daily rumor mill #63 - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jul 22, 2004

daily rumor mill #63

Date: Jul 22, 2004

Regarding Item 3: Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Shelboo begin playing with people's contracts right off the bat? I think the first person hit by this vicious manuever was a member of his daughter's dept. who his daughter didn't want to see tenured and promoted, but was overruled in an appeal to the University Advisory Council and was granted it by the Provost in 2002. If I remember correctly he never contacted this person, but chose to withhold her contract without any summer correspondence.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Shaft
"Regarding Item 3: Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Shelboo begin playing with people's contracts right off the bat? I think the first person hit by this vicious manuever was a member of his daughter's dept. who his daughter didn't want to see tenured and promoted, but was overruled in an appeal to the University Advisory Council and was granted it by the Provost in 2002. If I remember correctly he never contacted this person, but chose to withhold her contract without any summer correspondence. "

Is this true? If it is, it is terrifying

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: A New USM Prof
" Is this true? If it is, it is terrifying"

Yep, I think this person is either refering to Melissa Whiting or M.M. Sulentic.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: gurunuburg
"5. grapevine reports that when he leaves TH will most likely leave quietly. Seems there's a skeleton stalemate --- any war would be mutually destructive. We'll have to see. Thanks grapevine. "

"Skeleton stalemate"--Webster, are you still out there? This one is great!

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
"Yep, I think this person is either refering to Melissa Whiting or M.M. Sulentic."

or both! Actually MW was the t/p one and Sulentic appealed at the UAC level (and DT was once again overturned) and received a favorable response from them on her 3rd year review. Neither got contracts or any notification that they were not receiving contracts.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

Are they both suing, or just MW? Might be a good time to remind us of the date of the trial, which is soon I think.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

You guys really need to get better info for your athletic rumor mill.

You talked about how $$ is down for programs. That's very far off base. According to Dick Vogel, the Eagle Club is setting new all-time records for giving this year. A couple of weeks ago the previous all-time record was broken, and dollars continue to flow in.

I know that everyone wants all-negative all the time until Thames is gone, but there are still some good things going on on campus.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
"You guys really need to get better info for your athletic rumor mill. You talked about how $$ is down for programs. That's very far off base. According to Dick Vogel, the Eagle Club is setting new all-time records for giving this year. A couple of weeks ago the previous all-time record was broken, and dollars continue to flow in. I know that everyone wants all-negative all the time until Thames is gone, but there are still some good things going on on campus."

Rumors are rumors, KK. That's why the thread uses the word "rumor" in the topic. No one has anything against the Eagle Club, and people on this board have been very supportive of Bower and his program. Perhaps, you need to readjust your reactions - go back to the threads concerning Bower, and then tell me that I'm wrong.

You have a right to your opinion, and I have a right to mine.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Swan Song
"
Rumors are rumors, KK. That's why the thread uses the word "rumor" in the topic. No one has anything against the Eagle Club, and people on this board have been very supportive of Bower and his program. Perhaps, you need to readjust your reactions - go back to the threads concerning Bower, and then tell me that I'm wrong.
You have a right to your opinion, and I have a right to mine."

All I was saying is that there are a few positives left at Southern Miss, we should be thankful for them, not trying to start rumors that make everything negative.

I want SFT gone just like the rest, but lets not try to make positives into negatives just because. Most athletic supports that I know, the anti-Thames ones anyway aren't going to try to hurt the program just to make a point against Thames. I sure haven't I paid my EC dues, ordered my season tickets (6), and even renewed my Dugout Club membership. I am not happy with Thames, but I won't take scholarship money away from our student athletes just because I don't like what Thames is doing.

As for supporting Bower, that's fine as well. Bower is a good man, and has done a great job. But, I support Southern Miss, not Jeff Bower, I support Southern Miss, not the President or the faculty. Southern Miss is bigger than all of us, Southern Miss was here before any of us, and will be here long after we're all gone.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

KK, the rumor might actually be addressing what a few of the big-money supporters are planning to do. The Eagle Club is a large organization of mostly relatively small money backers. Therefore, the guru and the data you present are not even really at odds with one another.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
" All I was saying is that there are a few positives left at Southern Miss, we should be thankful for them, not trying to start rumors that make everything negative. I want SFT gone just like the rest, but lets not try to make positives into negatives just because. Most athletic supports that I know, the anti-Thames ones anyway aren't going to try to hurt the program just to make a point against Thames. I sure haven't I paid my EC dues, ordered my season tickets (6), and even renewed my Dugout Club membership. I am not happy with Thames, but I won't take scholarship money away from our student athletes just because I don't like what Thames is doing. As for supporting Bower, that's fine as well. Bower is a good man, and has done a great job. But, I support Southern Miss, not Jeff Bower, I support Southern Miss, not the President or the faculty. Southern Miss is bigger than all of us, Southern Miss was here before any of us, and will be here long after we're all gone."

