New Associate Dean - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jun 1, 2005

RE: New Associate Dean

Date: Jun 1, 2005

How many Assoc. Deans does it take to screw in a lightbulb? None. The Dean does all that.

Date: Jun 1, 2005

Voter wrote:

sad astra wrote: If it ain't broke--don't hand it to Shelby.

This would make a great bumper sticker.

Date: Jun 1, 2005

Nuff Said wrote:

Any faculty member who has attained academic tenure and the rank of full professor must have demonstrated scholarly credentials satisfactory to the departmental, college, and university personel committees, and to the respective university administrators to which those committees make their recommendations (dean, provost/VPAA, president). If something is lacking, the blame should be placed squarely on those conducting the reviews at those levels, and not on the faculty member.

This is a good point. It does highlight the great variation among departments in expected standards of professional achievement that prevail in CoAL. And remember, standards are always rising. What got one a promotion to full prof. ten or twenty years ago is no longer enough. That's true at USM and most research universities.

Date: Jun 1, 2005

I hope you aren't prejudging the accomplishments of the performers in the School of Music. That always is a problem when the arts are mixed in with the humanities/liberal arts, etc. The DMA is not indicative of a performer's skill or his/her regional, national reputation. Many of the best performers I know (those at tier one universities like Michigan, Iowa, Yale) don't have doctorates.

On the other hand, those in music education, theory, and musicology should hold the doctorate. My understanding is that Moser got his doctorate because he wanted to move into administration.

When was Moser promoted? I thought he was an associate professor?

Date: Jun 1, 2005

SCM is right -- the chairs were asked and the response was exactly as stated. I had forgotten this.

I don't actually know that CoAL HAS expanded administratively. i believe this was discussed on another thread. I believe that few administrative positions have been added since the colleges combined -- remember two. I know that it is a complicated operation and that having the arts in the college complicate things a lot . . you can imagine that with music giving over 350 performancers per year; theatre and dance in the negihborbood of 20 major public events amd art having its exhibitions, the need for a PR and marketing component is huge. Bear in mind that much of what runs our programs is what we earn from public performances . . . I think that makes the job of being a CoAL administrator pretty complicated . . . notl only does the Dean's office need to run the colege as a whole and support all the standard research and classroom activities, but the deans also need to at least make some attempt to get to as many of these performances over the course of time as possible . . . . As a director of a program in performance I scramble to just get to all of the ones in our department --- I'd hate to have to try to do three colleges.

Pood may have his own issues but I think a number of people out there underestimate the difficulty and the work load involved not only in beng a Dean of a large college, but in being a dean of a college as diverse as CoAL. The distinctions between humanties . . . military science . . . and the arts is huge.

Date: Jun 1, 2005

spot check wrote:

Local business person told me just tonight that he heard that Doty was stepping down as Dean, some time this Summer. And the beat goes on.

is this true? any word yet?

Date: Jun 2, 2005

stephen Judd wrote:

SCM is right -- the chairs were asked and the response was exactly as stated. I had forgotten this.

I don't actually know that CoAL HAS expanded administratively. i believe this was discussed on another thread. I believe that few administrative positions have been added since the colleges combined -- remember two. I know that it is a complicated operation and that having the arts in the college complicate things a lot . . you can imagine that with music giving over 350 performancers per year; theatre and dance in the negihborbood of 20 major public events amd art having its exhibitions, the need for a PR and marketing component is huge. Bear in mind that much of what runs our programs is what we earn from public performances . . . I think that makes the job of being a CoAL administrator pretty complicated . . . notl only does the Dean's office need to run the colege as a whole and support all the standard research and classroom activities, but the deans also need to at least make some attempt to get to as many of these performances over the course of time as possible . . . . As a director of a program in performance I scramble to just get to all of the ones in our department --- I'd hate to have to try to do three colleges.

Pood may have his own issues but I think a number of people out there underestimate the difficulty and the work load involved not only in beng a Dean of a large college, but in being a dean of a college as diverse as CoAL. The distinctions between humanties . . . military science . . . and the arts is huge.

