correcting a couple of typos...

Thames kicks off LOVE program at USM

James Scott, Sun Herald Reporter

Just one day after USM President Shelby Thames rewarded more than 40 USM faculty with over $500,000 through the university's MIDAS program, he met once again in the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building with a large group of faculty and staff.  Today's events centered around a new financial incentives program called "LOVE," or "Letters, Opinions, Votes, and Events."  The program recognizes and rewards various USM personnel who have supported the Thames administration over the past three years through efforts including, but not limited to, letters and opinion pieces for statewide newspapers, events like the Spring 2005 meeting of Hattiesburg business executives, or votes in campus referenda.

This year's LOVE ceremony saw over $280,000 go to just under 20 USM faculty and staff (and others).  According to Thames, LOVE is an incentive program, just like MIDAS.  "The benefits of this program are tangible.  I would hope that more faculty and staff respond to this incentive plan next year, and the year after.  It's a good way to supplement their salaries," Thames stated.

Recipients of this year's awards come from all areas of the campus, including four from the College of Education and Psychology, five from the College of Science and Technology, three from the Athletics Department, two from Noetic, and one each from iTech and the Controller's office.  Three grant awards were given to private sector affiliates.  These went to employees at Aramark, the Area Development Partnership, and Warren Paving Company. 

The average award was $14,780, while the award values ranged from about $10,000 to $18,000.  Thames hopes the program can be expanded by over 25 percent for 2006.  "We're looking to do more next year.  We funded this year's awards from savings that we found just this week from the university-wide restructuring that took place in 2003," Thames explained.  "This program is unique, wonderful.  And, I hope to see faculty in the Arts and Letters compete for these next year.  It's a viable alternative for those who feel locked out of MIDAS contention," Thames concluded.