If we look at the large number of faculty who have left in the past three years for better schools, one has to wonder how so many good people were staying until recently. Most people coming out of graduate school take the best job they can find, even if it is not objectively attractive. Where you first land is a function of your graduate school, your references, your performance while a graduate student, your interview skills, and the market. Once a career has begun, people often move up or down based on how well they do in their field. People are reluctant to move down, so you will find marginal people at all schools. On the average, most faculty members probably end up where they belong.

The large number of USM faculty members who have left for greener pastures raises a question. Why were so many people who could have done better staying? I'm guessing that USM had been a very pleasant place to work and live. Pay was not very good, and facilities in many areas were limited. As the #3 state school in the #50 state, USM offers little prestige. In spite of these limitations the Lucas administration made an effort to support the faculty and to allow people to do their research and scholarship. The campus was a congenial place for faculty and staff. Additionally, Hattiesburg has a nice climate and it's a good town for families and children.

Much of that has changed under the current administration and IHL Board. We may be looking at the end of an era. USM will soon have the faculty it deserves. That does not mean that there are not still good people here. It means when they leave or retire, they are unlikely to be replaced by good people who will stay.