SPRING DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 'TUESDAYS AT 2 WITH THAMES'

HATTIESBURG - President Dr. Shelby Thames of The University of Southern Mississippi will continue spending one Tuesday of every month during the spring semester listening and talking with students in their own environment. Continuing his popular "Tuesday's at 2 with Thames," which began this fall, Dr. Thames will spend one-on-one time with students at Seymour's Grill fielding questions, listening to student issues and talking about opportunities at Southern Miss.

"I hope our students will continue to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity," said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul.

The first "Tuesday at 2 with Thames" for the spring semester will be held from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 13. The Tuesday dates for the rest of the semester will be Feb. 10, March 9, April 13 and May 11.

The sessions came about after Student Body President Jared Loftus talked with Dr. Thames about finding a way to bring him into the students' territory. "I wanted other students to feel comfortable interacting with Dr. Thames, and I thought it would be received better if he came to them rather than them making an appointment to come to his office," Loftus said. "Some students can be intimidated in that setting, and I want students to get to know Dr. Thames like I do."

Dr. Thames said: "Our students are the No. 1 reason we're here. I need their input so that we make decisions in their best interest. To do that, we need to talk to them about their concerns, answer their questions and listen to their needs."

"I'm excited about this opportunity," he added. "Our students should be focused on academics rather than making an appointment to meet with me. This makes it easy for them."

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