Grasshopper learns a lesson - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Feb 18, 2005

Grasshopper learns a lesson

Date: Feb 18, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Cossack
"My inability to forecast the events involving SFT and USM is now evident to all. I was of the opinion that the Board Office and Board members were tired of the ongoing mess at USM and ready to act. It is obvious that this young grasshopper needs to go to the back of the line and study more, and listen more. Safely ensconced on humilities’ back row, I would like to make one observation and pose some questions that others may be able to answer. My observation is that there is no evidence yet that refutes the conspiracy hypothesis in either an organized form or group think form. My questions follow. 1. How well did Croft fare in this episode? Did he gain power, or lose power, or maintain power? 2. How does SACS play into this latest situation. Will they take it as a signal that the Board is not taking accreditation seriously or will SACS even notice? How does the SACS consultant fit into this picture? By now an expert consultant would have an opinion on the probabilities of getting accredited following the current plan. 3. Will SFT interpret this as a second chance that he needs to make the best of, or as vindication that he is on track and should put the pedal to the metal? 4. Is this the next to the last hurrah for SFT? 5. Will grasshopper ever learn enough to move from the back of the line? "

Althought a firm believer in the conspiracy theory, we need to wait till SFT's evaluation by the IHL Board next month or in the coming months, to determine if he will get his contract renewed or if yesterday was a "face saving" measure by Klumb for SFT's (and IHL's) benefit. All your questions (except #5) will have to stand the wait of time. The big question is will SFT's administration survive till then, or will the IHL board announce (next month's meeting or April) that a search is being launched for a new president.

Regarding actions by SFT, he is so "gung-ho" that he just may put the pedal to the metal and do what ever the hell he wants. Again, we must wait.

Date: Feb 18, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by: Cossack
"My inability to forecast the events involving SFT and USM is now evident to all. I was of the opinion that the Board Office and Board members were tired of the ongoing mess at USM and ready to act. It is obvious that this young grasshopper needs to go to the back of the line and study more, and listen more. ...

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Cossack, what happened could have been expected from all of the signals that were given. Last month Klumb stated that there was no one to take SFT's place. Robert Campbell made the excellent suggestion on this board and a letter to the editor that Crofts would be a good interim president. But he is interim Commissioner, and until the IHL Board hires a permanent one, they may not be able to make that move. In addition, the Faculty Senate, realizing this, didn't vote "no confidence" (which would mean "remove now"), but asked that a search begin for replacing SFT next year. Finally, the board is due for a formal review of SFT at its April meeting. If they acted early SFT could always sue for not giving him a "proper evaluation". I believe Klumb said in one of the interviews that Thames would be evaluated soon, or in a few months. I suspect (if there is no conspiracy) that will be when they announce a search. In the mean time SFT can find a graceful and honorable way to leave. This makes sense to me. If after the Board’s evaluation of SFT he is given another contract, then I will believe the conspiracy theory.