Dean of Cob Replacement - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Mar 31, 2005

RE: RE: Dean of Cob Replacement

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: In the neighborhood
"I've lived in Canebrake for a number of years. The people I talked to said the only time anyone saw DePree was out running. I never heard anyone say he brandished a gun."

That was also my experience. He has always been a good neighbor insofar as I can determine.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

Annie, What did this guy ever do to you? Let it go. You must have a whopper of grudge against DePree. Even the man who owned the dog dropped the charges. Get over it.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Annie Oakley
"Maybe the prosperous folks in Canebrake could help"

Your attitude toward Canebrake residents is apparent. In your next post why don't you tell us how you really feel about them?

Date: Mar 31, 2005

Annie, This all happened nearly three years ago. What's your problem that you can't move on? Was it your dog?

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Is Annie Oakley Okay
"Annie, This all happened nearly three years ago. What's your problem that you can't move on? Was it your dog?"

I don't care if it happened 10 years ago. He shot a dog FOUR times. If he is this frightened of a puppy, how is he going to be able to stand up to Shelby?

By the way, Depree seems to be the one who couldn't let go of this thing. He had to send out mailings to total strangers for months after the "attack."

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Lady Jogger
" If you are referring to me with respect to the detour taken by this thread, I will not apologize for challenging the inane notion that those of us who enjoy outdoor exercise should cower indoors and give the streets and byways, for which we pay handsomely with our tax dollars, to unleashed dogs of any breed. That is as ridiculous a suggestion as I have seen posted to this list since its inception . Any responsible animal lover would protect his dogs and the public from harm by keeping them restrained at all times. In most major cities, this is the law."

I absolutely do not believe that anyone should ever have to cower, indoors or out. I walk. I ride my bicycle on the streets and on the Longleaf Trace. Back when I had my original, God-given knees, I jogged. Dogs have attacked me. I too have been afraid, and I feel your pain. I thought about carrying a firearm, but I didn't and I don't.

You will get to laugh superciliously when I am mugged. I will get to laugh at you when you shoot yourself in the foot. (Seriously, do what you have to do to feel safe. Just be careful. I take solace in the fact that you say you have been trained to handle your weapon.)

My whole original point was about the perception should DePree be appointed chair.

I agree about responsible pet ownership. I agree about the rights of taxpayers. However (you knew this part was coming, right?) part of the reason for the community feeling about Dr. DePree is because his canine confrontation did not happen in the city where they play by city rules. It happened in a private, gated community. It happened in The Free State of Lamar County, Where We Been Doing Things the Way We Want to Do Them For A Whole Lot Longer Than You Have Been Alive. There is no "leash law" in Lamar County. (There is no law against burning trash in your front yard either, like there is in most major -- and even minor -- cities.) The good folks of Lamar County have been fiercely, even perversely libertarian since long before they were familiar with the word, and before Canebrake was anymore than, well, a canebrake.

Sure, there may be restrictive covenants in all the deeds at Canebrake, but that's one of those legal technicalities that just don't mean much west of I-59.

Oddly enough, collectively, the folks in Lamar County are not a particularly humane lot. A former sheriff was once quoted as saying, "We don't have a stray animal problem. If there's a stray animal, what's the problem? Just shoot it."

If we were talking about a good ole boy that shot a fice dog that had eaten some guinea hens, this never would have broken the surface of our collective consciousness.

I don't agree with that attitude. I don't like it. But I cannot deny it. I find it simultaneously offensive and amusing. It's just another one of those charming aspects of living down here in the Land o' Cotton, where we first put the "idiot" in idiosyncrasy.