Stephen,

While I understand your view of the difficulties arising from the convergence of these colleges, how is it beneficial for administration to micromanage college programs? If shared governance was valued there would be an increase the number of faculty (not administration), and creation of a system to that would strengthen and support faculty in development of scholarly expertise which, in turn, would further the interests of programs. It is clear that you value the new associate dean’s marching band expertise. But how does his terminal degree and post-doctoral work support scholarship in any field in this college? How is he qualified to “oversee graduate studies, research, and creative activities?”

Inquiring Mind

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Inquiring Mind wrote:

It is clear that you value the new associate dean’s marching band expertise. But how does his terminal degree and post-doctoral work support scholarship in any field in this college? How is he qualified to “oversee graduate studies, research, and creative activities?” Inquiring Mind

What's the subtext here? Obviously there are those who have some bone to pick with Moser, so what is it? The fact that his doctorate is from USM, and in Educational Leadership? I'll grant you the guy is humorless, but he also seems to be earnest, fair minded and hard working, and have a knack for the more tedious aspects of nuts-and-bolts academic administration that many of us find thankless and burdensome. Is there something else going on that we should know about?

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Inquiring Mind wrote:

But how does his terminal degree and post-doctoral work support scholarship in any field in this college? How is he qualified to “oversee graduate studies, research, and creative activities?” Inquiring Mind

What does his terminal degree have to do with anything? Many have both criticized and praised Moser for his administrative abilities. That should be the only thing in consideration. Can he do the job? I am reminded of people in the sciences that criticized Don Cotton as a VP of Research because he had an EdD in science education and was not a pure PhD researcher. But I think most would agree that he was quite successful in that position.

If terminal degree is so important, why wouldn't we want all administrators to have a degree in academic administration? To me, when in comes to administration, I don't care what your terminal degree is in; I simply want you to be competent in your job.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

manova wrote:

What does his terminal degree have to do with anything?

What is irrelevant are the complaints on this thread about his alleged lack of a "sense of humor." some of USM's leading administrators in the past weren't exactly what I would call "as much fun as a barrel of monkeys," but they were good administrators. But if you want humor, we've got humor: following the events of the past two or three years, our university has become the butt of jokes among our peers elsewhere.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

manova wrote:

If terminal degree is so important, why wouldn't we want all administrators to have a degree in academic administration? To me, when in comes to administration, I don't care what your terminal degree is in ....

University administrators should have a Ph.D. in a content area (e.g., in a traditional arts and sciences discipline) because that will socialize them into the academy. Degrees in higher ed or leadership create the belief that the administrator should run the college like a factory. USM has endured more than its fair share of professional administrators. The best route toward university administration is that of "advancing through the academic ranks," beginning with the rank of Assistant Professor. Acquiring a graduate degree in administration and then taking charge of a complex organization of academicians is not a smart strategy for the university.

This doesn't mean that everybody who advances through the academic ranks, acquires beaucoups of grants or contracts, and invents something that makes him rich, is a fit university administrator.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Dahlin' wrote:

University administrators should have a Ph.D. in a content area (e.g., in a traditional arts and sciences discipline) because that will socialize them into the academy. Degrees in higher ed or leadership create the belief that the administrator should run the college like a factory. USM has endured more than its fair share of professional administrators. The best route toward university administration is that of "advancing through the academic ranks," beginning with the rank of Assistant Professor. Acquiring a graduate degree in administration and then taking charge of a complex organization of academicians is not a smart strategy for the university. This doesn't mean that everybody who advances through the academic ranks, acquires beaucoups of grants or contracts, and invents something that makes him rich, is a fit university administrator.

I thought Moser did advance through the academic ranks at USM, beginning with the rank of Assistant Professor. And what if his terminal degree was an M.F.A. in a content area, rather than a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership? Would that make you happy, or should be be excluded from administrative posts?

Date: Jun 2, 2005

I think the remark about Moser's sense of humor was made just to emphasize the fact that he won't be particularly good with people. He will, however, be terrific with the paper work. I expect things will run very smoothly with him there, and he will work hard.

Interesting to me is what is left for visible leadership in the School of Music--a bumbling chair and two untenured assistant professors, one serving as undergraduate director, the other as graduate director.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Dolly wrote:

And what if his terminal degree was an M.F.A. in a content area, rather than a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership? Would that make you happy, or should be be excluded from administrative posts?

