C-L tells Thames to Retire! - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Feb 8, 2005

C-L tells Thames to Retire!

Date: Feb 8, 2005

Hoo-hah! Yes.

Every time I log on here, I am hoping for "the big news!" This'll do 'til the right thing comes along.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

Yes, this one's pretty big.

Robert Campbell

Date: Feb 8, 2005

I'm going to take a chance and post the entire article here (I think it's that important!):

University of Southern Mississippi President Shelby Thames says he's not considering retirement. "Why would I retire?" asks Thames, who turns 69 in August.

But the controversial USM president — and the College Board — should be looking toward his retirement.

The USM Faculty Senate voted 39-2 to ask the College Board to begin searching for his successor.

Facing criticism now is nothing new. He faced a herculean task from the moment he took office in May 2002. The university was torn by the resignation of Horace Fleming, after months of alumni leaders hammering at Fleming's leadership style and handling of athletics.

At the same time, the university faced tough financial choices, forcing Thames to make unpopular moves to streamline administration and cut expenses.

But Thames also has made mistakes in dealing with faculty disputes, which have led to the faculty's obvious lack of confidence. Most recently, USM was warned of losing accreditation due to lack of attention to the task.

Thames has a distinguished and ground-breaking career behind him in polymer science and has headed the university he loves. The College Board should start looking now for a successor for when Thames' contract ends in May 2006. It's only prudent, for the university, and for Thames.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

This may be the first break in the log jam. We should all try to make sure that copies of this editorial are sent to as many movers-and-shakers as possible.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

Here is the e-mail address of the contact person at the IHL:

nicholas@ihl.state.ms.us

Other relevant e-mail addresses are in a locked thread at the top of the board.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

One further thought: it's encouraging to realize that this editorial was written BEFORE news of the latest (COB) fiasco hit the papers. We can only hope that news of that latest outrage will add fuel to the fire.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

At the same time, the university faced tough financial choices, forcing Thames to make unpopular moves to streamline administration and cut expenses.

Too bad that they actually believe this. Sure he had tough financial times, but he DID NOT streamline administration and cut expenses.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

I'm hoping that Roy Klumb is beginning to feel like the captain of the Titanic.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

Is this C-L opinion piece suggesting SFT retire a "checkmate" as referred to by Chess in another thread? Interesting indeed.

Date: Feb 8, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"I'm hoping that Roy Klumb is beginning to feel like the captain of the Titanic. "

Klumb doesn't care about analogies. The only thing that bothers him is that Shelby manages to get an awful lot of bad press. Whether that bad press outweighs the work Thames has done to advance the extreme corporatist agenda that is currently in vogue with neo-conservatives is the question.