H.A. Klumb Speaks - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Dec 16, 2004

H.A. Klumb Speaks

Date: Dec 16, 2004

This sounds like the Three Stooges! I'm waiting for someone to make the "a wise-guy" remark.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

I think I have come to despise Klumb even more than Shelby. At least Shelby makes some effort occasionally (however insincere) to sound conciliatory; Klumb, however, always sounds as dense as a two-by-four (appropriately enough). I wish he would lumber the heck out of this picture.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

Sez Klumb: "I'm concerned. Hell, it's a probation. That's something to be concerned about. On the other hand, it's a time where we ought to be pulling together and working toward a solution of this problem in the best and most efficient way because of our desire that the University of Southern Mississippi stay in good standing."

_________________________________________________________________________

This is a President who has done nothing but disdain faculty and demean their service. Now he is in a position where he must depend on the faculty to provide service, lots of service, -- concentrated, intense service that must be rendered in derogation of teaching and other responsibilities.

What if the faculty took their cue from Athletic Director Richard Giannini? After losing the recent bond proposal, he was asked if he would work with the mayor on a new bond issue that would benefit both USM and Hattiesburg. Gentleman Giannini declared, essentially, "That ain't my job! I'm just gonna do my job."

I know no one will do it, simply because you all want to see USM survive, but it would serve Klumb and SFT right if the faculty said, "Your failure to plan does not constitute an emergency for us."

But, of course, it does.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

ram--the answer to your last question is easy. SACS will shut USM.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

In some ways Klumb is an even greater embarrassment to the state of Mississippi than Thames is, precisely because his jurisdiction is broader. It is unbelievable that a guy with his background and views would ever be appointed to such a board. Maybe he was chosen because they misunderstood the kind of "boards" he knows about. What a dunce!

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"ram--the answer to your last question is easy. SACS will shut USM. "

Well, thanks. I think my question was rhetorical, but I agree with your answer. Unless the faculty does "pitch in," that's exactly what will happen. Sad irony.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"In some ways Klumb is an even greater embarrassment to the state of Mississippi than Thames is, precisely because his jurisdiction is broader. It is unbelievable that a guy with his background and views would ever be appointed to such a board. Maybe he was chosen because they misunderstood the kind of "boards" he knows about. What a dunce!"

I agree that Klumb is out of his element but I'm inclined to ignore his ignorant comments. He's just a political appointee with no training or experience in educational administration. Wasn't he gunning for a slot on the fish and wildlife board, rather than the IHL? The bone-headed comments emanating from Klumb are a reflection on the governor who appointed him. It's Thames who should be pilloried for the SACS probation. He's the professional administrator who should have been minding the store. What'll it take for the IHL to hand him his walking papers?

AE

Date: Dec 16, 2004

AE,

Thames deserves to be pilloried for falling down on a basic aspect of his job.

But Klumb put Thames in power, and is playing a major role in keeping him there. Without Klumb's influence, would the Board have kept Thames in power today?

I think the pillory's got enough head and arm holes for two...

Robert Campbell

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
" I agree that Klumb is out of his element but I'm inclined to ignore his ignorant comments. The bone-headed comments emanating from Klumb are a reflection on the governor who appointed him. AE "

Mr. "Austin Eagle":

You Sir are an ignorant boob. Roy Klumb is a gentleman, a scholar, and a renaissance man. His business acumen is legendary, and after all, higher education is just another business. I would rank him in the top echelon of my appointees. You would be well advised to stop your personal sniping and strive to emulate Mr. Klumb.

Sincerely,

Kirk A. Fordice

Date: Dec 16, 2004

Kirk is ALIVE!!! I just heard him SPEAK!!!

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kirk Fordice
" Mr. "Austin Eagle": You Sir are an ignorant boob. ... You would be well advised to stop your personal sniping and strive to emulate Mr. Klumb. Sincerely, Kirk A. Fordice"

HUH? Kirk Fordice? I see dead people......

AE

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
"HUH? Kirk Fordice? I see dead people......
AE "

It may explain the smell.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Reporter Jr
"http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041216/NEWS01/412160301/1002 Some Excerpts: "

"It is a personnel matter," Klumb said.

Just what is a "personnel matter?" Does Klumb consider USM's being put on probation a personnel matter? Just how might it come under that category? It is not a personnel matter, it is an academic matter. Pure and simple. IHL deliberations of this matter should be open in accordance with the laws of Mississippi. Puting the label "personnel matter" does not make it a personnel matter. Could it be that the term personnel matter is being employed so that the IHL can discuss USM's probabtionary status in secret?

