As we approach the formidable task of finding a new Campus Executive Officer for Southern Miss Gulf Coast, it may interest you to know a few facts about that campus:

• Current enrollment 3000+. That’s as large or larger than three of our sister state universities.
• Current enrollment is the highest ever for that campus and reflects double-digit growth over the past three years.
• Potential growth in the area is high.

Future development of the university’s Gulf Coast operations is a top priority of the university, the IHL Board of Trustees and the state. I have discussed this opportunity with numerous stakeholders and have agreed to restore the position to Executive Cabinet status.

We will begin to search in earnest at the start of the New Year. Joe Paul, VP for Student Affairs, will lead a national search for an individual with a clear vision for Southern Miss Gulf Coast, a deep understanding of higher education, an ability to connect with community and demonstrated fundraising experience (among other attributes). The search committee is currently being formed.

Charge to the University Priorities Committee, December 15, 2009

The purpose of the newly formed University Priorities Committee is to examine all areas of the University for potential cost savings and make recommendations to the President and Provost as to how to achieve those savings.

A detailed outline for accomplishing this formidable task is included in the UPC Proposal that you all have reviewed. This is a thoughtful plan, approved by your constituent leaders, imbued with good rationale and inspired by best practices at other institutions.

I look forward to working with you as you proceed with this important work. Please let me, or other members of the Executive Cabinet, know in what ways we can be of good assistance.

As you proceed, please be mindful that the recommendations you are making will shape this university for years to come. Your participation on the UPC is a commitment to the university as a whole.

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the work you are about to do. I appreciate your dedication to Southern Miss.

Once again, the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus has stepped up and surpassed our goal for the United Way Campaign. The grand total is $115,247.18. 

That this has occurred during difficult economic times is a testimony to the generosity of our people.  Many thanks to team leaders and staff who moved this campaign forward.  I am especially grateful to co-chairs, Vrita Delaine and Dave Davies for their able and enthusiastic leadership.

It’s graduation day – one of my two favorite days of the year.  (The other is Spring Commencement).  More than 1300 students will receive their degrees today.  I congratulate them on their persistence and hard work.

Anthony Topazi, president of Mississippi Power Company, will deliver the commencement address.  Mr. Topazi is recognized as one of the most skillful business minds in the region and a great community leader.  I look forward to hearing his comments.

I attended four listening sessions at Southern Miss Gulf Coast yesterday, gathering input for the impending search for a replacement for Pat Joachim, Campus Executive Officer, who is retiring.  I met with faculty, staff, students and community members.  As always when I’m there, I was blown away by the passion they have for the place.  People stressed an interest in being kept informed and having influence over the search.

A position of this significance deserves cabinet level supervision.  Joe Paul, VP for Student Affairs, is chairing the search committee and facilitated the sessions. 

On Monday morning we will hold a similar session on the Hattiesburg campus immediately following cabinet meeting.

Next step is to appoint a search committee and develop a job description.  We expect to launch in early January.