Gary Stringer to TAMU - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jun 14, 2004

RE: Gary Stringer to TAMU

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Mandy Stringer
"I can verify that this is true. TAMU is committed to keeping my father's research alive, and wanted to gain a valuable scholar. Hooray for you, Dad! I am as proud of you as I was on January 1, March 1, and May 1, and am happier for you than ever!"

Now that Dr. Stringer's "promotion" to Texas A&M has been confirmed, I'd think the HA (and CL)would be all over the story--front page and above the fold. I saw nothing in their on-line editions this morning. Does anyone know if Ms. Braswell or Ms. Quinlivan still read this message board?

AE

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Robert Evans
"
Shelby Thames should be absolutely ashamed of himself, and I hope his supporters in the community will realize what a huge blow this latest development is to the academic standing of USM. "

As I posted up thread, Thames probably views this as a great win-win. He managed to get rid of a full professor with 32 years experience. This professor may not be replaced with adjuncts or with an assistant professor with 0 years experience, saving some bucks on the salary ledger. He also managed to have TAMU assume the matching funds for the Donne Variorum project.

This means that USM has freed money to be spent on off-the-org-chart administrators, "economic development," or more importantly, polymer science.

As an additional bonus for SFT, this means that USM's English Department has been "cut back down to size" relative to Ole Miss. This is precisely what Coach Klumb means when he says "clean house."

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
"
This professor may not be replaced with adjuncts or with an assistant professor with 0 years experience, saving some bucks on the salary ledger.
"

Should be:
This professor may NOW be replaced with adjuncts or with an assistant professor with 0 years experience, saving some bucks on the salary ledger.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
" Now that Dr. Stringer's "promotion" to Texas A&M has been confirmed, I'd think the HA (and CL)would be all over the story--front page and above the fold. I saw nothing in their on-line editions this morning. Does anyone know if Ms. Braswell or Ms. Quinlivan still read this message board? AE "

I agree; in some ways this is one of the most important stories to break since the end of the hearings. It provides proof positive that USM, under (and I do mean "under") SFT, is operating in an bizarre alternative universe, set apart from the rest of American academe. TAMU is more than happy to scoop up a professor whom SFT and Klumb regard as a renegade criminal. And it isn't as if College Station is Berkeley or some other "far-left" enclave that might go out of its way to hire an alleged bomb-thrower. No, TAMU is simply a very fine university, one that recognizes the value of a scholar (and person) like Gary Stringer. Shelby has (or should have) a great big wad of dripping, gooey egg all over his face as a result of this hiring. If the HA doesn't bring this to the attention of the good folks of Hattiesburg, it will be guilty of severe dereliction of duty.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus Fumble Fingers
" Should be: This professor may NOW be replaced with adjuncts or with an assistant professor with 0 years experience, saving some bucks on the salary ledger."

"may now be" but also "CANNOT be"....

Date: Jun 14, 2004

I just went to the HA webpage, clicked on "contact us" and sent a polite email to the newsroom that I looked forward to seeing a significant article about Dr. Stringer. I added that having been dragged through the press and accused of being a criminal, he deserves his moment of vindication. May I respectfully suggest that others take a moment and contact them as well. I think he deserves a BIG article and a FAIR article.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"

And it isn't as if College Station is Berkeley or some other "far-left" enclave that might go out of its way to hire an alleged bomb-thrower. TAMU is simply a very fine university, one that recognizes the value of a scholar (and person) like Gary Stringer."

You are substantially correct in this assessment. TAMU is anything but a liberal mecca, but it is indisputably a real "world class" university, as evidenced by it's many nationally ranked programs (some of which, I might add, are more highly regarded than their counterparts at UC-Berkley). It is also a university which values scholarly research, and welcomes academicians of every philosophical bent, be they liberal or conservative. This, sadly, is a concept foreign to the current USM administration.