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: Robert Campbell
"AE, Thames deserves to be pilloried for falling down on a basic aspect of his job. But Klumb put Thames in power, and is playing a major role in keeping him there. Without Klumb's influence, would the Board have kept Thames in power today? I think the pillory's got enough head and arm holes for two... Robert Campbell

Robert,

Excellent questions all. I have to profess ignorance as to the IHL machinations which put Thames in power. After all, as the late governor Fordice said of me earlier, I'm an ignorant boob. I do know from media accounts that Klumb has been protective of Thames since the Glamser-Stringer contretemps. Before his hiring, did Klumb champion Thames' candidacy?

AE

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Person of Interest
"Could it be that the term personnel matter is being employed so that the IHL can discuss USM's probabtionary status in secret? "

Well, DUH!

Of course that's what's going on. Any time a board discusses a matter that is of some sensitivity and might resulting in someone being fired, it's a "personnel matter," discussed only in private.

Date: Dec 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" Well, DUH! Of course that's what's going on. Any time a board discusses a matter that is of some sensitivity and might resulting in someone being fired, it's a "personnel matter," discussed only in private. "

Heck, the discussion about moving Economic Development was held in closed session. The best I can tell, open sessions at the IHL are only to vote about going into closed session and then to provide very brief summaries of what happened in closed session.

Date: Dec 17, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kirk Fordice
" Mr. "Austin Eagle": You Sir are an ignorant boob. Roy Klumb is a gentleman, a scholar, and a renaissance man. His business acumen is legendary, and after all, higher education is just another business. I would rank him in the top echelon of my appointees. You would be well advised to stop your personal sniping and strive to emulate Mr. Klumb. Sincerely, Kirk A. Fordice"

Dear Troll,

I don't know who you really are, but our late governor was "Daniel Kirkwood Fordice."

Date: Dec 17, 2004

From the article:

Also at the meeting Klumb and Virginia Newton questioned why Southern Miss wants approval from the board to retain the Adams & Reese law firm at $175 an hour to fulfill "a series of public records requests" from its faculty. They brought up how Southern Miss recently retained attorney Rick Lambert.

Who was going to preside originally in the Glamser and Stringer meeting? An attorney from Adams and Reese. Who's representing USM and the IHL in another lawsuit (M.W.'s for certain - others too I think)? An attorney from Adams and Reese. It's sort of odd to me that they're requesting to retain this law firm since apparently they've been hiring them for all sorts of matters for years. You've got Gore, Lambert, and a bevy of attorneys from Adams and Reese. That's the honest truth - a truth that has so far escaped any of Thames and his cronies.

Date: Dec 17, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kirk Fordice
" Mr. "Austin Eagle": You Sir are an ignorant boob. Sincerely, Kirk A. Fordice"

Dear Governor Fordice:

My client is embarrassed and deeply hurt by your harsh words. We demand a retraction and a public apology. Should an apology not be issued by the close of business today, December 17, 2004, be advised that we shall pursue all legal remedies available to us under the laws of the state of Mississippi, including but not limited to the collection of monetary damages for pain and suffering. We await your response.

Sincerely,

Clarence Darrow, Esq., Attorney for Austin Eagle

Date: Dec 17, 2004

i would question the use of lambert.........this is better than a kevin bacon story

lambert is also attorney for mississippi power who is a huge benefactor of adp (spec building,etc)

lambert was named alumni of year when he was running for re-election state senate(which he lost) the award was at homecoming only a few weeks before election, talk about free publicity

lambert is fraternity brother of at least one of shelby's sons

Date: Dec 17, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Shaft
"From the article: Also at the meeting Klumb and Virginia Newton questioned why Southern Miss wants approval from the board to retain the Adams & Reese law firm at $175 an hour to fulfill "a series of public records requests" from its faculty. They brought up how Southern Miss recently retained attorney Rick Lambert. Who was going to preside originally in the Glamser and Stringer meeting? An attorney from Adams and Reese. Who's representing USM and the IHL in another lawsuit (M.W.'s for certain - others too I think)? An attorney from Adams and Reese. It's sort of odd to me that they're requesting to retain this law firm since apparently they've been hiring them for all sorts of matters for years. You've got Gore, Lambert, and a bevy of attorneys from Adams and Reese. That's the honest truth - a truth that has so far escaped any of Thames and his cronies."

I was under the impression that Hattiesburg had a bevy of highly qualified lawyers to choose from -- or are they not part of the kitchen cabinet, therefore not as useful as Adams and Reese?