May you jog in peace. Really.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

Well said Amanuensis.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Annie Oakley
" I don't care if it happened 10 years ago. He shot a dog FOUR times. If he is this frightened of a puppy, how is he going to be able to stand up to Shelby? By the way, Depree seems to be the one who couldn't let go of this thing. He had to send out mailings to total strangers for months after the "attack." "

Annie, I'm at the COB. I don't think Marc would be interested in being Dean, but he would be a great choice. He has real character and integrity. He is incredibly bright. After more than 10 years of working with him, I think I can give an informed, firsthand opinion. He is truly one of the good guys. When he was being dogged (pardon the bad pun) by a lot of people during what had to be a really bad time for him, he was still a good and productive faculty member. The students still thought he did a great job. The truth is this, he stood up to the attack and won. I don't think Shelby would want somebody like Marc as Dean because in my experience, not much will stop him from speaking the truth as he sees it.

You really need to take a deep breath and get over whatever grudge you are carrying after three years.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

I'll drop the subject. But, please understand, I don't have a grudge. I just have an opinion.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

Annie,

As I have said, I've known him for a long time. Marc is a nice guy and would make a great dean. Why don't you ask him about what happened? It might change your opinion. As we all know, you can't believe much of what is printed in the Hattiesburg American.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Annie Oakley
"I'll drop the subject. But, please understand, I don't have a grudge. I just have an opinion. "

All right boys and girls, that'll be quite enough. For the final word, I think it's time we heard from Monique de Guerre, who owns at least 20 large dogs and carries an loaded Uzzi in her garter belt. Monique, what say you?

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Mediatin' Marvin
"All right boys and girls, that'll be quite enough. For the final word, I think it's time we heard from Monique de Guerre, who owns at least 20 large dogs and carries an loaded Uzzi in her garter belt. Monique, what say you?"

I have advised Mme. de Guerre to refrain from posting on any thread having to do with professors in the CoB. She has asked me to relay to you kind folks that she believes that the entire lot of them are in need of a good etiquette class and should only raise up arms in support of Le Resistance.

C'est le Guerre and NO QUARTER!

Date: Mar 31, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Monique de Guerre's Risk Manager
" I have advised Mme. de Guerre to refrain from posting on any thread having to do with professors in the CoB. She has asked me to relay to you kind folks that she believes that the entire lot of them are in need of a good etiquette class and should only raise up arms in support of Le Resistance. C'est le Guerre and NO QUARTER!"

Perhaps Mme. de Guerre would consider firing a volley of warning shots from her Uzzi across the bow of the USS Joseph Greene Hall, which appears to have veered off course. I fear there is a risk of foundering if no correction is made.

Date: Mar 31, 2005

Ignoring all the disagreements over jogging and handguns, I agree with the thought that while Marc Depree may be a good internal candidate for COB Dean, that this possible assignment would be detrimental to the external perception of the university. Until the "dog incident" I never knew that his name was "Chauncey Marcelleous Depree" and his ezine "Choking Dead Chickens" provided ample evidence of his only-marginally concealed (if even that) disdain for the USM Administration and many of his colleagues in the Business School. For some time after the "dog incident" and his conviction in Lamar County court, he used a bulk mail license to send his fliers to every person in the 3940* zip code. He's also "mail-bombed" the USM Faculty Senate listserv with his ongoing complaints about his compensation, merit raises, and the salaries of his colleagues. This pattern does not bode well for an administrator, and the external publicity could not be helpful for the university.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: fallen eagle
"Ignoring all the disagreements over jogging and handguns, I agree with the thought that while Marc Depree may be a good internal candidate for COB Dean, that this possible assignment would be detrimental to the external perception of the university. Until the "dog incident" I never knew that his name was "Chauncey Marcelleous Depree" and his ezine "Choking Dead Chickens" provided ample evidence of his only-marginally concealed (if even that) disdain for the USM Administration and many of his colleagues in the Business School. For some time after the "dog incident" and his conviction in Lamar County court, he used a bulk mail license to send his fliers to every person in the 3940* zip code. He's also "mail-bombed" the USM Faculty Senate listserv with his ongoing complaints about his compensation, merit raises, and the salaries of his colleagues. This pattern does not bode well for an administrator, and the external publicity could not be helpful for the university."

