Political Science Question? - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Feb 2, 2006

Political Science Question?

Date: Feb 2, 2006

Can't confirm, but not surprised. Lansford was not exactly pleased to be thrust into the assistant dean spot for USM-GC Arts and Letters, which he still holds. Given that he also is/was acting chair of Political Science it's hard to imagine how he's managed to have anything like the research productivity he once did. House was destroyed by the hurricane, too. So leaving would make a certain amount of sense.

As far as where he stands with SFT, Lansford had, in addition to that solid publishing record, credentials as a conservative ideologue--he used to hype the Afghan-Iraqi war on a WLOX talk show, among other things--that also made him attractive to the administration. Based on what I've seen and heard, however, the attraction was not reciprocal. A mutual friend once conveyed Lansford's reaction to sessions of SFT's upper echelon as being one of perpetual stunned disbelief. A sound reaction.

As I said, however, can't confirm. Just wanted to give context for original question.

Date: Feb 2, 2006

I heard from a fairly reliable source that Lansford is fielding two offers: one as an endowed chair on the Left coast; and the other as director of a security studies program on the Right coast. Methinks he will go to the Right.

On a separate note, I know Lansford has been in constant battle with SFT's minion on the Coast (Her Excellency, Pat Joachim), over faculty resources, space and budget matters (no surprise, he usually loses). That would wear anyone down.

Date: Feb 2, 2006

After Katrina, Lansford was the only administrator fighting for the Arts and Letters faculty down here. I would actually be happy for him if he goes, but it sucks to be the last rat on board the ship . . .

Date: Feb 2, 2006

I wish Tom well. He's a talented person and a good guy. Like every single younger, productive faculty member I know at this university, he's been on the market for a while, eager to leave this dysfunctional organization.

Those who can get out are doing so. This place has hemorrhaged faculty in the last three years.

The word must be out about USM. I heard a rumor that the history department has received only a handful of applications from marginal candidates for its four active searches.

Date: Feb 2, 2006

We can't lose Lansford, he has the best wardrobe at USM!!!

Date: Feb 3, 2006

How do the political science faculty feel about this?

Date: Feb 3, 2006

This is the first that I heard Lansford is leaving. He has an excellent publication record and has organized some interesting conferences down at the coast. I like him and would prefer that he move up here and stay as chair, but he did not apply for the position (he promised he would not when he took over as interim). I must say that I am not surprized that he'll leave, but hate to see him go before SFT.

Date: Feb 3, 2006

It appears that people have to leave in order to better their work situations, career path, and compensation package. This has been going on for many years. It's a shame that USM appears to be a "career growth" institution for only those who may be politically connected.

Date: Feb 4, 2006

Where did Lansford stand on transfer of the international development program IDV into political science? I understand the move was opposed by the department, but since CoB kicked the program out, it had to be put somewhere and political science got stuck with it. If they moved the Malone group into my department, I would probably also want to take off----

Date: Feb 6, 2006

How does he feel about affirmative action,evolution,abortion,shared governance,suspended sentences for criminals? If he is for any of these ,he needs to hit the road.