Area Leaders to Discuss USM - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Mar 5, 2005

RE: Area Leaders to Discuss USM

Date: Mar 5, 2005

I recently learned just how deep my roots go in this town...not the least bit inthamidated!

Date: Mar 5, 2005

Well, for that matter, faculty, staff and students (and spouses) are Hattiesburg residents. How can they be barred from the meeting?

Date: Mar 5, 2005

It's a private meeting on private property. I imagine they can admit or bar whomever they like (tho it might be bad PR to bar certain people.) It would be nice if some of the more prominent anti-Thames locals would politely ask to be invited. Not rabble-rousers, but people who can speak out and make their points effectively.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

If statements attributed to a select group of wealthy Hattiesburg-area business and professional leaders are correct in the local print media, USM continues to head for trouble. This small group believes they have the right to dictate the future direction of USM. USM is still a state institution, supported by tax dollars from all Mississippians, many who are not wealthy and depend on USM to provide affordable quality higher education for themselves, their children, and grandchildren. Further, the statements about liberal arts faculty setting the direction of USM for the past 25 years are not only inaccurate, but are a slap in the face to Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas. Another statement was that the scientific-technology part of USM and the community USM serves feel that the focus should be less on liberal arts and more on research. Again, this is an inaccurate portrayal of the scientific-technology faculty here (consider the several no-confidence votes last year) and ignores the tremendous corpus of research conducted by “liberal arts” faculty. I have data to support my statement, but I do not believe there are good data for members of this select group to make such sweeping and incendiary statements about liberal arts. Clearly, the remarks made by these folks reflect their lack understanding of USM curriculum and mission. So, a select group of wealthy local leaders, armed with misinformation, want to call the shots at USM, change the curriculum, and direction and make USM a technical institute rather than a comprehensive university.

While I support the right of this select group to meet and discuss USM, I believe it is highly inappropriate for this to have been in any way organized or facilitated by USM which is was. This is using public money (USM) to help a select and wealthy group organize a private meeting.

As a parent who is currently supporting a child who is a student at USM, I am very troubled. My son has decided to pursue a double major at USM, completing one major and beginning the second. If a select group of wealthy local leaders sets the future direction and curriculum for USM, I will have to urge my son to seek his education elsewhere. He depends on the faculty in his two majors to develop and implement the appropriate curriculum to make him successful in the marketplace upon his graduation.

Amy L. Young

Liberal Arts Faculty

Parent of USM student

Taxpayer in Mississippi

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Magnolia
"Jan Lacy (Copy Cats printing) has done a lot of community service, and I've admired her for that. However, I don't understand how an owner of a small business like this can come out so strongly pro-Thames. Either she doesn't realize how polarized the community is about Thames--so much so that she risks losing business over this--OR there's some bigger payoff for keeping Shelby in the domeseat. There has been much talk over the last couple of years about outsourcing university printing services. Does anyone know where this stands? "

Does the university outsource ANY of it's printing needs???????????? Follow the money!!!!!!

Date: Mar 5, 2005

What the Copy Cats need to figure out is that (as many eloquent posters have pointed out already) in order to be great Tech insitututes, one can not drop their Liberal Arts programs. I've never seen such narrow minded thinkers as some of these Hattiesburg based business owners.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

What's next?

Today, I came into work early and took a break about 10:30, and walked about campus. I noticed all the banners with slogans going up all over the place. How much money did they cost?

Propagandist banners and slogans.

No books for the library (but we do have Starbucks in the library).

And now a full-scale attack on "liberal arts."

I have to ask myself what's next?

How about get rid of those poor students at Pinehaven (They are probably mostly "liberal arts" students anyway).

How about burn all those old, outdated (untechnological) "liberal arts" books that take up space in the library to make room for a spiffy new exMBA program for elite students?

How about all employees pledge allegiance to the new (technological) party line?

Hmmm. What's next?

