"Since coming on board in May, I've spent a great deal of time meeting and listening to as many Southern Miss constituents as possible," Saunders told the large crowd at Bennett Auditorium following two rounds of applause. "I've met with faculty, staff, students, alumni, employers, elected officials, board members and just plain fans of our university. These discussions have yielded useful information for me, as a new president, and for all of us who live and learn in this community of learners. I intend to continue this practice." ... "Fortunately, our problems have solutions," Saunders added, "but we're going to have to get creative, and we're going to have to pull together."To accomplish this, Saunders announced a series of dialogues to be held throughout September and October where small groups of approximately 30 faculty members, students and community leaders will be meeting to discuss future plans."