Date: Dec 17, 2004

Exactamundo Advocate!! Adams and Reese are entrenched with the IHL and their current bad boy - ShelbyfricknThames

Date: Dec 17, 2004

"Who was going to preside originally in the Glamser and Stringer meeting? An attorney from Adams and Reese. Who's representing USM and the IHL in another lawsuit (M.W.'s for certain - others too I think)? An attorney from Adams and Reese. It's sort of odd to me that they're requesting to retain this law firm since apparently they've been hiring them for all sorts of matters for years. You've got Gore, Lambert, and a bevy of attorneys from Adams and Reese. That's the honest truth - a truth that has so far escaped any of Thames and his cronies."

Thanks for calling attention to these links; as an "outside observer" I would not have noticed them. Man, with each new revelation this mess smells worse and worse!

Date: Dec 17, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Advocate
"I was under the impression that Hattiesburg had a bevy of highly qualified lawyers to choose from -- or are they not part of the kitchen cabinet, therefore not as useful as Adams and Reese?"

Adams and Reese is a multi state firm which specializes in education law. They have an office in Jackson.

Date: Dec 17, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: The Shadow
" Adams and Reese is a multi state firm which specializes in education law. They have an office in Jackson."

If they specialize in eduation law, that doesn't explain why they will be doing the coaches contracts. Wouldn't it be better to get a firm that has experience in contracts with atheletes and coaches?

Date: Dec 17, 2004

Is this the firm you are talking about?

Lawyer accused of bilking casino
He's arrested on mail fraud charge
Friday, October 29, 2004
By Susan Finch
Staff writer Times Picayune
A former partner at the Adams and Reese law firm has been arrested on a federal mail fraud count and accused of mailing fake bills to Boomtown Casino for work that was never done by him or other lawyers at the firm, according to prison officials and records unsealed late Thursday in U.S. District Court.
James Perdigao, 42, was arrested Oct. 16 and was being held in Orleans Parish Prison on the tier that houses other federal suspects, prison officials said. At the request of the FBI, a federal magistrate signed a warrant for Perdigao's arrest Oct. 15.
Adams and Reese officials have said they reported Perdigao to federal investigators after discovering last month that over nearly a decade Perdigao collected client fees, possibly as much as $20 million, "off the books." The money was collected outside the firm's regular billing system by creating and mailing official-looking bills for some of his work, depositing client payments into the firm's trust account and writing checks on that account to companies he apparently controlled, according to Adams and Reese.
Perdigao was forced to resign, and he has made restitution for $9 million he admitted pocketing, Adams and Reese officials said. They sought federal assistance in tracking where the money went. Adams and Reese says it continues to work with federal officials on the matter.
In an affidavit unsealed Thursday, FBI Special Agent Paul Quisenberry said that in interviews last month, several partners and employees of Adams and Reese told him they found out Perdigao prepared and mailed false billing statements to Pinnacle Entertainment Inc., which does business as Boomtown Casino, "for legal work purportedly done by Perdigao and other members of the firm."
The bills, which Boomtown received by mail in August, included entries for legal work purportedly done by several other Adams and Reese attorneys who didn't do the work and didn't know Boomtown was being billed for any legal work they allegedly performed, according to the affidavit presented to a federal magistrate who signed the warrant for Perdigao's arrest.
Pinnacle's senior vice president and general counsel, Jack Godfrey, said information in the FBI affidavit is "consistent with what we understand the problem to be."
"As soon as this problem came to our attention, we aggressively took action," he said. According to Godfrey, Pinnacle, which is based in Las Vegas, has ended its relationship with Adams and Reese, continued to cooperate with investigating authorities and kept gaming regulatory agencies in various states informed about the matter.
Meanwhile, he said, Pinnacle will continue its internal review to try to pinpoint how much of the firm's money was involved in the billing scheme.
. . . . . . .
Susan Finch can be reached at sfinch@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3340.

Date: Dec 17, 2004

Kind of sounds like The Firm

Date: Dec 17, 2004

Does anyone know anything about these three lawsuits: Servedio, Brewer, and Trevino? IHL approval fees back in October. Two sets of fees appear to be for Adams and Reese, plus what seems to be an additional request for a special Adams and Reese lawyer licensed in Louisiana. A third fee request is for a Washington firm (JT Martin?)

Date: Dec 17, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Lawsuits on Parade
"Does anyone know anything about these three lawsuits: Servedio, Brewer, and Trevino? IHL approval fees back in October. Two sets of fees appear to be for Adams and Reese, plus what seems to be an additional request for a special Adams and Reese lawyer licensed in Louisiana. A third fee request is for a Washington firm (JT Martin?)"

Could "Trevino" be Len Trevino, a former USM faculty member in Business, I believe?