MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — The chairman of the West Virginia University Board of Governors said Friday that while he won’t quit the board before his appointment ends in 2010, he will hand over the leadership position when that term ends in July.

Attorney Stephen P. Goodwin issued a brief statement Friday to quiet speculation on the matter, acknowledging his decision grew from the controversy surrounding an unearned master’s degree that WVU administrators wrongly awarded to the governor’s daughter last fall.

‘‘There can be no doubt that these are difficult times for West Virginia University and important issues need to be addressed,’’ he said in the statement. ‘‘I am confident that the correct decisions will be made, and this great institution will continue to prosper as we move forward.’’

Goodwin has been under attack by some faculty members and alumni, along with WVU President Mike Garrison, over the degree scandal involving Mylan Inc.