Class vs. Crass - USM Forum -- Message Board

Obviousman · Status: Offline

Class vs. Crass

LeftASAP · Status: Offline

Also from the article, something that Aubry forgot to tell Shelby or maybe Shelby didn't listen:

"The role of the president, Lucas believes, is one that often is underestimated. "A president has to understand what a university is-a place of nurturing people as they become what they want to become-faculty, staff, and student alike."

Having a vision for the university is essential, Lucas believes. "It's important that all constituents have the chance to express what the feel the university should be-merge that with the personal vision of the president, then the president will express it--with excitement," Lucas said. "In a university, all must grow."

73 Novice · Status: Offline

And the rating of the president of those that most of most of remember?

McCanin
Lucas
Fleming
Thanes

And?

LeftASAP wrote:

Also from the article, something that Aubry forgot to tell Shelby or maybe Shelby didn't listen:

"The role of the president, Lucas believes, is one that often is underestimated. "A president has to understand what a university is-a place of nurturing people as they become what they want to become-faculty, staff, and student alike."

Having a vision for the university is essential, Lucas believes. "It's important that all constituents have the chance to express what the feel the university should be-merge that with the personal vision of the president, then the president will express it--with excitement," Lucas said. "In a university, all must grow."

oldtimer · Status: Offline

The "elephant in the refrigerator" aspect of Aubrey Lucas' career at USM is that he bears at least some of the blame for the Thames gang.

As an "Interim President" who had contacts with the IHL, and who in his previous role as University President and Shelby Thames direct supervisor, Lucas had first-hand knowledge of Thames' administrative history. AKL knew of Thames' high-handed actions as VP for the Coast Campus, and why Thames was forced to step down from the VPAA, yet Lucas chose not to share this information with the IHL Presidential Search Committee.

"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."

asdf · Status: Offline

oldtimer,
I don't know anything about this so I am only asking a question...

Did AKL not tell the IHL about SFT's past behavior or did the IHL name SFT president in spite of that information? It was not a secret what SFT had done in the past (well, why he had to step down was a poorly kept secret).

In my opinion, SFT was a done deal before he even submitted his name (he would not have applied if he did not know he was going to get the job) and no one on campus, including AKL, could have affected that outcome. The IHL board wanted whip crackers. As someone noted in another thread, look at the common thread of problems at USM, the W, and Valley - heavy handed presidents.

Incredulous · Status: Offline

Thames will go down as the worst president in modern USM history. Lucas will go down as the best. After Lucas' first five years, USM was a vastly improved university. The faculty, programs, athletics, and student body all got better. Each additional year for Thames resulted in more damage.

Emma · Status: Offline

Aubrey's career as the prez of USM became officially tarnished when he decided to look the other way in order for tiny thames to become president. thames was a despicable president, a slovenly human being, and an immoral jerk. I'll never forget.

Obviousman · Status: Offline

I agree with asdf - it was a done deal before Aubrey got wind.

Left Too · Status: Offline

Could it be that AKL looked the other way because his daughter will be the next president? We will know very soon:

stinky cheese man · Status: Offline

i know for a fact that a member of the IHL contacted at least one faculty member at USM about thames and the story everyone is referring to. the problem is that for most, if not all, faculty, it is little more than a rumor or gossip. faculty had no way of verifying the rumor. i know i don't want board members making decisions based on gossip or rumor.

Interested onlooker · Status: Offline

First, let me say that I am crazy about AKL.
Then, let me say that though I heard this second hand, I believe it. AKL was brought into the room by the board and asked if he knew any reason why SFT could not be presdient. He wouldn't/didn't answer. My guess is that he imagined SFT was controllable, though his experience should have shown him otherwise.
I also know for a fact that AKL had and still has the highest regard for
Stringer and Glamser, but he refused to testify at the hearing that he had authorized the established of an AAUP chapter on campus.--though he did allow it to be put in the record.
That said, I still love the guy.

Songbird_ · Status: Offline

[delete]

-- Edited by Songbird_ at 13:37, 2007-03-23

Incredulous · Status: Offline

Dr. Lucas must have suffered greatly over the past few years as he watched a bunch of Philistines trash his life's work. If he went lightly on SFT, he has paid dearly. One can only hope that he and we will soon see a bright future for the university.

Rod Sterling · Status: Offline

My problem with AKL is that he was mute as Shelby Freakin Thames ruined the careers of many administrators, faculty and staff who had served him with loyalty, devotion and a love for his university. For abandoning those wonderful people he cannot be forgiven.

qwerty · Status: Offline

I've never been surprised by AKL's silence on the entire Thames issue.

This is a guy who was the admissions director when Clyde Kennard's file crossed his desk. . AKL has gone on record stating that Gov. Coleman was the one who opposed Kennard's admission to the University, and I believe him. Nonetheless, AKL looked the other way and dutifully fulfilled his role as a cog in the machine.

Now, I know he's made authentic and sincere amends in a host of ways--and that's good. It was a different time back then, but the fact is that this guy has a demonstrated ability to look the other way when he wants to.