outpouring of love and support to this university and to students, such as myself, has been nothing short of remarkable. It only serves to further what I already knew about WVU and West Virginians, generally. What a great school and people.
There is no reason to not be fair, and it is after much introspection that I came to this conclusion. I am in agreement with the majority of this blog: Everyone involved in Breschgate needs to go, golden parachute or not. July 1 would be a great day to cut the tethers. Moreover, I trust NO ONE involved in this scandal. Let me make that clear.
As a journalist, in our code of ethics, you must minimize harm. I am attempting to do just that. But I do concede everyone’s points on this blog. You are justified and correct to be cynical. Still, I take a different tact–in hopes that these groups can come to some agreement on what is best. It is probably a fool’s errand, but I would feel guilty if I did not try.
It would really be great if people could open up and talk. Also, it would help greatly if Steve Goodwin would get on a ice flow and ship off to Antarctica. Kind of seems like the old adage, “The pot calling the kettle black.” Yup, that is about right. I suppose I am being too negative, though.
Now, some names have come up on this blog that I know to be honorable people. I will not go into the details, but I will say that people should choose their words carefully. It does hurt. It hurts me, too, to see them defamed unfairly when they actually are doing the right and ethical thing. I must admit it is difficult to see my name thrown about so flippantly, as well. I suppose I will get that, since I am one of the relatively few that owns his or her own opinions here. That is not a chastisement of anyone else on this blog, either. I understand your positions and necessity for anonymity.
Perhaps that is why I am so hopeful, however. One day there will be no need anonymity. Then, I know we will have succeeded in making real change at WVU and in West Virginia.
I have to put that I respect Dr. Boyd Edwards and all the faculty that have spoken out. That includes all of MIR and Dr. Cheryl Torsney. Student wise, I have a deep respect for Tommy Napier and Timothy Cooper. And on the alumni front, people can do no better for role models than Peter Kalis. I must mention them every time I speak.
If it was not for their urging, I would not have said anything to begin with. I would have stayed silent and just went with the flow. They inspired me to have the courage to call “bullshit,” which is exactly what this whole situation is. I hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. It is going to get A LOT WORSE. The HSC mess will make Breschgate look like a blip on the radar. I cannot fight that battle, though.
I will pray for my university and all of its constituencies. I hope you will, too.
I really have nothing more to say at the moment. I do not post everything that I have seen, done or heard on this blog–nor that others have done. If people want to talk, e-mail me, then you can determine if I am still naive or not.
June 25, 2008 at 9:04 am
Anonymous, I agree with your last post. Just this morning, a breakfast buddy told me that “the masses are saturated with the articles about WVU, Bresch, HSC. Enough is enough.”
That is fairly disheartening given that there has been no improvement.
Josh, Peter Kalis is a good man, and he was right out front with important remarks. He is not without personal ambition though, being President of WVU is on that list. So be sure to keep that in mind.
Clue us in to “it is going to get a lot worse.”
June 25, 2008 at 9:35 am
Rumors (and conventional political hack thinking) has it that Clueless HEPC Chancellor Brian Noland will be the FOG candidate for WVU Prez. HK - I think an expose on this poseur is in order. Another FOG placed in powerful positions to do what the Goodwins tell him to do. My but he’s done well for himself.
June 25, 2008 at 9:46 am
Maybe Brian will be the FOG candidate candidate, but he is unlikely to be selected. As cynical as I’ve become in the past year, even I believe that there will be a more open process to select the president. Graduates and donors have had it with the way things were done under the Garrison regime.
Negative national (and international) attention to WVU has really hurt.
June 25, 2008 at 9:56 am
The real disease in all this is MANCHIN.
He is a cancer, eating away at the citizens of West Virginia.
Manchin needs to go, and go far far away from this state.
Never vote for him or any of his family/friends for any political office of any type. NEVER.
MANCHIN MUST GO.
ONLY THEN CAN THE NECESSARY HEALING BEGIN.
Manchin, please go now.
June 25, 2008 at 10:06 am
Joshua Austin says “Everyone involved in Breschgate needs to go, golden parachute or not[.]” and “You are justified and correct to be cynical.”
