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WVU president resigns over degree flap

CHARLESTON, W.Va., June 6 (UPI) -- The president of West Virginia University announced Friday he would step down in September after a flap over a degree awarded to Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter.

Mike Garrison told the university board of governors he would step down at the end of the summer in large part to quell the furor that led to calls for his resignation.

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"In the last several weeks, there has been far too much talk about this issue," Garrison said in a statement, adding, "After careful reflection, I have determined I am the one person who is uniquely situated to stop this dialogue with my decision."

The Charleston Gazette said influential alumni formally requested the board remove Garrison due to a flap over an unearned degree awarded to Manchin's daughter. They said the issue was an embarrassment to the college and the state.

The board said in a written statement that it appreciated Garrison's yearlong tenure and his willingness to put the good of the university ahead of himself.

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