"I have determined I am the one person who is apparently uniquely situated to stop this dialogue," Garrison said. "This is by far the most difficult decision I've ever faced."

He'll resign September 1 to end the controversy surrounding the awarding of a master's degree to Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter.

Garrison's nine-month administration has been dogged from the start by the degree scandal and the sudden departure and lawsuit involving a former football coach.

The board called his decision an unselfish action that should begin a period of healing and recovery.