I apologize if this is considered old news. I have been too wrapped up in getting my education to read what I have come to consider rubbish. There are several points I would like to make in response to Adam Chance's article.
1. Rename the Thames building? Are you a complete idiot or only partially impaired. He made that program and put USM on the map for it. Thanks to Dr. Thames and the polymer science department, USM is known for one of the best programs in the nation. It is the only program in the state of Mississippi to be ranked in the Top 10 nationally, and continues on its 11th year in a row. What did Professor Glamser do? He caused an uproar. I cannot speak for Professor Stringer as I was never a student of his, but I was a student of Glamser's and he was as inappropriate as they come in lecture. In 2002, I was warning students to avoid his classes. I find it inappropriate to call students "stupid" for asking questions. If students do not ask questions, how do you know they understand?
2. "Fix the college of nursing". I agree, the building is outdated but if you are referring to the program lacking prosperity, you might want to look closer. "The local junior colleges should not be able to compete with a major college much less have better programs."?? Excuse me, are you in the program because I do not recall seeing you in the halls. Let's see what other schools have recently disclosed to the Clarion Ledger, April 12, 2007, "At Hinds Community College, 34 of 65 nursing students were told this week they had failed an exam and would not graduate in May." AND "Alcorn State University reported 21 of 91 nursing students passed a comprehensive exam, which will jeopardize their graduation in May." Do everyone a favor and research your opinions before you start ranting. Who said the community colleges have better programs? Back up your "facts" with substantial knowledge. "The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Nursing graduating class for December 2006 has achieved a 97.6 percent first-time pass rate on the national licensing test, the RN-NCLEX. Last year, the yearly pass rate was 86.8 percent. The national pass rate of all students taking the exam averages 88 percent, (Dr.) Nugent said." (Press release available at: http://www.usm.edu/pr/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=632&Itemid=2) What do you mean compete? Competition in schools of nursing exist in all programs, admission criteria are high, and there are many more qualified students who apply than can be admitted. I request an apology from you to the entire nursing staff and the nursing students who work their butts off to take care of the ill and dying.
3. Athletics? What? Liberal arts majors don't like sports? Well, sorry but many students do, and since the Rock was initially built by the original football team, it does hold symbolic value to the university and many individuals who have played there. Football is a large part of southern culture, why not carpool and save some parking? Or walk. Do something good for yourself.

Courtney Puckett, BS
2nd semester nursing major

Via:

http://www.studentprintz.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticleComments&ustory_id=1f059e32-f5d0-4037-9420-5b9f792d48ac#7f23e9f4-616b-4d50-a49e-6dff2899b07a