Joshua, you are certainly welcome to your opinion and shouldn’t apologize for it as we all feel whatever we feel for whatever reasons. Having said that, however, many of us who have lived through West Virginia’s corruption and watched it hurt generation after generation are not interested in giving any more golgen parachutes to anyone. One of the biggest problems in WV is the lack of accountability for elected officials and politicians like Garrison. These scoundrels commit terrible injustices and then receive little to no punishment which lets the next “scoundrel in waiting” know that there will be no accountability for his or her actions when they violate the trust of WV’s citizens. No, Joshua, enough is enough. It is time to hold these people accountable. When I read Dr. Loughry’s book I found myself getting more upset by the minute as I thought of these people, one after another, from both political parties, who simply walked away often better off than they were before they committed whatever act they committed. Imagine walking away with $510K after creating this much turmoil at WVU. It is criminal and the “let’s just move on” attitude will do NOTHING to help heal WVU. In fact, our history proves that it will just hurt us.
Joshua, the other thing you say refers to how many of us are cynical. You say that you don’t fault us for that, but I would submit that many of us are not cynics, but, in fact, realists. A realist is a person who accepts the world as it literally is and deals with it accordingly. That is what we are doing here, i.e., accepting the situation at WVU for what it is and trying to deal with it and make it better. We are not cynical in the sense that we are falsely attributing bad actions to Garrison, Walker, Macia, Case, and others just because they are in positions of power and therefore we believe they must be bad people. No, to the contrary, their OWN actions have proven that they have violated the trust of West Virginians and have virtually destroyed the reputation of WVU. They need to be held accountable. It is absolutely unbelievable to me that they are even still “leading” the University. Fire them and move on. We don’t even need them on an interim basis. No golden parachutes and no more excuses.
June 25, 2008 at 10:08 am
Josh, just keep doing what you think is best for the university. Here is a quote for you: “To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” I don’t remember who said it, but keep that in mind and remember any public person — whether they are Mandela or Stalin — will be criticized by someone for anything they do. Keep up the good fight and remember not to take anonymous comments on a blog too seriously. We met at the first MIR meeting and I know you love the university, and I truly appreciate your passion for making WVU better.
Now remember today’s to do list– Laugh!
June 25, 2008 at 10:08 am
Don’t worry about Noland.
Tons of people know the story of the guy who couldn’t even get an interview for the presidency of the community college in Parkersburg, but ended up being the system Chancellor two years later.
Plus there’s a smoking gun associated with the system Chancellor search. As with the WVU search some people did a piss poor job of covering their tracks. I’m sure the smoking gun will surface if he dares apply.
June 25, 2008 at 10:40 am
And have we heard from HEPC when one of its members is in throes of lawsuits, mess at HSC, etc? The entire higher ed system in WV has been permanently damaged, and yet no word from HEPC.
June 25, 2008 at 10:47 am
molly’s mom……they only knew how to “brak it”, and are trying to find a consultant that they can trust who will help them fix it………..up to their standards of course……
June 25, 2008 at 10:47 am
brak=brake
June 25, 2008 at 10:55 am
Reading the Amy Johns’ quote in the Charleston Gazette today disgusted me. Bill Case, for whatever good qualities he has, should not be going to HSC. Another example that Butcher is too weak to lead.
June 25, 2008 at 11:07 am
Butcher is the biggest fence-sitter i know………..further evidence that he has NO LEADERSHIP qualities that you want…….
June 25, 2008 at 11:23 am
Joshua Austin, you show your youth & immaturity when you try to make this about you. I check in now only once in a while and when I see long pontifications, I know they belong to you.
We KNOW you LOVE WVU…we get that.
Whether you are “middle of the road” or seem to do complete 180’s…it doesn’t matter.
…it’s not about you.
June 25, 2008 at 11:37 am
Molly’s Mom: HEPC has weighed in. Haven’t you seen the Boy Chancellor’s press release ala Laura Ramsburg right after the report came out. Told us all to move on, forget about this. You haven’t moved on??
June 25, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Do “first things first”. Remove the cancer, then start the rehab.
June 25, 2008 at 12:25 pm
The extent to which the governor has destroyed the university cannot be measured. Good thing for Marshall that he hates them. Oh…and he does hate them. He makes jokes about Marshall all the time.
However, the Herd should take that as a compliment.