AE

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: LVN
"I just went to the HA webpage, clicked on "contact us" and sent a polite email to the newsroom that I looked forward to seeing a significant article about Dr. Stringer. I added that having been dragged through the press and accused of being a criminal, he deserves his moment of vindication. May I respectfully suggest that others take a moment and contact them as well. I think he deserves a BIG article and a FAIR article."

LVN,

I just followed your good advice and hope others will do the same. People in southern Mississippi need to realize that SFT's view of things is demonstrably at variance with reality, as TAMU's hiring of Gary Stringer proves once again.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Malapropism
""may now be" but also "CANNOT be"...."

That particular professor CANNOT be replaced, I agree. And I stand corrected.

The question is whether the position can be filled with a less experienced (and hence less "expensive") person.

But I believe SFT is one of those folks who thinks that anyone can be replaced. Anyone, it seems, except Angeline Dvorak...

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
" You are substantially correct in this assessment. TAMU is anything but a liberal mecca, but it is indisputably a real "world class" university, as evidenced by it's many nationally ranked programs (some of which, I might add, are more highly regarded than their counterparts at UC-Berkley). It is also a university which values scholarly research, and welcomes academicians of every philosophical bent, be they liberal or conservative. This, sadly, is a concept foreign to the current USM administration. AE"

Very perceptive, Austin Eagle. And so was the most recent posting by USM Sympathizer. Texas A&M is no "liberal mecca." They probably still have the largest ROTC contingent in the nation. Just yesterday, George Bush, Sr. parachuted over the Texas A&M campus. It is a fine institution that values academicians of every philosophical bent, be they liberal or conservative. Texas A&M certainly has an outstanding department in my particular discipline. Shared governance is paramount at that great institution. Are you reading this, Mr. Klumb?

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Robert Evans

Date: Jun 14, 2004

Sorry, I tried to only quote the portion of Evans' letter that said: "The fact that Professor Stringer has been hired away by such a fine department as the one at TAMU is (or should be) a source of major embarrassment to the president of USM and his supporters."

While I agree totally with Evans' excellent letter, I doubt that SFT and his minions will greet this news with anything other than joy at being rid of Gary. The tunnel vision of this administration totally baffles me. Our loss is TAMU's gain.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Clio
"The tunnel vision of this administration totally baffles me."

"Tunnel vision" implies that the administration has vision at all. The Thames administration has

NO VISION AT ALL

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" That particular professor CANNOT be replaced, I agree. And I stand corrected. "

NOT a correction, only an expansion!

Date: Jun 14, 2004

For your amusement, from the Texas A&M University mission and vision statements:

"Texas A&M assumes as its historic trust the maintenance of freedom of inquiry and an intellectual environment nurturing the human mind and spirit....People are Texas A&M University's most valuable asset. The University strives to maintain an environment which encourages all employees to achieve their personal and professional goals and aspirations as we work toward achieving the University's mission. In this environment, each person's individuality and contributions are respected."

I wonder if Dr. Thames has ever contemplated fostering such an environment at USM?

AE

Date: Jun 14, 2004

I can assure you all from my previous employment at TAMU that the alumni there are VERY serious about their alma mater and respect EVERYTHING regarding the university. This includes everything from the football team, the gravesites of former mascots ("Reveille" the Collie dog), and, believe it or not, the faculty. I have never seen a faculty more disrespected by its alumni than at USM. Nor have I ever seen an administration less willing to stand up for its faculty. Anyway, rest assured that Dr. Stringer will not face these problems at College Station. However, he will face extremely hot summers and a lack of good restaurants....

Date: Jun 14, 2004

But Gary will finally be able to find a decent Mexican restaurant!

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Lewis and Gilbert
" . . . he will face extremely hot summers and a lack of good restaurants...."

Yes, I must admit that College Station will make Hattiesburg seem like a metropolis and center of culture in comparison. "World class" food can be found within a short drive because Austin, Houston and San Antonio are fairly close. I also believe the weather isn't that much different than Mississippi. However, College Station and the Hill Country have the bluebonnets and wildflowers; Texas is in its full glory when they are in bloom.

