Since formal appointment to the deanship by provost Lyman roughly two weeks ago now, I'd been thinking about a first blog as dean (that is, sans "interim" adjective). But too much calendar-crowding "stuff" got in the way - first, gearing up for the spring break closedown, then a long-planned four-day trip out of town for a social work deans and directors conference (you think you can get a lot done on those trips, but unless you skip meetings, it's damned hard to work much).
While away, I got a call from Ed Kemp, education reporter for the Hattiesburg American; he wanted to do an interview for a piece on my appointment that he expected would come out in print over the weekend. Back in town late Wednesday, I met Mr. Kemp on Thursday for a pleasant talk.
True to his expectation, the article came out in Saturday's paper. A nice enough piece, I'd say, with just one problem - the picture of "Forster" running with it was not yours truly, but an unknown somebody else!
By now (Sunday afternoon), I've received a half-dozen emails and messages from colleagues, asking me "who is that guy pictured over your name, anyway?" Unfortunately, the new dean must admit that he doesn't know, and frankly, I wonder if even the Hattiesburg American can tell you!