How many of you people actually plan to vote for this joker in November? He will win…but a protest vote is definitely in order.
June 25, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Flap Jack, you are so right! That was about the time that Scott Rotruck and Centra were weighing in on how pure Mike Garrison was and that he just needed a little more time. And that was when the vilification phrase started hitting the press.
He may hate Marshall (I don’t think so) but when it came time to get his knees fixed, he headed to Huntington not to Morgantown.
June 25, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Molly’s Mom….I have been in the same room with this guy on more than one instance and heard him making jokes about the school.
I am not lying here. He has no respect for that school.
Knees or no knees. Getting surgery does not mean you love some place.
Gimme a break.
June 25, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Yeah, I believe you. I think he loves WVU. Ditto Mountain Daddy.
I’m a WVU graduate, but Marshall has many strengths. So he is being shortsighted or uninformed or showing off for WVU folks. All possibilities.
June 25, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Or shortformed and uninsighted.
June 25, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Dominion article on suing Bresch is interesting (though the article cut off where it was to be continued). Their comment that she has gotten off scot free throughout this mess deserves attention. Does anyone at Mylan care about ethics?
June 25, 2008 at 2:09 pm
They will never get the go ahead from WVU Fdn to sue Bresch. And the costs of this case go way beyond the costs of the independent panel. We might need R&V to come back and quanitify for us.
One would think that Mylan shareholders would ask for her to “step aside.” That is one scary industry and to think she is a COO is interesting.
June 25, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Another good laugh from the Reader’s Voice today:
“Honestly, Heather Bresch did not grant herself her own degree. If that were true, everyone could do it. She was innocent in this and should not be held responsible. She did nothing wrong. You cannot grant yourself your own degree. Someone else gives it to you.”
June 25, 2008 at 2:22 pm
MOUNTAINEER E-NEWS
June 25, 2008
WVU BOG chair applauds appointment of Vest
Following today’s announcement, West Virginia University Board of
Governors Chairman Steve Goodwin commended Gov. Joe Manchin on the
appointment of Dr. Charles Vest as a new member of the Board.
“Dr. Vest’s ties to Morgantown and the state, his alma mater - West
Virginia University - and to national higher education circles as the
former president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology make him
imminently qualified to help us continue to govern the University during
an important time of decisionmaking, particularly as we turn our
attention to naming an interim president and eventually a national
search for a permanent president,” Goodwin said. “We welcome Dr.
Vest’s inclusion to a Board committed to the future success of
WVU.”
(NOTES: Charles Vest is a native of Morgantown; earned B.S. mechanical
engineering, WVU, 1963; M.S. ME, University of Michigan, 1964; Ph.D. ME,
University of Michigan, 1967. Faculty member, provost, then dean of
engineering, University of Michigan until 1990. President of MIT from
1990 to 2004. Elected president of National Academy of Engineering,
effective July 1, 2007; recipient of many honorary doctoral degrees,
including one from WVU; member of WVU’s Academy of Distinguished
Alumni.)
June 25, 2008 at 2:23 pm
poliscigeek:
you should be able to click on the link at the bottom to continue the D-P story.
Wondering about Manchin releasing those potential BOG names - I don’t think it means anything. One opening was known of long ago - he was probably ready with names. He probably wanted to see public reactions, and there really have been few that I know of. He’ll also want to tell the BOG who to use for a search committee, too.
June 25, 2008 at 2:32 pm
And Farmer has asked not to be reappointed to BoG
http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=40477
June 25, 2008 at 2:37 pm
The appointment of Charles Vest to the BOG is great news. At least there will be SOMEBODY on the BOG who knows something about a research university, is not beholden to WV politicians, and can speak forcefully about what WVU needs as it searches for an interim and finally new president.
June 25, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Great news - both announcements!
June 25, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Charles Vest is an extraordinary appointment.
June 25, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Did you notice who was cc’d on the Farmer letter? Carolyn Long is listed as Chair of the BOG Nominating Committee, which is not a standing committee according to their web site. She is already coordinating that - I wonder if it’s for search committee, interim, or other BOG?
June 25, 2008 at 2:52 pm
One wonders if Farmer was given the opportunity to say he did not want to be reappointed before suffering the embarrassment of Manchin not reappointing him. Now we can only hope the remaining two appointments are as clean of cronyism as Vest. No other candidates can come close to Vest in qualifications.
