Michael Garrison Visits Potomac State College

Potomac State College welcomed incoming West Virginia University president Michael Garrison today. In front of perhaps sixty faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and other locals, Garrison held a question and answer session that lasted around an hour and a half.


Many questioned the process that led to Garrison's hiring. He held a post in the administration of Governor Bob Wise and had strong connections with state higher education officials. Garrison came under fire even before his hiring. West Virginia University faculty argued that his law degree and state government experience failed to meet the standard of credentials that a university president should have. Garrison's supporters reasoned that political experience and connections would be an asset to a university president trying to fight for a proper share of the state budget.


In any event, Garrison was chosen to lead West Virginia University and by extension Potomac State College. His visit to Keyser formed part of a tour of all the university's branch campuses to hear the comments and concerns people have with WVU leadership. Most comments centered around the expansion undertaken in the past two years under outgoing president David Hardesty. Enrollment and capital expenditures increased dramatically in that period.


Garrison gave a few clues about his vision for the future of the school. He repeatedly emphasized "managed growth." This indicates a conservative outlook about making sure the school has resources before more expansion occurs. Resources not only include the budget, but also faculty, staff, and infrastructure.


Some criticism centered around Garrison's youth, but he handled a few difficult questions well and with assurance. His comments about West Virginia University and Potomac State leave a lot of room for optimism. Garrison is not the empty political suit that some made him out to be. However time will tell whether his vision unfolds successfully or not. Other clues to that vision can be found in statements to the Charleston Daily Mail that he considers athletic success to play a prominent role in the university's image.


Garrison's youth and quick rise to prominence as captain of the state's flagship institution most certainly begs the question about his future. Likely if his presidency proves successful, Garrison will become one more Democratic Party name with whom Republicans will have to contend.