I just heard that Thames is announcing mid-year raises in conjunction with today's events and ceremonies.  The recipients are people associated with econ development and some in the COST.  Governor Barbour's idea of "the university as economic gold mine" is being played out all day today.  He has already told some on the USM Alumni Assoc Board that Thames' practice of mid-year raises to "deserving" faculty is noteworthy/exceptional.  The practice rewards revenue-generation of sorts.

Tonight is a big night, no doubt.  Calls and letters are arriving as we speak from Thames' supporters in Jackson and elsewhere in the state.  No one really knows what they're up against in these people.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Monique de Guerre
"The President, in other words, has to buy loyalty. There's leadership and vision for you."

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The fact remains that he has, in fact, bought the "loyalty" of a number of "influential" people. And he is definitely advancing the "vision" of such luminaries & long-time "friends" of public education as Barbour.

Those of us who believe we have the "right" vision for the future of USM may have the numbers, but Shelby probably still has the decision-makers' ears.

The only time that numbers can actually "speak" is on election day.

As far as I am concerned, Trent Lott can go back to Ole Miss or MSU. He's nothing but a good 'ole boy. Why we have to have a building named after him I'll never know.

And I was told it is being put there because Lott wanted a clear view of his name on building from the hwy 49.