June 25, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I’m sure you are right, Undercover.
June 25, 2008 at 3:19 pm
This is really great news, and maybe indicates that the Governor’s office understands the seriousness of the problem. We should all write to Vest and thank him for taking this on, and write to Farmer thanking him for standing down.
June 25, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I wish WVU New and Information service would learn the difference between “eminently” and “imminently.” But it’s great news. I hope Peter Kalis is the next nominee.
June 25, 2008 at 3:49 pm
observer - You ask too much of WVU News and Information Services. If it passes the spell checker that’s all they care about. But I certainly agree with your hope for Kalis. I also hope Vest becomes chair of the presidential search committee.
June 25, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Democrat lawmakers on Tuesday refused to investigate the scandal at West Virginia University that led to the daughter of Gov. Joe Manchin being awarded an eMBA degree she did not earn.
Del. Jonathan Miller, R-Berkeley, requested the investigation by the Joint Judiciary Committee, and asked for bipartisan support, but Democrats voted down Miller and fellow Republicans in a voice vote, signaling their
willingness to turn a blind eye to the scandal in their efforts to protect the governor.
WVU receives about one-third of its annual operating budget — or more than $200 million — from state appropriations, but Democrats apparently do not believe that level of public funding includes any responsibility for oversight.
Some Democrats openly scoffed at Miller’s resolution, while others appeared visibly angry, both during and after the vote.
June 25, 2008 at 4:14 pm
La Reina: That is interesting info, will we hear from the press about this vote? I wonder. Or was releasing Vest’s name today designed to deflect media attention off this issue? I am thrilled that Vest was appointed, but why today? I know, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth….
June 25, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I’ve posted Thursday’s to do list a little early at http://garrisonmustgo.com/
Some of you may want to start to work on it tonight. And Steph, I’m sleeping in tomorrow.
Thursday’s To Do List
Thursday is a day for celebration and to express appreciation. In the word of Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee, “In victory, be humble. In defeat, be strong. In all things be fair.” And, as our mamas always told us, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. The appointment of Charles Vest to the WVU BOG and request of Steve Farmer that he not be reappointed is a victory that will contribute to the healing of WVU.
1. Contact Governor Manchin at governor@WVGov.org or 1-888-438-2731. Express your support for the appointment of Charles Vest to the WVU BOG. Tell him that you hope the remaining two appointments will be equally strong.
2. Email Dr. Charles Vest at cmvest@MIT.EDU Thank him for agreeing to serve on the WVU BOG. Tell him you look forward to working with him to help heal WVU.
3. Email Steve Farmer at sbfarmer@fcclaw.net. Thank him for his past service on the BOG and his decision not to request reappointment, which allows for greater turnover among the BOG membership. (Remember honey not vinegar.)
June 25, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I think that all the business Farmer got out of his “service” on the BOG is thanks enough.
June 25, 2008 at 5:12 pm
HK, you may be right but it won’t hurt that much to thank him for stepping down. I am truly appreciative that he will be replaced.
June 25, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Lou: How about an email address for Miller. We could all let him know that we appreciate the effort, even though unsuccessful. It takes courage to stand up, particularly when you can anticipate the consequences.
Stay tuned for another interesting announcement coming up soon.
June 25, 2008 at 5:40 pm
In my opinion, we have some bright lights here. As forgiving as West Virginians are, I think that Mike Garrison and Steve Farmer have killed off any chance of political futures for themselves.
June 25, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Let’s not overlook the finding that there exist documents showing communication between Blankenship and Spike Maynard. They need to be open for public scrutiny, but it will take pressure.
Speaking of rich old coots, what is happening with Mike Puskar these days? Anyone hear him talking loudly at the Rat Pack or Sargasso’s?
June 25, 2008 at 5:51 pm
LaReina, Let’s hear the names of the Democrats who openly scoffed Miller. They need a little name recognition. And for all those people who said we couldn’t do it–we did it!! We got Joe Manchin to listen and do the right thing for the BOG, at least so far
June 25, 2008 at 5:52 pm
HK - good assessment of the missteps in Stewart Hall.
Lou- thanks for getting us ready for another day.
