For those of you who haven't had time to read the petition comments, I've extracted a few for you:

From Jean-Louis Dassier (former FL faculty at USM--see Babbs' list):

Former faculty, left USM Aug 2003 despite being freshly tenured and promoted. Would have stayed at USM without Thames and his team of evil-doers

From Benjamin Reiss, associate professor of English, Tulane University:

As an admirer of the important and groundbreaking work being done by several of my colleagues in English at USM, I am appalled by the actions of Thames. Your outstanding faculty is a precious resource to the state -- please support them for the sake of the students!

From Ross Santell (Candy Santell's husband, former prof at USM.  Candy was the CIO before Homer Coffman who was summarily "dismissed" from her job with no notice.):

All of this belongs at the feet of IHL and whatever or whoever influences their unfortunate decisions. Donald Cotten was the best man for president of USM and everyone seemed to know it except IHL.

From Donald J. Barry, PhD:

As an academic astronomer who values the tenure system and the principles of openness and freedom of thought and publishing in academia, I could not in good conscience recommend the University of Southern Mississippi to a colleague or student as a place worthy of either study or employ. Nothing short of Thames' immediate termination and a full apology by the state college oversight board can rectify this already sordid situation.

From Jonathan Bellman (didn't identify his university):

I must strongly discourage our doctoral candidates from accepting positions at USM or any institution in the Mississippi system until this situation has been addressed.

From Donald Colclough, a British colleague of Gary Stringer's:

Professor Stringer is a world-respected scholar at work on a project of inestimable importance (the Donne Variorum Edition), and I am shocked and appalled at this action. It is an insupportable assault on academic freedom.

From Summer Cutrer:

I am signing for myself, my family and friends, and for all those people who wish they could sign, but cannot.

From Kenneth McMurtrey (Current USM Chemistry prof, announced his retirement per Babbs' list):

Fire him, please!

From Karen Austin (retired USM FL prof):

Had Drs. Stringer & Glamser not investigated Dr. Dvorak's claims on her vita, they would have been guilty of dereliction of duty. Their behavior should be both admired and emulated by their colleagues and their students.

From Professor P. G. Stanwood, President, International Assn. of University Professors of English, Lausanne, Switzerland:

An astonishing act, unworthy of any serious university

From Anita Stamper (retired USM prof):

This action is about much more than just this culminating act of destruction. It is the result of hundreds of petty vendettas and a lack of respect for the dignity, intellect, and integrity of students, faculty, and staff at USM and of the entire eduational process.

From Carol Green, current USM faculty:

I've been at USM as a student, staff or faculty member since 1977 and have never witnessed turmoil of this magnitude. There is no doubt Dr. Thames is a dedicated, successful scholar who has brought money and prestige to USM through the Polymer Science program. However, he clearly does not possess the attributes necessary to be a successful leader of the university. I fear the damage done will take a very long time to repair.

From Suzanne R. Graham (I belive this is Toby Graham's wife.  Toby Graham was in the library, and had a teaching or research award rescinded because he had announced he was leaving USM):

(I) gave my vote of no-confidence last year when I resigned from USM

From Thomas M. Knight, USM Alumni:

Although Dr. Thames was cordial to me when I had occasion to visit his office, I observed that his general demeanor toward his staff was abusive and unprofessional.

From Katrina Coots, current USM student:

Up until the past two years, I have been proud to be a Therapeutic Recreation Student @ USM. I came to USM in pursuit of experienced professors that were here for their students.After becoming close to two of them, Dr. Terry Kinney and Dr. Rick Green, Dr. Thames decided to bash my dreams of learning everything I can from Dr. Kinney.He is a published and nationally accredidated CTRS.When Dr.Thames failed to process his tenure paperwork and then made Kinney resigned as director, do you think that was enough for Thames.NO!He then ended Kinneys wifes career with Child Development on campus and then took Kinney completely away from his students by terminating his contract as of June 04. I was and still am disgusted with this action.We,recreation students,filed a petition to go along with his appeal to the administration.My question to the board is how can Dr. Thames better my TR program at USM when he cannot keep one of the best in the nation here here.I have lost HALF of my faculty.Who will be left to teach me?

From Chris Tackett, potential USM student:

If Thames remains president, I will not attend this university.