I am a graduate and supporter of USM. I have read and heard almost everything about Dr. Thames, and it makes me sick.

The record needs to be set straight. The problem is hate, rudeness and assumed power of the Faulty Senate. They remind me of parents at their children's athletic events.

As I recall, the faculty and a few other professors tried to block Dr. Thames from being elected by the board, originally, and since his election they have been publicly rude at every opportunity. When I was attending Southern, the professors told us the United States was behind 50 years in improving our educational system. Wonderful improvements have occurred since Dr. Thames has been president of the university.

Should the Faulty Senate prevail to have their way in this matter, we may well lose our great university, and many good jobs in the Pine Belt. The faculty are not always correct because they are faculty. They may be well versed in their field, but they are not necessarily adept in administration. They need to be quiet and let the College Board and the president deal with administration issues

Wake up, smell the roses and support Dr. Shelby Thames.

Fred Laird, Hattiesburg