WVU Panel Reports Poor Judgment in Awarding MBA to Heather Bresch

Today, a WVU Investigative Panel released a 95 page report to the public detailing its decision that Mylan Inc Executive Heather Bresch, the daughter of West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, did not earn an M.B.A degree from West Virginia University.

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette highlighted key findings from the 95 page report. Phrases like “poor judgment”, “failures of processes”, and “failures of leadership” are included in the report. The 95 page (4.4 MB) report can be downloaded from the Post Gazette here. Course titles, grades, and credits have been un-highlighted with black marker.

When I first heard about this story, I thought there would be a cover up. I am glad that the investigative panel did not try to cover this up. I am disappointed that a major university gave in to political pressure. I, like most people, am very proud to say that I worked very hard to earn my college degree.

Heather Bresch’s WVU MBA Was BS

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting from a source that a five member panel has unanimously concluded that Mylan Inc chief operating officer Heather Bresch, daughter of West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, did not earn an M.B.A degree from West Virginia University and that administrators acted improperly in granting her the degree retroactively in October. Ms. Bresch is a family friend and former business associate of WVU President Michael Garrison.

The panel was formed after a Dec. 21 Post Gazette article that questioned how university officials granted the degree in October, almost 10 years after Ms. Bresch left the program, even though official records showed she was 22 credits short. University records show that 22 credits were added to Ms. Bresch’s transcript, almost half of the 48 credits required for the degree. Changes including adding six courses with grades that previously were not on her record and changing two incomplete courses to letter grades.

Ms. Bresch stated to several media outlets that she made arrangements in September 1998 with WVU finance professor Paul Speaker, the head of the M.B.A program at the time, to substitute work experience for 10 credits she needed to graduate.

I do not know Ms. Bresch or have a grudge against Mylan Inc or WVU. I am a proud Pitt M.B.A. graduate who earned my degree the honest way, with hard work. I grew up in a two bedroom apartment with my two brothers and my parents. My parents combined income was so low in high school that I qualified for free school lunches. I lived off campus at home to save money when I attended Pitt for my B.S. degree. I went back to Pitt for my M.B.A. degree because I could not find a job after earning my B.S. degree. My family did not have any business or political connections to help me. I worked hard to earn both of my degrees. Shame on Ms. Bresch and WVU.

Penguins Sweep Senators, Move to Round 2 of NHL Playoffs

The Pittsburgh Penguins completed their first postseason sweep since 1992 by defeating the Ottawa Senators 3-1 tonight. The Penguins Round 2 opponent has not been determined yet. Since the Penguins were able to sweep the Senators in 4 games, they will get a well deserved rest before Round 2 begins. Let Go Pens!

Terrible Two

My blog is officially 2 years old today, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! So, how do I feel? I am proud that I have been able to keep this blog going. My goal was not to gain a large number of readers. I simply just wanted to express myself and let others know me a little better. I have also improved my writing skills. Blogging has helped me become more of a local Pittsburgh news junkie. I am more in touch with what is happening in Pittsburgh. Blogging has been a very good growth experience for me.

Penguins Clinch Atlantic Division Title

The Pittsburgh Penguins clinched the Atlantic Division title by beating the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-2, tonight. It is their first division title since 1997-98. Sidney Crosby scored two goals. Whoo Hoo !!!

On the Shelf

I am still recovering from the cold I picked up from my younger brother over Easter weekend. This is probably the worst cold I have had in the last 6 years. Worse meaning duration and intensity. I have been so healthy the last 6 years, I have not had to use my prescription drug plan health benefits. I could not even find my prescription drug plan ID card. I was able to log on to my prescription drug plan website and asked them to send me a new ID card. Time for another shot of Nyquil before I go to bed.