Actually, the faculty searches have been going bad for several years now.  I know of some positions that have not been filled in 6 years.  I have been a part of many search committees and have seen the results.  The biggest problem is the state legislator and the fact they have not given the faculty a real raise in many years.  Many schools have a grid that guarantees a certain pay raise every years (ie, associate professor with 8 years experience gets paid at least X amount).  Southern has never had that and the legislator doesn’t fund USM enough to do that (I’m sure the other state universities have some of the same problems because of that).  I specifically know of 2 candidates that turned down faculty positions at USM citing state legislator as the problem.  Another problem is lack of start up funds.  Without large research grants, USM doesn’t have the monies to redistribute to new faculty to get pilot research so that they can write grants (horrible cycle).  I know of at least 1 faculty member my department lost to a SUNY school because they were going to give him $50k in startup and we said we might be able to get you $15k.  I know of new faculty now in Florida getting $200k in startup funds, USM just can’t compete.  I’m not saying that this whole ordeal has not affected any recruitment, just know that these problems did not start the day Thames took office.  The more I have worked in academics, the more I realize that everything comes down to money.  If we were starting faculty at $55k and offering $50k in startups, we would have plenty of top notch people, but offing $40k with little to no startups will just not fly.

For the past few weeks I have been thinking of applying for an advertised faculty position at USM.  I am a tenured faculty member at another university outside MS and the position and department I am considering applying to is a perfect fit for professional growth in my area of teaching and research.

I have updated my CV, edited my cover letter of interest, and carefully studied the faculty, department and College where the position is advertised.  The next step is to print the CV, cover letter and drop it all in the mail and officially apply for the position. 

However, in my preparation in studying about USM and the surrounding area, I have been reading many Mississippi newspapers online, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and other news articles.  But the unrest at USM and the current administration has me concerned about applying.  A unanimous faculty senate vote of 40-0 of no confidence in the President is unheard of and disturbing.

Without knowing everything about the unrest there, I have read everything on the “Fire Shelby” website and links to other articles. I do know that all universities have growing pains and their internal problems from time to time.  However, from my experience no matter how bitter the feuds are between faculty and administration in growing a academic institution, most university presidents and upper administrators know how to handle these issues in a calm, professional manner where due process and shared faculty governance always leaves the university stronger after everything has settled.  So far I like what I have learned about the academic opportunities at USM, the newly reorganized Colleges and the potential growth in my area of interest.  But I am unsure of applying for this position during this time of unrest.  It appears the University of Southern Mississippi is a big mess right now.

Question:  Do any faculty at USM think the university will emerge from this unrest okay by August 2004 and be a good place to continue my career?

Should I lick the stamp on my CV package and drop it in the mail, or stay put and see how the situation evolves?

Thanks, and best wishes to all faculty and competent administrators at USM.

Eye on USM

quote:

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Originally posted by: fire shelby
"It is really difficult to give you advice without knowing to which department you will apply. There are some departments to which I would have no reservations applying.  But there are some that I would not apply to, simply because of the way they are managed. Have you visited campus yet?  Perhaps that would be the best way for you to make the decision. Again, I don't know how to answer your question...I will defer to someone who may be better prepared to advise you. FS"

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Yeah, ditto that -- the department is really important.

As for Southern Miss, I came here six years ago when there was still a lot of energy and a real sense of pride and future. It is a bit discouraging in the short run, but I believe that in the long run this can be a great place for someone who is in early to mid career and is ambitious but also wants a few amenities. This part of the Gulf Coast is only going to grow in population and wealth. The faculty has been a pretty good one. We'll probably experience some losses of senior and upwardly mobile junior faculty -- scratch that we are already experiencing that. And they are hard to replace in terms of knowlege, personal investment, and all those ways in which good individuals make indelible marks on their programs. But you can also look at this as the kind of opportunity a good team gets when it loses most of its best people -- new people suddenly have better opportunities to be seen and recognized . . . and to build something instead of just stepping in and filling a space. We do work hard here -- but the students really do make it worth it and all of the stuff happening lately has only reinforced that for me.

I'd go for it if you think the department is a good one.

Thanks for the many replys.  The area I am considering applying to has a lot to do with Economic Develpment.  However, I am concerned as this area is the topic of many issues of uncertainty involving the current administration.  I will apply and follow the developments of USM.  But, I would be very wary to accept a job there under the current administration.

Again, I hope USM emerges from this mess stronger.  Thanks to the faculty for your input.

Eyeon USM