SFT In The Dark???? - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: May 14, 2005

SFT In The Dark????

Date: May 14, 2005

When I was in industry, I had a CFO friend who used to talk about the "Law of the Second Comptroller." When a new company President comes in, there's a honeymoon period. After that, if the numbers look bad, the Comptroller gets fired. Then, the second Comptroller is hired. It is only after the second honeymoon period, under the second comptroller when the numbers still look bad, that the board looks to the President for cause.

Shelby has gone through a staggering number of staff, administrative, and faculty changes. Count the number of VPs, provosts, deans, lawyers, chairs, PR directors, and faculty members that have left under his reign? The board may not be as academically attuned as some would like but its members include some savvy business people who know good management from poor. Couple that with the expertise and experience brought by the Commissioner.

Yes, Cossack, I think they understand. I am speculating that they are very worried about finding the proper replacement not only for the president but for the administrative team and find that task the most daunting one.

Date: May 14, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Cossack
"... I am of the opinion that SFT has shut himself off from any information that he does not want to hear by collecting a group of sycophants around him. ... "

Cossack,

This statement rang a bell for me. I recall in SFT's February Update letter his first paragraph essentially stated that he "ignores the negative" and "concentrated on the positive to keep moving forward". So I went to the web site with the purpose of linking and quoting the letter. Surprise! Surprise! The link to the February letter connects you to the January letter. I can no longer find the February "President's Update".

Check for yourself: http://www.usm.edu/president/archive.html

Date: May 14, 2005

I personally have heard first-hand reports about some cabinet meetings with the president where even those in his inner circle are afraid to speak up. I think that our president really is in a bubble and has so insulated himself that it is becoming even more difficult to administer this university.

I am guessing that most folks are simply afraid to speak up in his presence because he is prone to tantrums, but will follow through on being vindictive.

Amy Young

Date: May 14, 2005

I think I said this before, but I wonder if this is why, or part of why, LSM left? Possibly she saw that she had to preserve even a few shreds of professional credibility? Opinions?

Date: May 14, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Third Witch
"I think I said this before, but I wonder if this is why, or part of why, LSM left? Possibly she saw that she had to preserve even a few shreds of professional credibility? Opinions?"

Opinion: LSM realized the truth of what many have said here -- she had become no more than a personal press secretary for SFT. Defending Thames' failed presidency was growing more difficulty daily. The task was a career-killer, and steadily taking its toll on her physical and mental health.

Date: May 14, 2005

Those who worship mammon are doomed to be "in the dark." Ironically, the dude behind it all is the "Bearer of Light."

Date: May 14, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Amy Young
"I personally have heard first-hand reports about some cabinet meetings with the president where even those in his inner circle are afraid to speak up. I think that our president really is in a bubble and has so insulated himself that it is becoming even more difficult to administer this university. I am guessing that most folks are simply afraid to speak up in his presence because he is prone to tantrums, but will follow through on being vindictive. Amy Young"

During the recent heavy weather, I've had the opportunity to watch all of you at work on deck and aloft. You don't know wood from canvas! And it seems you don't want to learn! Well, I'll have to give you a lesson.

Date: May 14, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Reporter
" Cossack, This statement rang a bell for me. I recall in SFT's February Update letter his first paragraph essentially stated that he "ignores the negative" and "concentrated on the positive to keep moving forward". So I went to the web site with the purpose of linking and quoting the letter. Surprise! Surprise! The link to the February letter connects you to the January letter. I can no longer find the February "President's Update". Check for yourself: http://www.usm.edu/president/archive.html"

The link is screwed, but the letter is still available, if you're still interested:

http://www.usm.edu/president/letters/2_21_05.html

Date: May 14, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: hot link
" The link is screwed, but the letter is still available, if you're still interested: http://www.usm.edu/president/letters/2_21_05.html"

Thanks Hot Link. Cossack's post ("I am of the opinion that SFT has shut himself off from any information that he does not want to hear by collecting a group of sycophants around him.") reminded of the first paragraph in SFT's letter.

Date: May 14, 2005