First thing on the calendar today: The Sunrise Rotary Club's 5K fun walk to benefit the Mississippi Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Next, a meeting with the alumni board and then the white jacket ceremony for our audiology doctoral candidates.
April 2008 Archives
I waited until Earth Day to sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment because I wanted the moment to be special. I believe it was.
Over the past year we have spent a good bit of time working on a new strategic plan for the campus. As a result of many hours of discussion, we, as a campus, have identified four areas of strategic emphasis: image development, connection with the community, top-flight educational experiences, and a culture of healthy minds, bodies and campuses.
The fourth area of emphasis is especially important because it enables us to put the full force of the university community behind the tenets of sustainability. As I told you in my inauguration remarks last month, Southern Miss is going green. We will think ecologically with a commitment to actions that reduce, reuse and recycle. Our buildings will be designed with the environment in mind. Our physical plant will re-think operations to minimize our environmental footprint. (Good for the environment, yes, but these actions will mean bottom line savings.) Collaborations with community agencies will enhance health services and our programs will teach the mechanics of green practice.
I have appointed a sustainability committee and signed a pledge to exercise leadership in this area. We have a lot to do to reach our goal, but the first step...commitment...has been met.
Over the next three days, Southern Miss will be hosting the Eagle Institute for School Leaders. The theme of this year's forum is Change and the Courage to Lead. The focus of the sessions will be the implications of a rapidly changing social, political and economic context for P-12 education. I will be convening the group and participating in a panel discussion this afternoon.
Of specific interest to the group:
- Revamping of the teacher education program to reduce number of hours while maintaining quality program integrity.
- Preparing teacher candidates in the use of the latest in technology.
- Preparing teachers for working within the Understanding by Design principles.
- Preparing new and veteran administrators in the Balanced Leadership modules in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Education.
I'm heading to Jackson today for the IHL Board meeting. Typically, several members of the cabinet go with me.
Today is special for two reasons. First, our new SGA president, Melissa Cirino will be recognized by the board. Second, the board will (probably) discuss a new model for distributing state appropriated funds. This will have long-range implications for Southern Miss.
The crowds celebrated the fine spring weather AND the debut performance of Fedora's Golden Eagles.
Coach Larry Fedora signed posters for a long line of admirers and well wishers at Saturday's spring game.
Although it was nice to spend a long weekend in a place where there were no phones, automobiles or shopping malls, I was glad to get back to the real world yesterday. I do miss the internet when it's not available to me.
My schedule today includes the first of several Centennial Campus Conclaves. Faculty, staff and students are invited to share ideas and recommendations for our upcoming 100th birthday in 2010.
Also, I'll be hearing a report from the Provost about this year's tenure and promotion decisions. Tenure is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of the academic world. Put simply, it is conferred upon a faculty member after the longest (6 years) and most rigorous probation period of any employee group. Tenure confers an expectation of employment for an indefinite period that may not be terminated by the employer except for good cause. It differs very little from the same privileges in other public and private sectors.
I am looking forward to introducing author Kimberly Willis Holt, winner of the National Book Award, at the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival. She will deliver the inaugural de Grummond Lecture today. Her book, "When Zachary Beaver Came To Town," will make a great gift for my grandkids.
Our candidates for various dean positions have begun to arrive for their campus interviews. They are talented people and I've enjoyed meeting them. Finding the right fit is crucial if we are to continue moving forward academically. The responsibility for academic quality in the colleges rests on them...and it's no job for the faint hearted. We are currently interviewing candidates for the College of Arts & Letters, the College of Business, and the University Libraries.