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College officials discuss vision


RAYMOND — Georgia's college board uses its authority to make decisions that are best for the state, the higher education system and institutions — in that order, the system's leader said Monday.

Mississippi's College Board can do the same thing.

"You can do anything you want to do, except close an institution," said Thomas Meredith, chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

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In Georgia, presidents report to the chancellor, the same as a commissioner. The chancellor evaluates presidents, who have one-year contracts, Meredith said.

"If they're not any good, part of my job is to get rid of the president," he said.

Some University of Southern Mississippi faculty want the board to replace President Shelby Thames. His contract expires in May 2006. He will be evaluated later this year.

A resolution passed 39-2 earlier this month asking for a national search. The faculty senate cast a 40-0 no-confidence vote on Thames in March 2004. The faculty echoed the vote 430-32 shortly thereafter.

Meredith said later his comments weren't in reference to anything in Mississippi.