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Fire Shelby Thames -> Fire Shelby Thames -> Fire Shelby Thames -> If you want to see into the mind of Shelby Thames
Post Info TOPIC: If you want to see into the mind of Shelby Thames
Fire Shelby


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If you want to see into the mind of Shelby Thames
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...then a reading of these 13 September 2002 Faculty Senate minutes are mandatory.  Here are some snippets:


D. Beckett: A number of people have suggested that research at USM will be on the Polymer Science model: dollars for a product.  Others do knowledge for knowledge's sake.  How would such research rank?  In terms of tenure and promotions?


S. Thames: Is Gary Stringer here?  If he were I would turn this question over to him.  Years ago, I helped him to fund his research, because I thought it was important. He generated more than $1M to keep that work going.  I understand what you're saying.  I understand that there are differences in responsibilities in the arts, social sciences, business, and in the sciences.  Tell me and convince me why what you're doing should be represented as research.  This is an opportunity for you to communicate what you're doing, and it is what the Board wants.  It doesn't have to be tied to dollars, but it is helpful when it is. There are very few fields in which research dollars can't be found.  It may be that you haven't pursued it.  I know that this is the case for many of you, because we used to bring in $3M year and now $62M with basically the same people and programs. What happened?  People are learning how to write proposals and what agencies to go to.  There's more money in homeland security than you can imagine, if you will think about what you can do to get in the homeland security loop.  It's financially attractive for you.  You can pay yourself one third of your salary in the summer.  You don't have to teach; you can do research.  You can buy computer, supplies,  have graduate and post doc students work for you.  You can build your careers.  I want to be in the position that I have to worry that you might leave for better offers.  Bringing in dollars will help you personally.  I want you to be happy when you come to work.  If you can get dollars, go for it.  If you can, it's good to have, but not absolutely necessary.


snip/


B. Coates: Do you have ideas on how to increase ACT scores?


S. Thames: Retention and recruitment.  We lose good students and we don't know why.  Dr. Paul is studying this.  We need to recruit high ACT students. The president is taking an active role in recruiting high ACT students.  I had students in the president's box at the last ball game.  They are going to find it hard not to come to Southern Mississippi.


snip/


J.P. Smith: One of the best-kept secrets on the Gulf Coast is the quality of the USM faculty there.  That's a different niche than the other institutions down there.


S. Thames: I don't disagree with you.  We've set up a mechanism where that doesn't have to be the case next year. You need to talk to Lisa Mader.  I guarantee that she will respond to that.  We're making a big commitment to the Coast.  Tell us what you want to do, and work with Lisa Mader.


J.P. Smith: Can you elaborate on this commitment?


S. Thames: Can you tell me what we've committed?  You live and work there.  Can you not see a commitment?


J.P. Smith: Our management arrangements are changing.  I think that it would help if you elaborated on your ambitions.


S. Thames: I don't want this GC and Hattiesburg discussion anymore.


More at: http://www.usm.edu/fsenate/minutes/2002-09-13.html


 



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EyeonUSM

Date:
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As a potential cadidate for an administrative job at USM that I have been urged to apply for (now living in another state) I find this conversation with Thames and the faculty senate un-freaking-believable.  There is no way I will drop my now-ready CV in the mail.


USM has so much potential in my area.  I will wait to see what happens in late April.  God bless Professors Glasmer and Stringer and the faculty at USM.


A message to young assistant professors:  don't get caught up in the current unrest at USM, concentrate on your teaching and scholarly research and publications.  Leave the heavy lifting for senior faculty and others.  Build your CV's and keep focused on your careers.


EyeonUSM



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indy eagle

Date:
RE: If you want to see into the mind of Shelby Tha
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I was at this meeting, and I can probably fill in some of the blanks here...

That final questing from JP Smith was essentially a softball, talk about the great things we're doing down there, etc...At least that's how it sounded to me. Anyway, Thames took it wrong, and did his typical "bristle with hostility" b.s. I was honestly taken aback, b/c it was totally uncalled for. It really gave us a preview of his total lack of people skills.

As for the mood of the meeting, it was terribly tense. Thames entered and left like POTUS, surrounded by an entourage, not the newly selected pres of Southern Miss.

Like many have said, this encounter set the tone for the entire two years we have suffered!

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Websitebrowser

Date:
RE: RE: If you want to see into the mind of Shelby Thames
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quote:
Originally posted by: EyeonUSM
"As a potential cadidate for an administrative job at USM that I have been urged to apply for (now living in another state) I find this conversation with Thames and the faculty senate un-freaking-believable.  There is no way I will drop my now-ready CV in the mail. USM has so much potential in my area.  I will wait to see what happens in late April.  God bless Professors Glasmer and Stringer and the faculty at USM. A message to young assistant professors:  don't get caught up in the current unrest at USM, concentrate on your teaching and scholarly research and publications.  Leave the heavy lifting for senior faculty and others.  Build your CV's and keep focused on your careers. EyeonUSM"
Not trying to "out" you Eye On but didn't you share with the website weeks ago that you were looking at a position in economic development? 