An MFA would be appropriate for leadership in the College of Arts and Letters. Degrees in education are not. The old rule at USM required that faculty members leave if they chose to pick up a terminal degree locally. It was a good rule that encouraged people to work on degrees elsewhere and to bring that expertise to the campus.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Dahlin' wrote:

Dolly wrote:
And what if his terminal degree was an M.F.A. in a content area, rather than a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership? Would that make you happy, or should be be excluded from administrative posts?

An MFA would be appropriate for leadership in the College of Arts and Letters. Degrees in education are not. The old rule at USM required that faculty members leave if they chose to pick up a terminal degree locally. It was a good rule that encouraged people to work on degrees elsewhere and to bring that expertise to the campus.

That is true. And some took leaves from their positions at great personal sacrifice.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

I hope somebody can do something about this formatting. Take a look at the above post. It's very difficult to tell what was written by Dolly and what was written by Dahlin' - HELP!!! Is it just my computer or does everybody see that?

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Dahlin' wrote:

The old rule at USM required that faculty members leave if they chose to pick up a terminal degree locally. It was a good rule that encouraged people to work on degrees elsewhere and to bring that expertise to the campus.

Old rule indeed. The key word here is "old." Surely it hasn't escaped notice that under the new Thames rules, one need not hold a terminal degree in the field, and terminal degrees from USM, particularly if they're in the cutting edge Economic Development discipline, qualify one for any position at any level in any department. Invictus, come on down....

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Rulemeister wrote:

Invictus, come on down....

I think Invictus would be disqualified on one count: his degree is legitimate.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Rulemeister wrote:

Old rule indeed. The key word here is "old." Surely it hasn't escaped notice that under the new Thames rules, one need not hold a terminal degree in the field, and terminal degrees from USM, particularly if they're in the cutting edge Economic Development discipline, qualify one for any position at any level in any department. Invictus, come on down....

Rules? There are no rules at USM when it comes to credentials. Do the names Dvorak, Hanbury, Dvorak, Lassen, and Malone ring any bells?

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Stickler wrote:

Rules? There are no rules at USM when it comes to credentials. Do the names Dvorak, Hanbury, Dvorak, Lassen, and Malone ring any bells?

Speaking of questionable credentials, wasn't, or isn't Lassen a University of Phoenix guy, presently completing his doctorate in economic development while allegedly working full time for USM? Is it true that none other than the estimable ED scholar and USM Ph.D. Ken Malone is his dissertation committee chair?

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Transcript Clerk wrote:

I think Invictus would be disqualified on one count: his degree is legitimate.

But it's from USM. That ought to count for some degree of illegitimacy!

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Credential Checker wrote:

Speaking of questionable credentials, wasn't, or isn't Lassen a University of Phoenix guy, presently completing his doctorate in economic development while allegedly working full time for USM? Is it true that none other than the estimable ED scholar and USM Ph.D. Ken Malone is his dissertation committee chair?

I don't know anything about Greg Lassen so I looked him up on the USM website. I noticed that in a couple of items originating from the public relations office he's referred to as Dr. Lassen. Has he completed his Ph.D. now, or do they address him as Dr. Lassen because he has a law degree? Is this the same guy who's rumored to aspire to succeed Thames as USM president? I think I read that rumor on this message board several months ago, but could be mistaken about the name.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Out-Of-Towner wrote:

I don't know anything about Greg Lassen so I looked him up on the USM website. I noticed that in a couple of items originating from the public relations office he's referred to as Dr. Lassen. Has he completed his Ph.D. now, or do they address him as Dr. Lassen because he has a law degree? Is this the same guy who's rumored to aspire to succeed Thames as USM president? I think I read that rumor on this message board several months ago, but could be mistaken about the name.

Your memory is correct. Lassen has for some time been operating behind the scenes to curry favor with those he perceives to be movers and shakers within the IHL, conducting a subtle and clever campaign to be included on the short list of USM presidential candidates. I do not here suggest that he will be successful, or that he has the credentials to merit serious consideration. But among the constellation of Thames administrative hires, Lassen is thus far the only individual who's reputation remains unsullied by his association with the evil empire. He is known to covet the Provost slot, which he views as a stepping stone to the presidency of USM, or some other institution, ala Tim Hudson.

