quote:

---

Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"i would normally let national perspective's comment pass, but i can't.  that description of USM struck me as such a backwards step from where USM had been going.  it continues to regionalize USM--the gulf south, wherever that is.  the term national was Myron Henry's favorite because it was a term used by US News and World Report to categorize universities in their ranking scheme.  "a national university for the gulf south?"  sounds like some of our football season logos.  compare it to MSU's and Ole Miss's, and other universities.  "

---

What's national about Ole Miss and MSU? US news ranks us all in the third tier. I think that's accurate. It would be a mark of great and remarkable progress for either of the three institutions to rise to the level of regional prominence. Its an approachable goal. To be a leading national univeristy---I don't think so...ever. Mississippi has neither the resources nor the will to promote a truly outstanding univeristy. Its more than money, its a culture that embraces learning and some sense of shared, common fate. Great state universities come from places where there is a core constituency for the use of state monies for the public good. Mississippi does not have this. I wish it did.