Now we wait for 2 more names to dribble out. Crossing fingers they will be good ones. And if they are, it still won’t change my write in vote.
June 25, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Information about Delegate Jonathan Miller may be found at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/House/Members/delmemdistricts.cfm?input=53
Based on some of his affiliations, he’s pretty conservative. He’s a first-term Delegate elected in 2006.
His email address is:
jonathan@delegatejmiller.com
I thought that I might make this issue the subject of a to do list within a few days. We need to all be contacting our own legislators to urge support of his proposal.
June 25, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Yes, LaReina, we could use a list of those folks who were in favor of an investigation and those who weren’t. And we need to act on this information.
It is also important, I think, to comment on articles in the Gazette, Daily Mail, and Dominion Post.
June 25, 2008 at 6:04 pm
The Governor may have seen the writing on the wall about the BOG, but it would be nearly impossible for him to remove his micromanaging fingers from WVU decisions. This is a very small victory, and vigilance is critical. I still would not vote for him.
June 25, 2008 at 6:25 pm
the ppg is saying Manchin nominated Vest and Vest is out of the country. I feel a little silly asking this but if Manchin nominated him, is he in or could he still turn it down? Maybe Vest hasn’t agreed to do this. Does someone know how this works?
June 25, 2008 at 6:33 pm
The Governor’s office wouldn’t risk the embarassment of Vest turning it down. If they announced it, he’s already agreed to it.
June 25, 2008 at 6:33 pm
The advice and consent of the Senate is required. Thus, it may be a nomination until the Senate consents.
June 25, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Here is the PPG article mentioned by Looselips
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08177/892510-100.stm
June 25, 2008 at 6:34 pm
thank you mama
June 25, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Lou is correct on the Senate role for BOG nominations. Manchin knows he won’t have the luxury of a Senate rubber stamp this time around.
Notice the difference in the PPG article - lists HB as MG’s boss and old friend instead of “associate.”
June 25, 2008 at 6:42 pm
So, refresh my failing memory. Which of the BOG members has some redeeming values and which ones need to go even if their terms are not up. They could be pressured into stepping aside for professional and family reasons.
Agree with the wise Mtnmama- Vest would be a done deal, and thank God for that, or the name would not hit the press. Lara’s a lot smarter than the WVU press crew.
June 25, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Speaking of WVU press idiocy, whose idea was it to let Craig Walker talk to reporters and put his photo on front page of Gazette? Mike Garrison looks like a real wimp. He should have done the press release and said he was kicking Walker’s sorry ass out of Stewart Hall the very second his contract was up.
June 25, 2008 at 7:14 pm
As others have said - The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight.
June 25, 2008 at 7:14 pm
On this blog several times I have read that Peter Kalis has ambitions to be Pres of WVU. I also remember reading somewhere that he has no such ambition. Either he or someone close to him stated that he does not want this. Can someone verify this?
June 25, 2008 at 7:24 pm
It’s an election year. He has no serious opposition, all the campaign money in the world and absolutely has the luxury of a rubber stamp in the Senate if he wants or needs it, no matter what he does.
That being said, I’m sure Senate leadership is delighted he chose to go in the direction of someone like Dr. Vest.
As for the breakdown of the voice vote today, I’m sure it was on party lines. Only Democrat defectors would be those coming from the old Bob Kiss leadership wing. In other words, Harold Michael, Scott Varner, maybe a few others. If Bill Hartman (conservative Democrat from Randolph County) voted against Miller (bet he did) then the only Democrat votes in favor of Miller were scant, few and far, far between.
June 25, 2008 at 7:46 pm
In pure no BS political terms, this isn’t a hard problem for Manchin to fix. If he follows the blueprint laid down this morning in the Gazette by Mark Brazaitis and Boyd Edwards and follows up the Vest appointment with two more who have academic credibility and political independence–he could very likely get away with two of three on that score–then he’s effectively out of the woods on this deal politically.
Look, this is WV. Way more people got passionately exercised over Rodriguez than Bresch/Garrison/Manchin/Goodwin. Quite a few people still think Garrison got handed a problem that dates from Hardesty’s tenure. And there are parts of the state (several border counties where the dominant daily news media emanates from out of state) where, believe it or not, this story has been under-reported.
