[10] He lectured as an adjunct professor in West Virginia University's department of political science in the years preceding his appointment as president.
[13] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted concerns about his lack of academic experience and the possibility that his inclusion among the finalists was the result of his political connections.
A panel led by WVU faculty members produced a report on the incident described by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as criticising the university administration for having made "a 'seriously flawed' decision fraught with favoritism.
[21] In October 2008 a West Virginia grand jury decided not to indict Garrison on criminal charges relating to the degree scandal.
[22] Some news accounts alleged a friendly relationship between Garrison and the Governor, but the official WVU investigation ended before reaching the same conclusion.