Amy Young

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Amy Young
"If statements attributed to a select group of wealthy Hattiesburg-area business and professional leaders are correct in the local print media, USM continues to head for trouble. This small group believes they have the right to dictate the future direction of USM. USM is still a state institution, supported by tax dollars from all Mississippians, many who are not wealthy and depend on USM to provide affordable quality higher education for themselves, their children, and grandchildren. Further, the statements about liberal arts faculty setting the direction of USM for the past 25 years are not only inaccurate, but are a slap in the face to Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas. Another statement was that the scientific-technology part of USM and the community USM serves feel that the focus should be less on liberal arts and more on research. Again, this is an inaccurate portrayal of the scientific-technology faculty here (consider the several no-confidence votes last year) and ignores the tremendous corpus of research conducted by “liberal arts” faculty. I have data to support my statement, but I do not believe there are good data for members of this select group to make such sweeping and incendiary statements about liberal arts. Clearly, the remarks made by these folks reflect their lack understanding of USM curriculum and mission. So, a select group of wealthy local leaders, armed with misinformation, want to call the shots at USM, change the curriculum, and direction and make USM a technical institute rather than a comprehensive university. While I support the right of this select group to meet and discuss USM, I believe it is highly inappropriate for this to have been in any way organized or facilitated by USM which is was. This is using public money (USM) to help a select and wealthy group organize a private meeting. As a parent who is currently supporting a child who is a student at USM, I am very troubled. My son has decided to pursue a double major at USM, completing one major and beginning the second. If a select group of wealthy local leaders sets the future direction and curriculum for USM, I will have to urge my son to seek his education elsewhere. He depends on the faculty in his two majors to develop and implement the appropriate curriculum to make him successful in the marketplace upon his graduation. Amy L. Young Liberal Arts Faculty Parent of USM student Taxpayer in Mississippi "

USM is very fortunate to have campus leaders as courageous and articulate as Amy Young. The outside world is watching what is happening in Hattiesburg, and we are inspired by the folks who are displaying such intelligence and integrity in defending not only USM in particular but the ideals of higher education in general.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Amy Young
"What's next? Today, I came into work early and took a break about 10:30, and walked about campus. I noticed all the banners with slogans going up all over the place. How much money did they cost? Propagandist banners and slogans. No books for the library (but we do have Starbucks in the library). And now a full-scale attack on "liberal arts." I have to ask myself what's next? How about get rid of those poor students at Pinehaven (They are probably mostly "liberal arts" students anyway). How about burn all those old, outdated (untechnological) "liberal arts" books that take up space in the library to make room for a spiffy new exMBA program for elite students? How about all employees pledge allegiance to the new (technological) party line? Hmmm. What's next? Amy Young"

Repeat after me please,

There was no executive MBA program

There is no executive MBA program

There will be no executive MBA program

Just a shared twinkle in the eyes of the beholden...

Other than that, fine post!

Date: Mar 5, 2005

This is simply outrageous...and there's Darth Mader yet again denying she had anything to do with this meeting EXCEPT helping them find a place to meet AND providing them with the "facts" AND giving them all sorts of other help. What a joke of a "university" spokeswoman she is.

This is WAR now, folks. NO QUARTER, not now and not ever!

Truth

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Green Hornet
"Does the university outsource ANY of it's printing needs???????????? Follow the money!!!!!!"

At one time the policy was that all printing had to be done through the campus printing center, and exceptions to go off campus with the print job had to be signed off on by the printing center director. However, I was told recently the policy has been relaxed and some print jobs are sent off-campus without regard for the campus printing center.

Two other points I'd like to make that are relevant to this thread:

1. Remember when SFT went through the "interview" process three years ago? He repeatedly said that Southern Miss "can't be all things to all people." That was a red flag to me then and I think we are seeing that statement come true.

2. Bob Mixon: It's my understanding Mr. Mixon was a strong contender for the IHL Board post that ultimately went to Robin Robinson. Does anyone recall what happened with this?

(It's too bad Mr. Mixon didn't get the Board appointment; his experience as a Ford dealer qualifies him to Fix Or Repair Daily.)

