http://www.usm.edu/fsenate/resolutions/Thames_Feb_02_2005.htm

Motion from the Faculty Senate of the University of Southern Mississippi:

Passed February 2, 2005

We respectfully request that the IHL Board of Trustees begin as soon as possible in spring 2005 a national search to find a successor to Dr. Shelby F. Thames, current President of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). The four-year term for Dr. Thames will conclude in May 2006, and the goal of a national search should be to have the successor to Dr. Thames identified in time to have a smooth transition of leadership during the latter stages of spring 2006. This target date will also mean that the SACS reaffirmation of accreditation process for USM, scheduled for spring 2006, will be complete before a new president takes office.

In making this request, we want to assure members of the Board of Trustees that USM faculty members will do all they can between now and the end of spring semester 2006 to help remove USM from SACS probation and have SACS accreditation reaffirmed in spring semester 2006. We also want to state clearly that the Thames Administration has been marked by controversy and misjudgments, and we believe a second four-year term for Dr. Thames is not in the best interests of USM or higher education in Mississippi .

Note: The motion, letter and accompanying information will be sent by postal mail to each IHL Board Member.