Hudson Speaks - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jan 19, 2005

RE: Hudson Speaks

Date: Jan 19, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Bemused
"Flash,
I have no problem in giving credit to Bill Taylor for initiating the British Studies program--as the program's founder, he envisioned a seemingly unlikely niche for USM. For the life of me, however, I cannot see how the fact that Bill Taylor founded British Studies has much to do with Tim Hudson's success (or failure) in administering the program. God forbid that we give a little credit to someone who helped make USM the place we would all like for it to be again.
I believe that most of those who have been associated with British Studies for long periods of time would say that the prominence of the program is due at least as much to Tim Hudson as to any other individual. Are you disputing this point or are is your head so deep in the sand (or somewhere else) that you are unwilling to concede the progress of British Studies under Tim Hudson's guidance and give him the credit he deserves?

"

No need to get testy, Bemused. My posts were merely statements of fact. I happen to think Tim Hudson did a very good job with the British Studies Program. I never said anything to the contrary.

Date: Jan 19, 2005

Pirate,

I believe I've heard that USM's British Studies program ranks in the top ten in terms of the number of students who participate. I too would be surprised if there is any formal ranking of summer study-abroad programs, and absent any, would agree that it would be a mistake to make an unsubstantiated claim about rankings. By the way, where did you see the "top-ten" ranking statement? I would like to see the claim and the rationale.

As for the general tenor of your post, however, I believe you to be uniformed. Have you participated in British Studies as a student or as a faculty member? Have you looked at any of the available assessment data for British Studies? (Parenthetically, in my estimation, British Studies has done as much or more assessment as most programs at USM, but I also realize that as a priority,assessment at USM has until a few weeks ago barely made the radar screen. Non-assessment at USM is rampant--the evaluation that has gone on in many if not most areas has been woefully inadequate, and the deficiency goes back a long time.)

Why do I disagree with your skepticism? (1) Over the years, I have talked to scores of British Studies students, and the overwhelming majority highly praise the program, with not an insignificant number saying that it was the best academic experience in their collegiate careers. (2) If you knew the British Studies faculty as I do, I believe you would conclude that they are enthusiastically devoted to enhancing the learning and development of the students in their classes. (3) The longevity and level of participation (well over 200 students in the years prior to 9/11) are indicators that the program is providing value and is worthwhile. (4) Finally, the fact that numerous other Universities have participated as part of the British Studies consortium is one important form of external review and approval.

Pirate, if you have anything factual regarding the program to add to the discussion, please do so. I am sorry that this post has evolved from Tim Hudson to an attack on British Studies.

Date: Jan 19, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Victorian
"
By the way, does anyone know anything about this Vick Padelford guy? "

If I remember correctly, those that have been around for a while in Foreign Languages at USM might have a comment to make on Padelford.

Date: Jan 19, 2005

Victor Padelford is listed on the UHV organizational chart as Director of Special Projects: http://www.vic.uh.edu/pro/Faculty_Manual/PDF%20Files/Org%20Chart_Fall_04.pdf

Date: Jan 19, 2005

For those interested -- I am quite familiar with British Studies and can attest to its academic rigor and continuous efforts at assessment. Also, to my knowledge study abroad in general and British Studies in particular IS NOT part of USM's SACS problems. The program is indeed in the top ten -- in size. I believe it would be quite difficult to measure "quality" on such a program. However, if you look at the courses, teachers, events, guest speakers -- you name it -- the quality is indeed there. As to the role of TH in making the program a quality program -- indeed he inherited the program from Bill Taylor, so he had a leg up. However, under TH the program expanded and transformed into a consortium of schools. As regards TH's involvement in academic rigor -- he did indeed leave that (in the main) to the faculty themselves. He tried to work with the best faculty he could find (and made some mistakes there, but everyone would) and LET THEM DO THEIR JOBS. As regards my course on British Studies he expected me to achieve excellence and did what he could to facilitate my labors. I always thought that was the right way to operate -- sounded like academic freedom. So is TH to receive all of the credit for British Studies? And by the way ask any student who has ever gone whether or not it was a quality program -- I have no fear regarding their answer. Can anyone say as much for any on campus program? TH did not build the program, but he changed it. TH did not give the program its acacemic rigor -- he left that to the faculty, but challenged us to do our level best. In the end he was an effective administrator of a program filled with good faculty who worked to change the lives of their students.

