The Provost of West Virginia Universty, Gerald E. Lang , and the dean of the university's College of Business and Economics, R. Stephen Sears, have both stepped down from their administrative positions following the release of an independent panel's report on the Heather M. Bresch affair that was critical of WVU and the two administrators.

Lang had been provost at WVU for 13 years, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Heather Bresch was awarded an MBA by WVU, apparently without completing all required course work. Bresch is the daughter of West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, and accusations of political favoritism are being circulated in the case.

The question now is whether Lang and Sears will be the only resignations. The university's faculty senate may have to consider a "no confidence" motion on Friday, though it isn't clear yet that such a motion will definitely be put forth. A faculty senate vote of no confidence almost always results in the resignation of a college or university president. WVU President Michael S. Garrison has said that he will not leave his job.

While Lang and Sears have left their administrative posts and taken pay cuts, both men still teach for the university.