MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The West Virginia University Board of Governors today unanimously appointed C. Peter Magrath interim president, replacing Mike Garrison, who is stepping down from the state's flagship university.

Dr. Magrath, 75, is senior adviser to the College Board and a former president of the universities of Missouri and Minnesota.

The board now will turn its attention to a permanent successor to Mr. Garrison, who resigned following an outcry by alumni, faculty, students and donors over an academic scandal involving West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter.

"Let there be no misunderstanding, West Virginia University is a very, very good university and it can and should be better," Dr. Magrath told board members after his appointment.

"I'm convinced together we will do some very good things for a very good university."

He called his appointment "unexpected" but said he was "very enthusiastic. I'm thrilled to be here."

The board of governors also said it had approved a tentative agreement with Mr. Garrison on terms of his departure. The exit package must be approved by the state auditor before being made public.

And the board elected Carolyn Long its new chairwoman. She is superintendent of the public schools in Braxton County, W.Va. She replaces outgoing chairman Steve Goodwin.