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Festus
" If I remember correctly, those that have been around for a while in Foreign Languages at USM might have a comment to make on Padelford."

Pardon my ignorance, but what's the relevance of the Padelford discussion? Was he formerly at USM in some capacity? If so, what was his story, or problem if there was one? did Hudson recruit him to UHV directly from USM, or did he go somewhere else following USM?

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Mi Casa Su Casa
"Victor Padelford is listed on the UHV organizational chart as Director of Special Projects: http://www.vic.uh.edu/pro/Faculty_Manual/PDF%20Files/Org%20Chart_Fall_04.pdf"

So what's the connection, if any, between Dr. Victor Padelford and USM? Are we talking about the same individual? According to a news item I just located via Google, Padelford is an anthropologist who spent the past 30 years living and working in Mexico, before joining UHV as Special Projects Director. He's also teaching courses in Hispanic Culture.

Date: Jan 21, 2005

Festus,

I'm interested to read what others have to say about Vic. Please go on.

Date: Jan 25, 2005

Is it just me or does the defensive posturing of bemused sound like something that would be coming from the accused himself?

Date: Jan 28, 2005

It's rather coincidental that Victor Padelford ends up at UHV shortly after the arrival of TH.

In my opinion, since USM is no longer providing for a living for Mr. Padelford in Mexico a position was created at UHV to allow TH to help an old friend out.

Date: Jan 28, 2005

what has this got to do with USM?

Who cares?

Date: Jan 28, 2005

The point is that TH made no distinction
between hype and fact. USM is not in the
top ten international programs. That does
not diminish the quality of the British program
at all. If you want to see facts and not
hype, go to this site.

http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/?p=50138

Institute of International Education

A listing of the top 10 programs (large) and
top ten "smaller" institutions.

Pirate

Date: Jan 28, 2005

http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/?p=50138

Date: Jan 28, 2005

Solvez,

"It is just you," period. By the way, your post "sounds like something that would be coming from" LM.

Bemused

Date: Jan 28, 2005

Pirate,

"The point is" that the data on your link on top-ten study-abroad programs have little to do with the discussion of British Studies, which is a summer experience. Do you have comparative data on other such offerings?

I am still bemused by your efforts to demean something you obviously know little or nothing about.

Date: Feb 2, 2005

Nodoginhunt,
It is important because very few people at UHV like VP, and the rest want to understand why TH went over heads to appoint such an arrogant boob. As the Victorian mentioned, people are upset that VP's position came about so swiftly and without normal procedures. This probably means nothing to USM, but UHV is very interested in the connection between VP and TH.

Date: Feb 2, 2005

Maybe TH learned how to appoint administrators from SFT.

RC

Date: Feb 2, 2005

Look, I am among those who dislike TH but now is NOT the time to become divided over loyalty to an ex-provost who, even if guilty of his own sins, is a casualty of the Thames administration. Unless his name is raised seriously as a replacement for Shelby (and I don't think it will be, especially now -- don't know about 18 months out) then I suggest we stay focused and let Tim learn under the watchful eye of his good system president, Jay Gogue. We've got enough problems to deal with at USM without worrying about UHV.

Date: Feb 2, 2005

TH should be considered unacceptable for the presidency of USM... but he is not being actively considered now and what is currently looming over USM is a good deal worse than a TH presidency.

TH's current boss, Jay Gogue, was an OK administrator when he was at Clemson. A far better role model than SFT... but then, isn't nearly everyone?

