I think Dr. Lucas is really interested in staying a behind the scene kind of man.  He has some projects that he would like to see completed, and obviously he's interested in growth at the university, ie looking at the plans for the Student Center.  That being said, we need to find a new president that has vision for the university and not for his pocket book.  There was a candidate who did have this vision, but he refused to play the Mississippi Political Roulette.  Shelby won roulette the first time, but the odds are against him...eventually you get the bullet.

Dr. Lucas was quoted in two articles in today's Hattiesburg American - both related to the College Board.  A couple of the quotes are very telling:

"Trustees must also understand the differences between universities and other enterprises."

"The four new members will have to grasp the broad issue of academic freedom."

"I would want a board member to gain as quickly as possible an understanding of the importance of academic freedom in the university and how that needs to be nurtured and protected but not abused."

What a voice of reason!