another loss - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jul 9, 2005

another loss

Date: Jul 9, 2005

I am a long-time acquaintance & admirer of Dr. Richardson. I believe he has been considering retirement for some time -- at least since last year -- and had his PERS time paid in. I heard he was quite discouraged about how things were going in the USM English Dept & that probably factored into his decision. But anybody who can draw PERS & head to a private college position without relocating is in a pretty good situation.

"Tom Richardson, double dipper!"

Yes, it's USM's loss, but it is also WCC's gain. And the Hattiesburg community didn't lose him. Remember, he may not be teaching at USM, but he will still be treating Hattiesburg area students with "civility & charm." And that's important. Very important.

Date: Jul 9, 2005

Say it isnt' so!!
Can English take another hit like this?

Date: Jul 9, 2005

Invictus wrote:

But anybody who can draw PERS & head to a private college position without relocating is in a pretty good situation.

Or even relocating at a public university outside of Mississippi like Texas A&M. They can also draw PERS retirement.

Date: Jul 11, 2005

Kick for Truth who was enjoying the Lake rather than reading the board - good for her.

Date: Jul 11, 2005

Two well deserved checks each month wrote:

Or even relocating at a public university outside of Mississippi like Texas A&M. They can also draw PERS retirement.

I think the point was that TR and others in the same boat can conduct their lives as usual...just take a different route to a different office each day. Home, friends, church, etc., all stay the same.

Date: Jul 11, 2005

Thanks for kicking this...I was definitely in vacation mode if I missed this post! I have known Tom Richardson for many years...he was dept. chair when I was an undergrad in the English Dept., and we also worked together at the Honors College when I was there (1995-2000)--he was Sr. Honors Coordinator when I was Gen. Honors Coordinator. Tom is truly a class act, a wonderful person, and this is most definitely USM's loss (and Carey's gain).

Good luck, Tom! You will be missed!

Truth (aka Andrea)

Date: Jul 11, 2005

One other thing...Tom served on so many committees (both in the dept. and university-wide), and was even involved in the strategic planning group under Fleming's administration. This is one more example of what USM will be losing...more institutional memory gone. So sad.