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foot soldier

Date:
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"You don't have to teach. You can do research."

Well, first of all, most of us think that teaching is part of "building our careers!"

What is so irritating is the "Shelby is pro-student/faculty are lazy whiners who don't want to teach" spin. This excerpt PROVES that Shelby doesn't care about students.

I also love how he is completely incapable of answering a question, no matter how simple. He wouldn't get any class discussion points in one of my classes.

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usmstudent

Date:
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Does Dr. Thames actually believe that potential students are going to attend USM simply b/c he let them sit in his box?  Maybe I am nieve, but give me a break.  I did not choose to come to this university for football games.  I came for academics!  He could possibly be trying to justify his insane spending on the new stadium (the new boxes, astroterf, or whatever they are doing over there), by saying that it attracts students. 


Don't we have the highest # of students in MS?  Oh-wait, faculty are leaving b/c of fewer students.  Wooah!  Mader, this spin is beginning to make me dizzy!



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EyeonUSM

Date:
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To Websitebrowser:


Yes, you are correct, my area is not directly economic development, but has a lot to do with applications in the area of economic development.


I have never seen a university economic development initiative lead by non-economists in general, and English majors and Ploymer scientists in particular.



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Websitebrowser

Date:
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quote:
Originally posted by: EyeonUSM
"To Websitebrowser: Yes, you are correct, my area is not directly economic development, but has a lot to do with applications in the area of economic development. I have never seen a university economic development initiative lead by non-economists in general, and English majors and Ploymer scientists in particular."
If you're an economist, with an emphasis in economic development, please reconsider.  Send your application, come and talk, you can always say no if you don't like what you see or hear. 

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EyeonUSM

Date:
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Thanks for the encouragement Websitebrowser:


Yes, I am an economist and a tenured full professor at a major research university.  My fellow faculty across the US tells me to stay away from USM until this unrest is settled.  Can you or others on this site convice me to apply and interview in earnest until all is settled?  Everyone tells me to stay away from USM now and wait and see how all this settles.


However, I did just drop in the mail a donation to the AAUP Legal defense fund for Professors Glasmer and Stringer.  I do have the courage of my convictions, although the only way to express this is with my check book.  Thanks for your reply.


EyeonUSM



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foot soldier

Date:
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We appreciate your support. I don't mean to be rude to the wonderful faculty and students of USM, but I would not give up tenure somewhere to come here. Perhaps things will be better in the future, but right now, the risks are simply too big.

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present professor

Date:
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quote:
Originally posted by: foot soldier
"We appreciate your support. I don't mean to be rude to the wonderful faculty and students of USM, but I would not give up tenure somewhere to come here. Perhaps things will be better in the future, but right now, the risks are simply too big."

I gave up tenure to come here. It has been good and bad -- but I don't regret it. There is a lot of good here -- some very good faculty . . .  many students who care . . . an area that is rich in possibility. It is high risk -- no question. But the potential for an excellent outcome , the ability to build significant programs is still there. And you will never be anywhere else where your experience and your personal convictions mean more  . . .


It is great that you contributed to the defense fund. Now drop your application in and take a chance on coming to a place where you really can make a difference.


Besides, the weather is always lovely (except for the maybe 70 days of Mississippi heat!)


 



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Fire Shelby


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quote:
Originally posted by: EyeonUSM
"Thanks for the encouragement Websitebrowser: Yes, I am an economist and a tenured full professor at a major research university.  My fellow faculty across the US tells me to stay away from USM until this unrest is settled.  Can you or others on this site convice me to apply and interview in earnest until all is settled?  Everyone tells me to stay away from USM now and wait and see how all this settles. However, I did just drop in the mail a donation to the AAUP Legal defense fund for Professors Glasmer and Stringer.  I do have the courage of my convictions, although the only way to express this is with my check book.  Thanks for your reply. EyeonUSM"

Welcome back to the message board, eye. 


Thank you for sending that donation to the professors. 



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EyeonUSM

Date:
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Thanks for the input Foot Soldier:


I would not give up tenure, it would be a non-negotiable term for me coming to USM.  But that is way down the road.


What I do appreicate is the courage and convictions of the faculty at USM to go out on a limb and think of a cause greater than their own self interest.


Interestingly, last week I asked my fellow faculty members at my current university if they think I would make a good administrator and about half said NO becuase I am too honest and not a good liar, and the other half said YES for the same reasons.


I want to repeat my message to younger faculty that is is vital that they focus and concentrate on their teaching and building their research agendas during this time of unrest.


I appreciate all the input from others I have read on this site.  I view USM and any univeristy like a church in this regard.... there may be rough times and rocky roads, but the chruch and the university will suvive in the long run.


