At the end of the day, our students are why we are here. It is why I am here. So, I wrote the following letter to the IHL. If you are worried about this school with regard to SACS and accreditation remember, the IHL meets next week. Your silence helps no one.

THE LETTER:

March 11, 2005

To Whom It May Concern:

I write to you out of great concern for my students at the University of Southern Mississippi. As you know, this university is one of only seven to be on SACS probation with cause. A recent event now threatens the loss of that accreditation altogether. In The Sun Herald of March 11, 2005 Melissa Scallan reports the following: “Hattiesburg - Community business leaders plan to exercise their influence to help change what they call a ‘bad’ situation at the University of Southern Mississippi while promoting the accomplishments of the university.” As I am sure you know, SACS adheres strictly to the following principle in its "Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement." I refer specifically to Section 3.2.4 which states: "The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious or other external bodies, and protects the institution from such influence."

I note that in the Sun Herald report, Ms. Scallan writes: “Nearly 200 people attended a carefully orchestrated meeting at Warren Paving on Thursday night to talk about the university's achievements, its challenges and what they could do as business leaders and USM supporters.” In effect, this report suggests that an “external body” seeks to influence the direction of this institution. Further, that group insists on its status as an “external body” as the following from Ms. Scallan’s article makes clear: “Attendance at Thursday's meeting was by invitation only through one of the 10 members of the committee that organized it. A list of invitees was printed, and several people stood at the entrance to the parking lot to ensure that those who entered were on the list.” As I read this report, it is the very definition of an “other external body” seeking “undue influence.”

Furthermore, those attending the meeting on March 10, 2005 at Warren Paving were specifically urged to influence the IHL in support of president Thames. It is also reported by attendees of that event that each speaker concluded with the same charge to the audience: “I personally support Shelby and urge you to contact IHL and let them know you support Shelby and the changes he is making.”

SACS principles are as clear as this attempt at influence by an external body. Therefore, I am writing to you out of grave concern with regard to your forthcoming decision about President Thames. I urge you for the sake of the students of this university to seek a replacement for President Thames. I know that my students deserve only the best education this state can provide and I cannot imagine how courting more problems with SACS can in any way serve to further that goal.

I thank you for your consideration in reading this letter.

Yours,
Jonathan N. Barron
Associate Professor of English
The University of Southern Mississippi
Editor, The Robert Frost Review
Director, The Robert Frost Society