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Googler
" (It's too bad Mr. Mixon didn't get the Board appointment; his experience as a Ford dealer qualifies him to Fix Or Repair Daily.) "

And, if he sells used cars, he would have fit right in with Roy Klumb.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

I hesitate to relate the following anecdote, as I'm sure it will serve only to enrage everyone as much as I am. I decided to write it in the hope that it would steel our resolve, and perhaps clarify what we are up against PR-wise. I was escorting a job candidate (in CoAL) to dinner with the search committee yesterday. He told me that as he was waiting for me to pick him up, a somewhat-elderly woman behind the hotel desk started talking to him. She told him what a wonderful person Shelby was, and that he was “only trying to clean out the riff-raff.” Rest assured that after issuing a stream of obscenities, I pulled the car over and schooled him on what had happened the past year and a half. If that woman's opinion is typical of the car dealers' and dentists' who are meeting on the 10th to decide our future, we're doomed.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Tinctoris
"I hesitate to relate the following anecdote, as I'm sure it will serve only to enrage everyone as much as I am. I decided to write it in the hope that it would steel our resolve, and perhaps clarify what we are up against PR-wise. I was escorting a job candidate (in CoAL) to dinner with the search committee yesterday. He told me that as he was waiting for me to pick him up, a somewhat-elderly woman behind the hotel desk started talking to him. She told him what a wonderful person Shelby was, and that he was “only trying to clean out the riff-raff.” Rest assured that after issuing a stream of obscenities, I pulled the car over and schooled him on what had happened the past year and a half. If that woman's opinion is typical of the car dealers' and dentists' who are meeting on the 10th to decide our future, we're doomed."

I'm assuming that most people in Southern Mississippi, including most of Shelby's supporters, are Christian (since most people in the South strongly profess Christianity). What, then, is their reaction to news of Shelby's alleged bathroom escapades? Do they not know or care? I can imagine how these kinds of rumors would be used against someone they didn't like.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

If I were to attend this community meeting I would probably tell this family anecdote: my mother works as a lawyer but first did a degree in sociology. My grandfather was an aerospace engineer but also did a degree in liberal arts.

Already as a child nothing could have stopped me from wanting to become a French teacher. Maybe we don't need tons of French teachers but we need a few. And this is why: when France decided not to link arms with the U.S. as we went to war in Iraq my students kept asking me why, and I gave them my ideas but they also tried to find out for themselves. We looked at French TV news reports on the war in class, and we had an email dialogue with American students and a French teacher who were at the Abbey program in France. One of my students told me that when he saw the way the little children were dancing on French news filmed in Iraq the day before we invaded, it made him sick. The faces of those children trying to look brave for the French cameras..it was too much. Other students challenged me and said France was not going along with the Americans because they had cut oil deals with Iraq and didn't want to lose those. And they were right. Another student told me that one of her professors in another college told the students that if any of them were taking French that they were not welcome in his class. My students were proud to claim they were taking French despite some difficulties in doing so during the first months of the invasion. Without French class these discussions would not have taken place.

If Liberal Arts did not exist...then we might all be marching lock step to the humdrum score of market-driven needs. In Liberal Arts you learn to think and act in socially responsive and responsible ways, you learn to discern market manoeuvers and motives, and in learning another language you might study abroad and reflect on what it means to be American in a place where you are the "stranger," the foreigner, the other. You can engage in dialogue with people from other cultures whose ways of being might teach you something about yourself. You learn to debate and question and challenge authority and the market and economic development when it takes place in strange and confusing ways like in Belize...

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Green Hornet
"Does the university outsource ANY of it's printing needs???????????? Follow the money!!!!!!"

YES, foundation print work is outsourced. Go in Copy Graphics some time and see all the samples of work displayed and you will see USM print work. Jan nor her husband are graduates of USM.

Also, Jan's brother was(recently sold) Copy Graphics' owner. Copy Grahpics sold, many, many copy machines to USM (do you have a Konica machine in your office?)

Date: Mar 5, 2005

I certainly believe in questioning economic development when it takes place in strange and confusing ways.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

March 10? Coke Plant? Put it on your calendar!

No invitation? No problem. Crash the party.

Dress nice. Tuxedo or evening gown if possible. Rent a limo. Make it a big deal that is sure to get the attention of the papparazi that will be poised outside by the red carpet.

