Garrison Finds a Great Way to Give Back
By Christy
Day
It is an opportunity for some of the sharpest young minds in the state to roll up their sleeves and explore West Virginia's political landscape. Their subjects are issues and situations involving politicians, business visionaries, and activists from all corners of the state. This is not a campus meeting of the Young Democrats or Young Republicans. It is Political Science 321 Politics in WV Government, A Practical Approach, offered by Professor Michael Garrison.
Many
people know Michael Garrison as the chief of staff to West Virginia
Governor Bob Wise. Others may remember him as a former WVU student
body president. But for a group of students, he was the person
who gave them access to the powerbrokers of today.
"It is extremely rewarding to be a part of this," he said. "The students were sharp and they enjoyed the class," explained Garrison. For one semester 30 students spent every Thursday afternoon in a room in Woodburn Hall across the table from Governor Wise, or West Virginia media giant Bray Cary, or the head of the Chamber of Commerce, or another important political state leader. There was one important rule for each guest to understand. The students could ask anything they wanted, and each student expected an answer. "That was important. I wasn't about to put stipulations on the students," Garrison said. Knowing this, none of the guests declined the invitation.
Some may ask Garrison why he took on such a challenge. Being chief of staff alone is more than a full-time job. All the tales you hear about 80-hour weeks, travel to all parts of the state on a moment's notice, late nights, early mornings, and exhausting schedules are correct. So, add another wrung to the ladder, especially one that requires preparation to stay ahead of those who you are teaching? "I wish I had a class like this when I was in school. It allows students to see what political science means in the practical, not the abstract, sense," he explained.
His ripped-from-the-headlines approach worked well. Each week the students were given real situations to deal with. One student would assume the role of a principal player and the following week, would explain to the class how he or she dealt with the situation.
According to surveys filled out at the end of the course, the students attended faithfully and eagerly. They also held their instructor in high esteem. Through their remarks they reveal that Garrison was always available to answer questions, was always prepared for class, and was always interesting.
Dr. Alan Hammock, chair of the department, was not surprised at the success of this first offering. "When students go to Charleston for internships, they always come back so enlightened. With Mike willing to give of his time like he did, I knew it was going to be successful," explained Hammock. "The format was so conducive to discussion because Mike provides an environment that allows students to ask questions freely. This is pivotal to learning," he continued.
It hasn't been too long since Garrison sat in the seats his students occupied. In 1992 he completed his undergraduate studies with a double major in English and political science. He sat out a year to study at the University of Oxford in England as a Rotary International Scholar, then complete his law degree at WVU in 1996.
Two years ago when he accepted the position at the age of 32, Garrison was the youngest state chief of staff in the country. He appreciates the gravity of his position. "I think it speaks to the governor's willingness to give young people big responsibilities."
Although a satisfying and challenging role, Garrison doesn't plan on staying on with the governor for a long time. He plans on relinquishing his title in October to join the law firm of Spilman, Thomas & Battle. He plans on having offices in Charleston and Morgantown, and to continue teaching political science classes at WVU.
Garrison says he looks forward to getting back in the classroom again. "Higher education is as important as anything we do in West Virginia, and I am committed to doing my part to stay involved."
Garrison resides in Charleston with his wife Heather, also an attorney with Spilman, Thomas & Battle, and their daughter, Julia Grace.