To polarize:  to separate into diametrically opposed, often antagonistic, groups, viewpoints, etc. (Webster's New World Dictionary, second college edition)

I hear that the board is split on SFT right down the middle and they "raise their voices" a bit when they discuss him.  Some say town and gown hold opposing viewpoints; east and west Hattiesburg; academics and athletics; faculty and administration; faculty and the bidness community; the USM Foundation leadership and the faculty; the university and the city.  Have you ever seen such a polarizing figure as Shelby F. Thames?

Somebody explain to me why some on the IHL board think this is a good thing for this university?