BTW, the right of way on Hwy 98 at the drive in to the plant is public property.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
""

Mixon and Klumb do differ somewhat. Klumb inherited his business from his father. Mixon marreid his business

Date: Mar 5, 2005

RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Area Leaders to Discus

Date: Mar 5, 2005

RE: RE: Area Leaders to Discuss USM

Date: Mar 5, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Amy Young
"If statements attributed to a select group of wealthy Hattiesburg-area business and professional leaders are correct in the local print media, USM continues to head for trouble. This small group believes they have the right to dictate the future direction of USM. USM is still a state institution, supported by tax dollars from all Mississippians, many who are not wealthy and depend on USM to provide affordable quality higher education for themselves, their children, and grandchildren. Further, the statements about liberal arts faculty setting the direction of USM for the past 25 years are not only inaccurate, but are a slap in the face to Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas. Another statement was that the scientific-technology part of USM and the community USM serves feel that the focus should be less on liberal arts and more on research. Again, this is an inaccurate portrayal of the scientific-technology faculty here (consider the several no-confidence votes last year) and ignores the tremendous corpus of research conducted by “liberal arts” faculty. I have data to support my statement, but I do not believe there are good data for members of this select group to make such sweeping and incendiary statements about liberal arts. Clearly, the remarks made by these folks reflect their lack understanding of USM curriculum and mission. So, a select group of wealthy local leaders, armed with misinformation, want to call the shots at USM, change the curriculum, and direction and make USM a technical institute rather than a comprehensive university. While I support the right of this select group to meet and discuss USM, I believe it is highly inappropriate for this to have been in any way organized or facilitated by USM which is was. This is using public money (USM) to help a select and wealthy group organize a private meeting. As a parent who is currently supporting a child who is a student at USM, I am very troubled. My son has decided to pursue a double major at USM, completing one major and beginning the second. If a select group of wealthy local leaders sets the future direction and curriculum for USM, I will have to urge my son to seek his education elsewhere. He depends on the faculty in his two majors to develop and implement the appropriate curriculum to make him successful in the marketplace upon his graduation. Amy L. Young Liberal Arts Faculty Parent of USM student Taxpayer in Mississippi "

Amy, I hope you will consider submitting a revision of this as a letter to the H.A. It addresses many important issues.

Date: Mar 5, 2005

Kick,

Dam*it

Date: Mar 6, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Reporter
"Amy, I hope you will consider submitting a revision of this as a letter to the H.A. It addresses many important issues."

Yup, it's much shorter, though.

Amy Young

Date: Mar 6, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Reporter
"Amy, I hope you will consider submitting a revision of this as a letter to the H.A. It addresses many important issues."

Reporter, Amy's letter did adddress many important issues, and she has engaged in many other efforts on behalf of the cause.

The regular and concise briefings that you have posted on this board have also been informative and useful. I am confident that everyone else appreciates your efforts also.

I have noticed, however, that a relatively small number of faculty letters have appeared in the media. The few faculty letters which have been published have been superb. I don't know if the small number is because the letters were rejected by the papers or because of a paucity in number.

I am sure that you agree that the sole burden of letter writing should not rest on the shoulders of Amy and the others. The press should be innundated - time and time again, and by hoards of faculty members participating.

In the old days it took quite a bit of effort to write a letter to the editor. Today, however, it is very easy to do. Each newspaper provides an email address inviting such letters. I have written several, but only one of them was published. But I do believe that my multiple efforts were worthwhile even if one appeared. A faculty member should not feel discouraged when a letter is rejected for publication. It may take several attempts before a letter writing produces fruit. The letters should not be limited to the media. The IHL needs to fully realize the sentiment the USM faculty. Something is not getting through to them

We all have something important to say. Lets say it in unison. Everyone words a letter in a unique way. Faculty members are usually articulate. Perhaps something that is written will grab an editor and it will be printed. Let's not rely solely on Amy and those who have gone before.

The die will undoubtedly be cast within the next four to six weeks. Maybe even before. This week has been a terrible one for the university. Let's not wait too late or we will all look back at our inaction and regret it.

No Quarter.

Date: Mar 6, 2005

I have been out of town for the past week. When I returned I read the news of the March 10th private meeting to prop up support for Shelboo. Much to my surprise Bonnie Drews expressed her opinion that pursuit of the liberal arts was an exercise in futility for her because of her inability to get a job in her field of education and psychology in the Hattiesburg area. You would have a hard time convincing me that this rich "bi**h" ever thought of doing a day's work for a day's pay. There were plenty of opportunities for her in the public schools, junior colleges, hospitals, etc. It is truly ridiculous that she thinks she would have had more employment opportunities in science and technology fields in that nonexistent market in Hattiesburg.