Points well taken, KK. And, faculty (at least those I know) supports Southern Miss too. You're right, it is bigger than all of us. We're all concerned with the shape it will be in when the swarm of locusts leave. Taking scholarship money away from any student would be a huge shame, and I know that the majority of voices on this board feel the same way. People want to see the money spent in ethical ways and not to just pad a few followers' pockets. Thanks for responding back to my post.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: gurunuburg
"1. New and interesting word on the new Union Building. gorod reports that even the construction workers at the site can smell the coffee."

Guru, is the coffee from Starbucks or Java Werks?

Date: Jul 22, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: LVN
"Are they both suing, or just MW? Might be a good time to remind us of the date of the trial, which is soon I think."

Can't speak for any of the above directly, but I am fairly certain that SFT and Co. have been trying to get the Federal Judge to drop the case (???). Pickering going to the Appeals Court probably has held this up. The first potential trial date is in Sept. MW is definitely suing. MMS is still pondering her options.

Date: Jul 22, 2004

MMS does have a lawyer, but she may have moved on. She certainly deserves respect for having been in the front lines.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Googler
"Guru, is the coffee from Starbucks or Java Werks?"

I don't know about Java Werks, but one person who should be mad about this is Pete Walley (USM Alumni) who owns the Subways around town. He gives thousands of dollars to USM each year in promotions, EC dues, sponsorships thru his Subway chain, and now they are going to put a Quizno's in the Hub.

Ironically the guy who owns the Quizno's in Hattiesburg is an Ole Miss grad. How about slapping another Southern Miss alumni in the face.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
"

All I was saying is that there are a few positives left at Southern Miss, we should be thankful for them, not trying to start rumors that make everything negative.

As for supporting Bower, that's fine as well. Bower is a good man, and has done a great job. But, I support Southern Miss, not Jeff Bower, I support Southern Miss, not the President or the faculty. Southern Miss is bigger than all of us, Southern Miss was here before any of us, and will be here long after we're all gone."

These are good points, KK. There are good things happening at USM. I just wish there weren't so much bad overshadowing the good.

I do want to add something to your last statement. USM was here before any of us, that's true. And it may very well be here long after we're all gone. The crucial question is what it will be long after we're gone. There are forces at work that are trying desperately to ensure that what remains is but a shadow of what might have been.

Shelby Thames is a dupe, an unwitting pawn of those who want USM "put in its place." I really believe SFT is too vain & egotistical to comprehend how he's being used. If he does know what he's doing, he should be run out of town on a rail.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

I recently met a new faculty member at my university who came from Ole Miss. He was obviously aware of, and sympathetic to, the havoc at USM. What surprised me was his perception that Ole Miss was also in near disarray. He felt that MSU clearly was in the lead position in the state. Is that an opinion shared by others? If so, is it the result of the good at MSU or their alums on the IHL?

Date: Jul 23, 2004

How bout them Dawgs?!?!?!?!

quote:

Originally posted by: Interested Outsider
"I recently met a new faculty member at my university who came from Ole Miss. He was obviously aware of, and sympathetic to, the havoc at USM. What surprised me was his perception that Ole Miss was also in near disarray. He felt that MSU clearly was in the lead position in the state. Is that an opinion shared by others? If so, is it the result of the good at MSU or their alums on the IHL?"

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Bleeding Maroon
"How bout them Dawgs?!?!?!?!

Yes Indeedy, Bleeding Maroon. Go Georgia Bulldogs!

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
" I don't know about Java Werks, but one person who should be mad about this is Pete Walley (USM Alumni) who owns the Subways around town. He gives thousands of dollars to USM each year in promotions, EC dues, sponsorships thru his Subway chain, and now they are going to put a Quizno's in the Hub. Ironically the guy who owns the Quizno's in Hattiesburg is an Ole Miss grad. How about slapping another Southern Miss alumni in the face."

