Here is the Printz editorial board column from January 28, 2003, immediately following the "reorganization." For those that didn't know, Robbie and I were the real fire-eaters on this topic from the beginning. We cowrote these pieces along with a few other editorial board members...

Our Views 1-28-03

When USM was last reorganized in 1988, there was discussion, controversy, and conflict among faculty, students, and administrators on campus. Yet despite the inevitable disagreement, there was an important respect for the essential dialogue that must take place before any major changes were made. “It’s proceeding according to a structure that allows and encourages as much participation of the university community as possible,” said Dr. David Bodemhamer in 1988 of the Lucas reorganization plan. Dr. Lucas himself said, during the 1988 process, that although “it was not the smoothest process…the process has been open. Everyone has had the opportunity to express their opinion, and they took the opportunity.”

Considering the recent reorganization in light of the 1988 example, one quickly sees the diametrically opposed leadership styles of presidents Lucas and Thames. While Dr. Lucas brought groups together on campus to facilitate dialogue and discussion, Dr. Thames showed a disdain for democratic discourse and decision making. Although Lucas solicited input from hundreds of students through open forums and an organized University Planning and Advisory Council, Thames held closed door meetings with only himself and a handful of top administrators.

Even more striking is the fact that the Lucas plan was introduced, debated, and approved before the plan was even taken to the college board for final approval. Thames gave the USM community a relative fait accompli, announcing plans for reorganization that had already been passed by the college board. In other words, Thames had already reorganized the university before he decided to let anyone else know about it.

All this reminds the Editorial Board of the fears expressed about Dr. Thames in the presidential “search” that took place last spring. While Thames said at the time that he believed that the support of faculty, students, and alumni was important, others questioned the depth of those convictions.

More than one critic warned Thames would bring an autocratic, and not a democratic, management style to the dome. And so far, that’s exactly what has happened. The only defense for President Thames’ actions is that with the faltering situation of higher education budgets in Mississippi, action is better than inaction.

While there is something to be said for decisive action, the budgetary crisis for education in our state looms far beyond the $1 million plus that Thames’ plan will shave from the USM operating budget. While USM has been hit with almost $18 million in budget cuts over the past three years, the Thames plan would do little to stem that current, other than reassure legislators that we were really trying our best to balance the books.

Yet even in the midst of a budgetary crisis, there is no excuse for such autocratic action. Thames could have easily announced months ago that plans for reorganization were being drawn up, or that secret meetings were taking place to restructure the university. While this would have meant some delay for discussion, the benefit would have far outweighed the time spent in consultation with members of the USM community.

While the democratic process is not the most “efficient” way to solve problems, its exercise often yields the most innovative and thoughtful solutions. And in the end, the more thoughtful solution will almost always be more effective than the one that was arrived at more “efficiently.”

While budget crises are certainly a reality, they should never serve as an excuse for tyranny. Dr. Thames and his administration should study his predecessor for ideas on how to work within the university community as a leader, and not as a ruler.

PS...Please reply some thoughts, or if Fire Shelby wants he/she can turn this into a document for somewhere else on the site!