Question for Real Old Timers - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: May 15, 2005

Question for Real Old Timers

Date: May 15, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"Am I correct in thinking that James Sims once taught English at USM? I have admired his scholarship for many years, and I am now reviewing a book in which his scholarship is cited often and praised frequently. "

Yes. And a man with integrity of the first order!

Date: May 16, 2005

Dr. James Sims was first hired to be Dean of the College of Liberal Arts after Dr. Claude Fike (History) retired. He taught courses in the English department. He was a good dean and helped to strengthen the college. He was promoted to VPAA (now called Provost) when Dr. Charles Morman (English) retired from USM. He was a well respected administrator, scholar, and teacher and is still an active scholar in retirement. Dr. Sims is a former professor/mentor of Dr. Gary Stringer.

Date: May 16, 2005

Jim Sims was Vice President for Academic Affairs under Lucas. He was foremost a scholar whose vision of the university was one of scholarship. Unlike the current administration that places academics at the bottom of the list.

Date: May 16, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Retiree
"Dr. James Sims was first hired to be Dean of the College of Liberal Arts after Dr. Claude Fike (History) retired. He taught courses in the English department. He was a good dean and helped to strengthen the college. He was promoted to VPAA (now called Provost) when Dr. Charles Morman (English) retired from USM. He was a well respected administrator, scholar, and teacher and is still an active scholar in retirement. Dr. Sims is a former professor/mentor of Dr. Gary Stringer. "

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that James Sims was a mentor to Gary Stringer. I became familiar with the work of Dr. Sims even while I was an undergraduate, while I became aware of the work of Gary Stringer as a grad student. In both cases, distinguished scholars had brought luster and national recognition to USM. Now the main form of national recognition being brought to USM is being delivered by Shelby Thames -- about which, the less said, the better.

Date: May 21, 2005

Does anyone see Dr. Sims? I know his wife died just this last year. How is he doing? They were very close. What a fine gentleman.

Date: May 21, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: far away alum
"Does anyone see Dr. Sims? I know his wife died just this last year. How is he doing? They were very close. What a fine gentleman."

I see Jim most mornings about 7am walking the fitness track outside the Payne Center. However, I don't have a chance to speak to him since I'm insdie the center.