Robert Campbell

Date: Feb 3, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Curious
"Nodoginhunt,It is important because very few people at UHV like VP, and the rest want to understand why TH went over heads to appoint such an arrogant boob. As the Victorian mentioned, people are upset that VP's position came about so swiftly and without normal procedures. This probably means nothing to USM, but UHV is very interested in the connection between VP and TH."

I believe the connection dates back to a study abroad program in Mexico. The faculty in foreign languages might be able to offer more insight.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

Hudson speaks again. Like Shelby, he's having fun, too. http://www.uhv.edu/president/updates/feb020205.htm

Date: Feb 9, 2005

I hope TH is having so much fun at UHV that he wouldn't even think of returning to USM.

Robert Campbell

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Victoria's Secret
"Hudson speaks again. Like Shelby, he's having fun, too. http://www.uhv.edu/president/updates/feb020205.htm
"

If I got paid what a university president gets paid not to hit a lick of work with a snake, I'd be having fun, too.

Think about it: Who is more likely to go home late in the evening so dog-tired that he hits the bed already asleep, a log truck driver or a university president? Who gets paid to go eat lunch with the Rotary Club? Who gets paid to tell somebody else to tell somebody else to do the work?

Yep, them university presidents ought to be having fun.

Date: Feb 9, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Robert Campbell
"TH's current boss, Jay Gogue, was an OK administrator when he was at Clemson. A far better role model than SFT... but then, isn't nearly everyone? Robert Campbell"

Happened to meet Jay Gogue at a social hooha in Houston last week. I brought up TH and my Mississippi and USM connections just to see if he'd say something. Anything. He literally beamed when I mentioned Hudson, and said "Yes, Dr. Hudson is an outstanding addition to the UH administration, and very well liked by the faculty." While I didn't expect him to offer any negative comments to a complete stranger, he did, without any prompting, wax eloquent on TH's managerial skills and vision for UHV. Maybe the guy has indeed been reborn in Texas.

Date: Feb 14, 2005

Fly on Hudson's wall:

TH has NO intention of returning to USM any time soon. He is, as I am sure you must know as a fly on his wall, very happy in Victoria. And as for his renting a house rather than buying one, it is simply a case of not having found an appropraite home for his family.

Date: Feb 15, 2005

Robert,

Coming from a guy who does not know Tim Hudson, your opinion of his possible return means so much!

Date: Feb 16, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: i know more
"Fly on Hudson's wall: TH has NO intention of returning to USM any time soon. He is, as I am sure you must know as a fly on his wall, very happy in Victoria. And as for his renting a house rather than buying one, it is simply a case of not having found an appropraite home for his family. "

You're correct in assessing Tim's level of happiness in Victoria, and it's true that he has no specific "intention" of returning to USM "any time soon." However, a full account would include the qualification that he does still consider Hattiesburg home, and present intentions notwithstanding, he'd welcome the opportunity to return as the anti-Thames and lead USM back to a position of respect and prominence. There's nothing like the triumphant return of a native son. I'm not saying it'll ever come to pass. That possibility is admittedly slim, and it's probably best for Hudson and USM if he stays put. That said, I'm not convinced that he's even in Thames' league when it comes to corruption and managerial incompetence.

Date: Feb 16, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Fly
" he does still consider Hattiesburg home, and present intentions notwithstanding, he'd welcome the opportunity to return as the anti-Thames and lead USM back to a position of respect and prominence. There's nothing like the triumphant return of a native son. I'm not saying it'll ever come to pass. That possibility is admittedly slim... "

Anyone who knows Tim Hudson and doesn't believe he'd return in a heartbeat if the USM presidency were offered him has been smoking way too much loco weed. I'm not suggesting it's gonna happen. I'm just suggesting that given the choice of staying at UHV versus returning to USM, I'd lay money on his immediate return to the Burg. However, what Hudson may or may not ultimately do doesn't even rate as a top-10 concern, considering that Rome is burning while Shelby and the IHL continue to fiddle.

Date: Feb 20, 2005

Check the tax records for Victoria County. TH does own a home in Victoria. He just doesn't occupy it....VP does.