USMS,

Several days ago you asked me to explain why I felt the Shelby Thames era at USM was over and I promised to respond upon my return to campus. Well, I'm back, and while I don't believe I actually said that his era was over,  I'll attempt to expand on my thoughts. I see Thames as crippled but still dangerous.  He's lost the Dvoraks, Hanbury, Mader, and to some extent, Malone.  His cheerleader Klumb is no longer IHL president,  and he's gotten only a luke warm endorsement from the IHL board in their failure to grant him a four year contract extension.  Crofts has his number, and I assume the new IHL commissioner will as well. The new president, Newton, was the only opposing voice when he was  hired and has made no secret of her disapproval of his inept stewardship of USM.  He has very few friends and allies among the present USM faculty. At the moment, I can't think of a single one. Even the new deans that he brought in seem to have little respect for him.  I believe that while his immediate departure would be the best thing for the university, having him exposed and under continuing scrutiny by the press, the IHL, and a vigilant faculty should serve to neutralize him. I do think that his base instincts will continue to move him in the direction of petty, vindictive behaviour whenever an opportunity presents itself but for the most part, I feel that he's a lame duck. I don't know whether you know the man, but Shelby Thames is vain and egotistical, and  I believe he's now concerned with salvaging his legacy.  He doesn't wish to be remembered as the bumbling fool who ran off the entire English department, and steered USM  into SACS probation and the bottom tier of national universities. I think the concern over his legacy will, to some extent, keep him on the straight and narrow for the next two years. Let me repeat that he is, in my opinion, still dangerous and capable of making life miserable for those who aren't in his camp.  Thus, his era isn't truly over until, as you said, he "stumbles out the door." 

You also asked about my opinion concerning some movement to organize on Thames' behalf. I'm not clear on what movement you make reference to, but I'm unaware of anything on campus that fits that description.   I'm reasonably well connected, have served in the Faculty Senate until recently, chaired a department, and when I can, hang out at the local faculty watering holes.  I've heard nothing favorable about Dr. Thames from any colleague, certainly nothing that would lead me to believe he enjoys any faculty support.  I'd be surprised if there is any significant student support for Thames.  We don't have what I'd call an activist student body and to the extent that students are vocal about our present administration, I've heard nothing positive from any of them.  If he does have individuals organizing on his behalf, then I'd guess it's the Warren Paving Company crowd.

So what did I mean when I said that it's time to look forward?  It was a recommendation based on my own personal situation and philosophy. I'm a busy person. I have a husband, children, grandchildren, teaching and mentoring responsibilities, and only limited time and energy.  Other than keeping Shelby Thames in my rear view mirror,  I choose to allocate my energies in a positive forward-looking manner.  I will not allow hate for Shelby Thames to dominate my personal and professional life, and I see no point in stewing over past injustices (and they are many) suffered at his hand.  If I allow that to happen, then he has won. If you have the time, pull out William Earnest Henley's "Invictus," which best describes my attitude in general.

I have one final comment before I retire from this message board.  I don't believe I've posted more than a half dozen times here and on the old Fire Shelby board, so I don't consider myself a major player.  There are so many others more eloquent than I that I normally see no point in chiming in with thoughts already offered by others.  This past week I was surprised to see that following a relatively innocuous post,  I was attacked by one non-USM board commentator who questioned my bona fides, characterized as a troll by another,  and accused of being a surrogate for one of the newer anti-faculty antagonists.  What was my offense?  As nearly as I can tell, it was suggesting that we not allow ourselves to be consumed with bitterness, and that we look forward to the monumental task of rebuilding our university. I also said that I'd heard similar sentiments voiced by other members of the faculty.  I stand by those comments, and I plead guilty to harboring positive thoughts. I can only feel sorry for those who find themselves unable to do so.  Moreover, I truly lament the accusatory tone and name calling which now seem to permeate this board.

Thanks again to you, Stephen Judd, Jameela Lares, LVN, Stinky Cheese Man, Invictus, Cossack, RAM, and the many other thoughtful contributors to this forum.  I've enjoyed and benefitted from your wisdom. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Faculty Grande Dame