I have never posted to this board before, but enough is enough. Are you people just insane? I ask the question with good reason. You talk about his only marginally concealed (if even that) disdain for the USM administration and many of his colleagues. And just what do you think happens on this board. How much respect has anybody shown for Shelby? At least DePree has enough character to sign his name to what he sends out.

As what he sent out concerning the dog incident, did it ever occur to you that is the ony way he could get his side of the story out? It looked to me like the local media was having a field day trashing him. My suggestion is the, if you don't like what he writes, don't read it. As for the book, I read it. While it was not particularly literary (buth what do you expect from an accountant?), it was funny. I'm not in business, but I recognized many of the characters from other schools. If you people in the business school really see yourselves in that book -- now that's really scary.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Are you people just nuts?
"

I have never posted to this board before, but enough is enough. Are you people just insane? "

This is troll-language: "you people." Many of us who post on this message board specifically don't address particular threads because they are not of interest to us. This is one for me. Please don't lump us all together, unless you want to be considered a troll on this board.

Thanks,

Truth

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
" This is troll-language: "you people." Many of us who post on this message board specifically don't address particular threads because they are not of interest to us. This is one for me. Please don't lump us all together, unless you want to be considered a troll on this board. Thanks, Truth"

Sorry, no offense intended. Some people at the business school are just to eager to trash one of their own for little or no reason. I think Dr. DePree has endured enough malice to do anyone for a lifetime. In my church we are urged to reach out to people and do good rather than hold petty grudges and do injury. I wish I could say that I always live up to those goals. I know I haven't. But I don't think I have ever engaged in character assassination as sport.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Are you people nuts
"Sorry, no offense intended. Some people at the business school are just to eager to trash one of their own for little or no reason. I think Dr. DePree has endured enough malice to do anyone for a lifetime. In my church we are urged to reach out to people and do good rather than hold petty grudges and do injury. I wish I could say that I always live up to those goals. I know I haven't. But I don't think I have ever engaged in character assassination as sport."

Thanks for your response. Good luck w/your endeavors to inspire better behavior on the message board and beyond. Sometimes silence is the best antidote, I've found.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Are you people nuts
"Sorry, no offense intended. Some people at the business school are just to eager to trash one of their own for little or no reason. I think Dr. DePree has endured enough malice to do anyone for a lifetime. In my church we are urged to reach out to people and do good rather than hold petty grudges and do injury. I wish I could say that I always live up to those goals. I know I haven't. But I don't think I have ever engaged in character assassination as sport."

Then perhaps Dr. Depree should stop his absolutely relentless speculation about and attacks on his colleagues.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

In my church two wrongs don't make a right. There is somehting in my Bible about returning good for evil. If you percieve that he is attacking you, perhaps you should show a little Christian charity and reach out your hand in kindness first.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

I have not posted about Dr. Depree except in response to you as a suggestion that he contribute to the cure by stopping what is widely known as his incessant attacks on others. I have merely commented in this and other threads regarding the nastiness of the COB faculty toward each other. When members of the COAL faculty leave or step down, their colleagues are sad, understand the inevitable nature of the loss under the Thames administration, and express concern about replacement. The COB faculty just seem hell-bent on destroying each other, starting rumors, and airing old, old grievances. Is there an internal agenda at COB to help Shelby do what he wants to do to the College of Business? If not, what is the deal?

Date: Apr 1, 2005

Depree is an intelligent person and a scholar. But he's a wacko. He's currently using the students who enroll in his classes to further his vendetta against CoB administrators, past and present. That's a fact. If you doubt, check it out.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Goose & Gander
"I have not posted about Dr. Depree except in response to you as a suggestion that he contribute to the cure by stopping what is widely known as his incessant attacks on others. I have merely commented in this and other threads regarding the nastiness of the COB faculty toward each other. When members of the COAL faculty leave or step down, their colleagues are sad, understand the inevitable nature of the loss under the Thames administration, and express concern about replacement. The COB faculty just seem hell-bent on destroying each other, starting rumors, and airing old, old grievances. Is there an internal agenda at COB to help Shelby do what he wants to do to the College of Business? If not, what is the deal?"