Date: Jun 2, 2005

Gossip Archivist wrote:

But among the constellation of Thames administrative hires, Lassen is thus far the only individual who's reputation remains unsullied by his association with the evil empire. He is known to covet the Provost slot, which he views as a stepping stone to the presidency of USM, or some other institution, ala Tim Hudson.

I've heard Lassen speak of his desire to be appointed provost on more than one occasion. It isn't a remote possibility, given his fealty to Thames. However, he's no fool and I don't think he seriously believes he has any shot at the USM presidency.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Maybe the Faculty Senate could ask Lassen to provide a detailed report on administrative expenditure at USM over the past 5 years?

If he responded accurately and truthfully, he would incur Thames' disfavor.

If he responded inaccurately and untruthfully, he would emerge with a reputation little better than Lisa Mader's, or Ken Malone's.

Robert Campbell

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Hootie Tootie wrote:

I think the remark about Moser's sense of humor was made just to emphasize the fact that he won't be particularly good with people. He will, however, be terrific with the paper work. I expect things will run very smoothly with him there, and he will work hard.

Interesting to me is what is left for visible leadership in the School of Music--a bumbling chair and two untenured assistant professors, one serving as undergraduate director, the other as graduate director.

Moser isn't really that good with paperwork. He just looks like he is compared to other people in the School of Music. Lack of people skills can hurt the College or the University, no matter how god you are at . . . your area. I'm thinking of a particular polymer scientist with no people skills.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

This just in....Dr. Harold Doty has resigned from his position of Dean of the College of Business at the University of Southern Mississippi, in order to accept an offer to serve as Chancellor of the University of Phoenix, an internationally renowned Carnegie comprehensive research university. A national search for his replacement will begin immediately, according to highly placed sources. Serving as interim Dean of the COB will be Dr. W.J. Johnson, formerly special assistant to the president, a native of Eastabuchie, and a graduate of USM's cutting edge program in international development. Dr. Johnson is a well known pig farmer in Forrest county, an expert in agricultural economics, a published scholar in equine science, and a particle physicist with a special interest in polymer science and materials. Additionally he is a Pulitzer Prize winning author, a winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service as a Green Beret during the Viet Nam conflict, a devoted father of twelve, and a grandfather to his sixty-three grandchildren. Dr. Williams holds an Associate of Science degree from Ashland Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the the Thomas Cooley School of Law, and a Ph.D. in Economic Development and Brothel Management from the Kenneth X. Malone College of Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Science, and a lifetime member of the Future Farmers of America, as well as an active member of the AARP, NRA, and AAA.

Date: Jun 4, 2005

Did Toy M. write Dr. Johnson's letter of reference to the NRA? (and you meant Dr. Johnson of course, not Williams.)

Date: Jun 4, 2005

"In the world a man will often be reputed to be a man of sense, only because he is not a man of talent." - Sir Henry Taylor

This man burned out as a musician and educator years ago. There are three main ways in which musicians conduct their research: performing, recording, and publishing. This man, who is now going to oversee research for the COAL, has done very little of any of this. He conducts a few concerts a year with the university's second student band (and students, instead of Moser, actually conducted two entire concerts with his group this past year), has not produced a commercial recording, and has not published any known articles, columns, books. So there is a very valid reason to question why this person should be promoted to oversee those who have done far, far more in all of these areas.

Good with numbers, good with computers - these are top attributes for an accountant, not a career educator and musician. In addition, he has made decisions in the School of Music to advance his own promotion and tenure and to initiate online courses, not with the best interests of the SOM faculty or students in mind, and often without their knowledge. Everyone agrees that there has been unrest and turmoil on our campus for the past few years, and he was made asst director in the SOM at a time when they were dealing with many problems. In such a climate, people either succeed in SPITE of turmoil or BECAUSE of it. If things had been running well here, this man would never have advanced to this post because people would have been paying more attention. He is relatively inept, and in fact is both dishonest and an opportunist.

Many people in this thread have been questioning his people skills. this is also a valid concern. As a small example of his people skills and judgement: he has repeatedly told female students in his rehearsals "Don't play like a girl", which in most circles would be called sexual harassment. Does this sound like something an administrator should say? He has no clue.

Integrity and due process are quickly going out the window. We will all need good luck in the next few years if this is the type of person that is rising through the ranks.