Date: Mar 6, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by: Potato Chip
" Reporter, Amy's letter did adddress many important issues, and she has engaged in many other efforts on behalf of the cause. The regular and concise briefings that you have posted on this board have also been informative and useful. I am confident that everyone else appreciates your efforts also. I have noticed, however, that a relatively small number of faculty letters have appeared in the media. The few faculty letters which have been published have been superb. I don't know if the small number is because the letters were rejected by the papers or because of a paucity in number. I am sure that you agree that the sole burden of letter writing should not rest on the shoulders of Amy and the others. The press should be innundated - time and time again, and by hoards of faculty members participating. In the old days it took quite a bit of effort to write a letter to the editor. Today, however, it is very easy to do. Each newspaper provides an email address inviting such letters. I have written several, but only one of them was published. But I do believe that my multiple efforts were worthwhile even if one appeared. A faculty member should not feel discouraged when a letter is rejected for publication. It may take several attempts before a letter writing produces fruit. The letters should not be limited to the media. The IHL needs to fully realize the sentiment the USM faculty. Something is not getting through to them We all have something important to say. Lets say it in unison. Everyone words a letter in a unique way. Faculty members are usually articulate. Perhaps something that is written will grab an editor and it will be printed. Let's not rely solely on Amy and those who have gone before. The die will undoubtedly be cast within the next four to six weeks. Maybe even before. This week has been a terrible one for the university. Let's not wait too late or we will all look back at our inaction and regret it. No Quarter. "

You are correct P.C. I and other faculty have written letters that haven't appeared. Besides fear, I think part of the problem is many faculty do not know the particulars of many of the issues and depend on their representatives to keep up and inform them. The faculty Senate letter sent to the IHL (with the motion for the presidential search) has not been made public. It contained a summary of the many problems. In addition, even the faculty who are up to date on the issues may not be informed of the SACS guidelines and the possible violations. All we can do is keep trying.

You can bet that next weekend, after the Coke meeting, there will be much news and letters in the media supporting SFT. That is just when spring break starts and many faculty are out of town. The IHL meets the week after the Coke meeting.

Date: Mar 6, 2005

I have suggested to the CoAL Senators that we try to organize a meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday this week of all CoAL faculty. I think it important that we meet to discuss and air our concerns and at least issue a statement representng our feelings (anyone out there want to start crafting one to bring to the meeting)?

I don't know if we will wish to contemplate any action, per se, but a think a public meeting with the press present would be an important way to get our story out and to counteract some of the more outlandish statements made in the indpendent and in the american.

I would encourage other colleges to find ways to respond as well -- we will seem stronger if the concerns or outraged expressed are university wide by college rather than just the CoAL faculty, which of course will be seen to not be a disinterested party in the matter, eloquent though many of our public utterances have been. And -- if a group of outsiders can load up and attack one college, then there is nothing to prevent them from attacking others when they don't like what they see.

Date: Mar 6, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: stephen judd
"I have suggested to the CoAL Senators that we try to organize a meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday this week of all CoAL faculty. I think it important that we meet to discuss and air our concerns and at least issue a statement representng our feelings (anyone out there want to start crafting one to bring to the meeting)? I don't know if we will wish to contemplate any action, per se, but a think a public meeting with the press present would be an important way to get our story out and to counteract some of the more outlandish statements made in the indpendent and in the american. I would encourage other colleges to find ways to respond as well -- we will seem stronger if the concerns or outraged expressed are university wide by college rather than just the CoAL faculty, which of course will be seen to not be a disinterested party in the matter, eloquent though many of our public utterances have been. And -- if a group of outsiders can load up and attack one college, then there is nothing to prevent them from attacking others when they don't like what they see. "

Stephen, remember most of the critical statements were in the Independent. As occurred at the FS meeting, the opposition will say, "What is the Impendent?” "How do you know the quotes are accurate?" and "We can't act on this poor information which hasn't been checked out." So all that is left is some citizens having a private meeting to "support" USM. So what?

I'm still hoping that FS executive committee makes a public statement for the Senate next week after checking the facts. Also AAUP should have one. Getting the individual colleges to meet the last week before spring break will be very difficult. I know it would be difficult to have such a meeting in CoST. Good luck to all of us.