Little Fire Shelby visited his grandparents this morning, and, when he came home, he told me that he saw in the Clarion Ledger that Shelby's contract was extended an additional year.  Immediately, I came here to see what all of you think about this.

Two years.  On a pretty tight leash, with a strong commissioner and a board president who doesn't care a whole lot for him.  Let's hope that he can't do too much damage in the next two years.  From what I gather, the board has charged him with pulling USM out of the SACS quagmire for which he is to blame. 

There is light at the end of the tunnel.  Sure, the tunnel seems rather long, but we'll make it.  Congratulations to all of you who have worked so diligently to finally see this day arrive.  Not exactly what I wanted, but a hell of a lot better than FOUR more years.

It's a bittersweet announcement.  While we celebrate Thames' departure, we mourn the losses of great professors and staff members who saw no hope, who are now gone.  To look back, to see the destruction that has been wrought on our university in the past several years....well, it's difficult.  Thank God it'll be over soon.

Now, let's look forward to the new presidential search. 

So, where's the party?