In spite of my wonderful memories of USM and Hattiesburg, I have never met more friendly and helpful people than the students, faculty and administration at TAMU. There is a sense of teamwork that is unmatched by any other university. Aggieland is truly a unique and wonderful environment and I wish the Stringers the best in their new endeavors. God Bless them.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Texan
"But Gary will finally be able to find a decent Mexican restaurant!"

I understand that the Crescent City Grill makes a mean taco salad.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
"
"Texas A&M assumes as its historic trust the maintenance of freedom of inquiry and an intellectual environment nurturing the human mind and spirit....People are Texas A&M University's most valuable asset. The University strives to maintain an environment which encourages all employees to achieve their personal and professional goals and aspirations as we work toward achieving the University's mission. In this environment, each person's individuality and contributions are respected."
"

THIS IS A VISION

AE, are you sure Texans wrote this?

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Coca Cola Cowboy
"I understand that the Crescent City Grill makes a mean taco salad. "

Many faculty members quit going there in March after the co-owner bashed the faculty in a letter to the HA.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: The Shadow
" Many faculty members quit going there in March after the co-owner bashed the faculty in a letter to the HA."

Coca Cola Cowboy also stopped going there the day the music stopped. That would be the day the HA published that letter.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

Advocate,

My son graduated from TAMU and we went there many times during his years in the late 80's and early 90's. College Station is every bit as much a "metropolis" as Hburg. Perhaps more so! I think you need to take a trip to CS to give a more up to date evaluation of the town. BTW, TAMU has always been impressive for the loyalty and school spirit shown by all parts of the university - students, staff, faculty. In fact, my husband and I were amazed at the number of people we met there who were alumni from other schools, but their allegiance was to TAMU.

Date: Jun 14, 2004

No doubt that Gary Stringer is going to a world-class university. Here is an item from the A&M site:

Texas A&M Ranks High In National Fund-Raising Survey

     May 13, 2004 - New national rankings place Texas A&M among the top 10 public universities in corporate and alumni giving. The university ranks 7th among U.S. public universities in gifts from corporations and 9th in gifts from alumni.
     "These rankings illustrate Texas A&M's strong partnership with our corporate donors and the ever-present generosity of our former students," said Eddie J. Davis, president of the Texas A&M Foundation. "Behind all the numbers and calculations is the fact that private support for Texas A&M affects tens of thousands of lives each year."
     The rankings also place Texas A&M 16th among public universities for private support received from all sources, including alumni, corporations, foundations and others.
     The rankings are based on data released in the "2003 Voluntary Support of Education" survey conducted by the Council for Aid to Education. Texas A&M's standings reflect gifts to the university, Texas A&M Foundation, Association of Former Students and 12th Man Foundation.
     The Council for Aid to Education is part of the RAND Corporation, a national non-profit organization based in New York City. CAE has conducted research on the private support of education since 1957, and it is considered the leading source of data on private giving to education.

Date: Jun 15, 2004

College Station vs Hburg

Date: Jun 16, 2004

RE: Gary Stringer to TAMU

Date: Jun 16, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Ditto Boy
"Bryan/College Station used to be quiet and isolated. Now what they call the Brazos Valley region is booming. There are restaurants, shops, antiques, parks everywhere. They've done a great job with city planning, so every new development has lots of green space. They have upscale stores like Talbots, Chiccos, Joseph Banks. They have great movie theaters that show everything. The terrain is not as beautiful as that around Hattiesburg. But the campus is huge and beautifully maintained. And Texas are very, very welcoming, friendly people. I hope the Stringer have fun there. I would."

Ditto Boy, do they still have hitching post to tie up your horse on the A&M campus? When I visited in the 70's they were placed in front of many buildings.

Date: Aug 5, 2004

RE: College Station vs Hburg

Date: Aug 5, 2004

RE: Gary Stringer to TAMU