Actually, I didn't make a suggestion that "he contribute to the cure by stopping what is widely know as his incessant attacks on others." After I got involved in this discussion, I called some people I know in business and they say that Depree is right on the mark. They say that there are a lot of people who have tried to ruin his career and even get him fired because he asked too many questions about the wrong people.

What I find interesting is that you complain about Depree's incessant attacks, then turn around and attack Shelby. It all seems to be a viscious circle and whether it is good or bad depends on where you stand or sit. I happen to think Shelby needs to go, but let's keep things in perspective.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

You misquoted me and of course we criticize Shelby. He is destroying this university. Are you from another planet? I am done responding to you - shouldn't have done so in the first place - should know better about the COB craziness.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Hot Diggity Dog
"Depree is an intelligent person and a scholar. But he's a wacko. He's currently using the students who enroll in his classes to further his vendetta against CoB administrators, past and present. That's a fact. If you doubt, check it out."

See what I mean? It's so easy to call name and made veiled claims. If he's really doing something improper, it seems to me that somebody would take action. However, in my own department, I know faculty have discussed their opinions of Shelby with students in and out of class. They encouraged students to attend protests. Are they furthering a vendetta? Come on. We are supposed to be academics. If we can't cope with a little internal dissent we are no better than what we say about Shelby.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

I would like to thank our Risk Manager for interceding last night. As I explained elsewhere, the computers at the de Guerre home were shut down due to inclement weather. However, as was announced previously, Mlle de Guerre will not post to any COB threads, nor will she comment on any of their activites. Someone in that group, or pretending to be in that group, let his imagination get the better of him regarding Mlle de Guerre, and she has wisely decided to confine her observations to matters regarding the humanities, the University as a whole, or life in general.
However, let me state categorically and for the record, that Mlle does not own any firearms. With her driving, the 'Vette might be considered a lethal weapon, but she does not intentionally seek to harm anyone.

Sincerely,

Hermione Angleterre, Social Secretary to Monique de Guerre

Date: Apr 1, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Hermione Angleterre
"I would like to thank our Risk Manager for interceding last night. As I explained elsewhere, the computers at the de Guerre home were shut down due to inclement weather. However, as was announced previously, Mlle de Guerre will not post to any COB threads, nor will she comment on any of their activites. Someone in that group, or pretending to be in that group, let his imagination get the better of him regarding Mlle de Guerre, and she has wisely decided to confine her observations to matters regarding the humanities, the University as a whole, or life in general. However, let me state categorically and for the record, that Mlle does not own any firearms. With her driving, the 'Vette might be considered a lethal weapon, but she does not intentionally seek to harm anyone. Sincerely, Hermione Angleterre, Social Secretary to Monique de Guerre"

Thank you Hermione. You are eternaly insightful. I think it is well to leave the COB to it's own devices. Apparently, self destruction is their favorite sport. However, out of curiousity, is it a team sport or played one-on-one?

Date: Apr 1, 2005

Goose and Gander, Annie Oakley,

Your points are well taken but would suggest that you are corresponding with primarily one individual who is using different monikers. As a wise friend reported to have suggested ”I trust that most people will see through this rather pathetic attempt to misrepresent the truth.” Most in COB see it for what it is.

The best strategy for handling the situation in COB is likely to be the advice allegedly offered by one bright fellow is “...[W]hat I am refusing to acknowledge is his presence in the College.” Someone once said something about wrestling with a pig which is worthy of consideration. While not remembering the details, it does seem to have some application. Do as you wish but please keep your eyes open to the truth.

Date: Apr 1, 2005

Maybe Annie Oakley, Goose and Gander and Moral Leader are all the same people. I don't know. However, I'm one of one, and not Dr. DePree, as you apparently beleive. I go back to my original comments -- people who hold this kind of grudge have got to be nuts. What my friends in COB tell me is that the COB has lots of problems and DePree isn't one of them.

I feel sorry for you.