I would also like to applaud the keeper of the Fire Shelby (FS) web site for all his/her dedication to providing a place where faculty can interact and communicate.  Beers to FS!


EyeonUSM



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Fire Shelby


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Posts: 1140
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Thanks for the compliment, Eye.  If you come to Hattiesburg, let me know, and, when the storm clouds have cleared, we'll have to have a beer or two together---all of us on the board here will.


Cheers!



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present professor

Date:
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quote:
Originally posted by:
"Thanks for the compliment, Eye.  If you come to Hattiesburg, let me know, and, when the storm clouds have cleared, we'll have to have a beer or two together---all of us on the board here will. Cheers!"
I'll drink to that! (No, I mean . . . really!)

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EyeonUSM

Date:
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To Fire Shelby, Present Professor and others:


Thanks so much for all your input.  FS said to let him/her know if I ever come to Hattiesburg.  Actually I did visit Hattiesburg during my school's spring break the first week of March (March 5-6).  I first visited the USM library where in 90 seconds from entering I had the USM budget book and all the faculty salaries in my area.


Mext at 4pm I went to the protest at the dome and stood in from of two formerly fired Deans and listened to all the stories they told about the Thames administration ( I had a backpack on and looked like an older student).  I didn't know if I were in Haiti or Hattiesburg that day - right out of the 1960s.


After that I went to Biloxi and drank liquor, ate crab legs and played craps until the wee hours.  Had a blast on spring break.


Seriously, I would like to discuss this poistion confidentially with someone like Present Prof or others.  Maybe I can send my e-mail address to FS and work the communication that way.  Let me know.


Just like the church that has rocky times, the university will prevail in the long run.  God bless Professors Glasmer and Stringer and all the USM faculty.


EyeonUSM



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Fire Shelby


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Posts: 1140
Date:
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quote:
Originally posted by: EyeonUSM
"To Fire Shelby, Present Professor and others: Thanks so much for all your input.  FS said to let him/her know if I ever come to Hattiesburg.  Actually I did visit Hattiesburg during my school's spring break the first week of March (March 5-6).  I first visited the USM library where in 90 seconds from entering I had the USM budget book and all the faculty salaries in my area. Mext at 4pm I went to the protest at the dome and stood in from of two formerly fired Deans and listened to all the stories they told about the Thames administration ( I had a backpack on and looked like an older student).  I didn't know if I were in Haiti or Hattiesburg that day - right out of the 1960s. After that I went to Biloxi and drank liquor, ate crab legs and played craps until the wee hours.  Had a blast on spring break. Seriously, I would like to discuss this poistion confidentially with someone like Present Prof or others.  Maybe I can send my e-mail address to FS and work the communication that way.  Let me know. Just like the church that has rocky times, the university will prevail in the long run.  God bless Professors Glasmer and Stringer and all the USM faculty. EyeonUSM"

I will be glad to hook you up.  If you will email me, I will forward your email addy.


 



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EyeonUSM

Date:
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Thanks FS... just sent you an e-mail with contact information.


 


Everyone needs to contibute something the the legal defense fund for these tow profs.  Wirte a check and feel envolved.


EyeonUSM



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Websitebrowser

Date:
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Good morning Eye on,


Sounds like you stayed up talking to folks into the wee hours, great, but way past my bedtime.


Why wouldn't you simply respond to the posted job and talk to the search committee? 


I can understand that you want to get a flavor for the unrest on campus through this website but to find out about the specifics of the job, wouldn't you want to talk to the people in your field? 


Forgive me but you aren't one of the people being recruited without a formal, advertised, APPROVED, national job search are you?


 


quote:

Originally posted by: EyeonUSM
"Thanks for the encouragement Websitebrowser: Yes, I am an economist and a tenured full professor at a major research university.  My fellow faculty across the US tells me to stay away from USM until this unrest is settled.  Can you or others on this site convice me to apply and interview in earnest until all is settled?  Everyone tells me to stay away from USM now and wait and see how all this settles. However, I did just drop in the mail a donation to the AAUP Legal defense fund for Professors Glasmer and Stringer.  I do have the courage of my convictions, although the only way to express this is with my check book.  Thanks for your reply. EyeonUSM"



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Websitebrowser

Date:
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From Eye on USM:  ..."Seriously, I would like to discuss this poistion confidentially with someone like Present Prof or others.  Maybe I can send my e-mail address to FS and work the communication that way.  Let me know."


Sorry, this is the quote that I had meant to reference in my above response.  This seems a little odd to me...


 


quote:

Originally posted by: Websitebrowser
""


 



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EyeonUSM

Date:
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From EyeonUSM:


The position was posted in the Chronicle of Hgher Education.


EyeonUSM



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Websitebrowser

Date:
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quote:
Originally posted by: EyeonUSM
"From EyeonUSM: The position was posted in the Chronicle of Hgher Education. EyeonUSM"
Cool, then you know exactly who to contact...hope you will!

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