http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/news/special_packages/renewal/long_beach/15976375.htm

What do you want in a USM president?

HATTIESBURG - Faculty, students tell search group

Faculty, staff and students at the University of Southern Mississippi want a president who has a regional and national vision for the college and whose focus will be on teaching and learning.

They also want someone who has experience as president of a university and who can build relationships with the faculty and students, as well as the communities served by the school....

..."A new president needs to come to us with a vision for this university, not just a generic vision," history professor Douglas Chambers said. "That vision needs to be in a regional context but be realistic about where we are. Investments need to be made in all (academic) areas, not just the areas the president is interested in."...

...Tim Rehner, a professor in the School of Social Work, said academics needs to be the focus.

"We need an active, engaged academic side to this university," he said. "It's not just about raising money. There are many bridges that need to be rebuilt between the faculty and the administration and between the staff and the administration. I think the faculty have been sidelined in the decision making, and they need to be part of the process."

Pat Smith teaches history at USM Gulf Park, and he represented Coast faculty members at Thursday's meetings.

"Daily, the faculty operates in Katrina crisis mode," he said. "The USM Gulf Coast operation needs a president who has experience with a multi-campus university. We need a president who can hit the ground running and renew the faith and hope of our staff."