Let's EXamine the Record wrote:

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This morning's letter in the Clarion-Ledger suggests that the drums are beating in support of a continuation of what USM has experienced over the past three years. An examination of the record is in order. - USM was placed in SACS probation for the first time in memory. -  USM dropped to Tier IV in the US News ratings. - A staggering figure of almost 40% of the faculty has departed, leaving programs in disarray. -  The occupant of the Provost position has changed annually. - At least three VP's have departed. - Even prior to the hurricane USM had lost ground in terms of growth when compared to the other two major public universities in Mississippi. Prior to the storm Ole Miss was behind USM by only about 100 students and USM was well on its way to becoming #3. It didn't take the hurricane to ensure this would happen. - USM's reputation has been eroded within the state and across the nation. The USM alumni, commuunity and staff are the losers. Ole Miss and Mississippi State are big winners through the IHL's failure to take appropriate action. Those two schools will surely benefit as USM is increasingly seen as a big Delta State or Jackson State. I can hear the drums beating now, urging that USM be renamed "Pine Belt State."   It has become increasingly clear that the faculty's no confidence vote was prophetic. It's a shame that the USM "boosters" never caught on.      

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Let's EXamine the Record wrote:

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The USM alumni, commuunity and staff are the losers.

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