This is also a state in which a large percentage of people, even if they no longer think Barack Obama is a Muslim, believe he ought to be. Or, as many continue to say, “Well, he is to me.”
June 25, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Looselips, I don’t have the quote handy, but I believe Kalis was in the Post Gazette stating something along those lines. He found out he’d been nominated, requested his name be removed, couldn’t afford to do the job.
June 25, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Josh @ 8:40 a.m. To paraphrase Rick in “Casablanca” it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of (WVU) don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that. Now, now… Here’s looking at you kid.
Immerse yourself in the history of Scotland and learn what real conflict is about. Learn why the Scots won’t call themselves Brits. Eat lots of deep fried candy bars. Wear a kilt the natural way. Eat some haggis. Visit Loch Ness. Climb Hadrians Wall. Soak up the beauty and history of these warlike people. When you’re out of Morgantown, you’ll see the world does not revolve around this scandal. Most have never heard about it and even fewer care.
We care and we’ll pick up the aftermath but it’s your time to move on to the greater world. Bring back what you learn and make this a better place.
June 25, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Following Scotch Whiskey’s advice, Josh, Read James “Jim” Webb’s exceptional book from 2004, Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America.
As a West Virginian, you’ll be helped in gaining the all-important long view.
June 25, 2008 at 8:25 pm
ex-Button -
perhaps you are right. I still think the scandal allows the Senate to dish out a lot of flak this time, and Manchin won’t want that. Senators want to appear connected to the constituency on some level.
I know you are right about the under-reporting of this scandal, and the numbers of people who feel too distant to the situation to care.
Either way - we wait it out.
And I’ll still write in someone else. He needs his margin to shrink as much as possible.
June 25, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Shrink the margin? Let’s go for the whole enchilada. Manchin’s butt out of the Governor’s seat.
June 25, 2008 at 8:50 pm
fox hunter:
I’d love to see that, but it’s pretty unlikely. We’ll just all do our part and see how it comes out.
Since any number of single sacrificial lambs could have put a stop to the scandal, and no one did, where does the buck stop? Maybe it’s not MoJo. Maybe Heather is running everything - Mylan and dad.
I bet that was offensive, too - I shouldn’t have said that. No family should have to go through what they do. I’m still troubled to hear that Goodwin is weary.
June 25, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Steph, poor Goodwin is going to have to be weary until 2010, too. His term doesn’t end until then.
Are we dressing as Lady Liberty tomorrow? It seems like appropriate celebratory dress. There may still be lots to do but it’s nice to have something to celebrate.
June 25, 2008 at 8:56 pm
you always make me laugh
June 25, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Scotch and Ex-Button: Thanks so much for that. I will add it to my list of books. I am reading a book “On Writing” by Stephen King right now. That is why my posts are so long, rather than briefs ones like this–it is the journalist/writer in me. Moreover, the parallels with “Braveheart” in all this are astounding. If you are here and working to fix things at WVU, I am deeply happy. Today was a great day for the university with Dr. Vest. Tomorrow and the next day could also be good ones, from what I hear.
June 25, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Fox Hunter - I’m with you - who would be good write in candidates.
June 25, 2008 at 10:13 pm
What do we know about weak Weeks? Or the Mtn party guy (other than someone said he is a Nazi)? Their names will already be on the ballot which gives them a greater liklihood of upseting Manchin than a write in. Are they so objectionable that the status quo is preferable?
June 25, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Jesse Johnson is an okay guy. He looks a lot better than Joe, so who needs more?
June 25, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Looselips:
Every Mountaineer is indebted to Pete Kalis. While the faculty was voting no confidence (three times) in Mike Garrison, Pete was the first alumnus to take a stand on WVU’s ethics and integrity.
If you knew Pete you would know that he has no personal agenda or ambitions in this mess. He only wants to give back to the alma mater he loves. He inspired many of us to get involved and save WVU.
If you knew Pete you would know he credits WVU for taking a first generation American kid from Warwood (Wheeling) and giving him the tools to become a Rhodes Scholar, the editor of the Yale Law Review, the clerk of a Supreme Court Justice and eventually, one of the most respected lawyers in the nation.
WVU is proud to have such an accomplished alumnus advocating for positive change.
I personally want to thank Pete for his selfless service to WVU during this time of crisis. Job well done.