Does anyone know how the decisions were made about what restaurants were going into the union, etc.? I have heard many restaurants owners were angry because there was no bidding, etc. Many sent letters and such but got no reply. I have heard some say it might have to do with USM's contract with Coke and others speculate it might have to do with the new food service company (can't remember the name). Anybody really know?

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Interested Outsider
"I recently met a new faculty member at my university who came from Ole Miss. He was obviously aware of, and sympathetic to, the havoc at USM. What surprised me was his perception that Ole Miss was also in near disarray. He felt that MSU clearly was in the lead position in the state. Is that an opinion shared by others? If so, is it the result of the good at MSU or their alums on the IHL?"

I'm sure plenty of faculty at MSU think that they are in near disarray. Haven't heard from Robert Campbell here in a while, but there are probably plenty at Clemson who feel that way. I know I feel sometimes like my own institution is in near disarray.

You should reassure your new colleague that s/he is perfectly normal.

OTOH, things do not appear to be normal at "The Normal." Not by a long shot.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: asdf
"
Does anyone know how the decisions were made about what restaurants were going into the union, etc.? I have heard many restaurants owners were angry because there was no bidding, etc. Many sent letters and such but got no reply. I have heard some say it might have to do with USM's contract with Coke and others speculate it might have to do with the new food service company (can't remember the name). Anybody really know?"

I asked many of the same questions. And this is the answer that was given one such resturant owner.

The contract went Aramark. Aramark has pre-existing contracts with certain chains, Quizno's, Starbucks, Wendy's, ect. They will decide from among their lessees who will get slots in the Hub.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
". . . things do not appear to be normal at "The Normal." Not by a long shot."

Am I to take this that Invictus prefers to call his/her alma mater The Normal rather than Mississippi Southern?

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: foot soldier
"MMS does have a lawyer, but she may have moved on. She certainly deserves respect for having been in the front lines. "

Just found out that MMS is in Baton Rouge serving as a top administrator in the public school system there, a move that not only doubled her salary but was an option that few in CISE could possibly ever exercise. The schools and NCATE value actual public school experience. She was a teacher with 18 years in the Iowa public schools serving as a teacher and administrator. Also found out that when she appealed DT's bad 3rd review of her (her credentials speak for themselves) - and CM's tepid nonrecommendation (he was still deluding himself I guess or was too frightened by the Thames regime that he couldn't stand up to DT) - she appealed at the University level and received a unanimous vote of support. Despite the positive reviews at the univ. levels, she and MW were the only faculty members in that dept. who were not offered contracts when the contracts were given out. What a worl' class move!

BTW: Michael Adelman continues to be MMS's attorney. She's possibly going to make a move very soon.

THANKS INSIDER. Swan Song understands that you can't tell it, but Swan Song sure can. The above has been verified and is a fact, not a rumor.

Date: Jul 23, 2004

No, Junkyard....not the Wannabe Dawgs...the REAL Dawgs!!!

quote:

Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
"Yes Indeedy, Bleeding Maroon. Go Georgia Bulldogs!"

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Bleeding Maroon
"No, Junkyard....not the Wannabe Dawgs...the REAL Dawgs!!!"

Perk!

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Swan Song
"
BTW: Michael Adelman continues to be MMS's attorney. She's possibly going to make a move very soon.
"

All I can say about MMS is

GO GIRL!!!!!

Date: Jul 23, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" I'm sure plenty of faculty at MSU think that they are in near disarray. Haven't heard from Robert Campbell here in a while, but there are probably plenty at Clemson who feel that way. I know I feel sometimes like my own institution is in near disarray. You should reassure your new colleague that s/he is perfectly normal. ."

Invictus,

I was out of town for 10 days helping my mother, who was ill. She is doing much better now.

If you have a close enough view of the way any American university is run, you will spot dysfunction and disarray. Clemson is definitely included in that description... But USM is on a different plane. Under Thames it exhibits every one of the usual pathologies simultaneously--then piles on new ones unheard of elsewhere.

Robert Campbell

Date: Jul 23, 2004

i've had a number of colleagues go to conferences and relate the USM story only to be told "if you think it's bad there let me tell you about ...." i saw a guy on CSPAN talking about the president of Fort Hays State (in KS) who decided to raise teaching loads to 6 courses a semester (18 hours) in order to avoid tuition increases. enrollment went up, but the faculty unionized. the president said "we're a right to work state, so we'll beat the union." he's still president. i'm afraid to say the Chronicle's coverage of USM's story after the initial one may be a reflection of all the horror stories they hear. ours is just one of, unfortunately, too many.