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Posted by RowdyRoost Eagle on 10/17/2002, 7:30 am Board search chairman Carl Nicholson Jr. of Hattiesburg said he's aware of the concerns. "We're trying to bring all the constituent groups together and will listen to them," he said. With MSU operating with several key people in interim positions, "We want to move as fast as possible," said Nicholson. "I can't remember when we've had so many vacancies up and down the administrative hierarchy," said Grimes. "It's hard to bring people in the best candidates," said Goodman. "Candidates have been reluctant to come they are hesitant to accept a position." University presidents usually hand pick their own administrative teams. Those hired under an interim leader could be in jeopardy of losing their jobs when a permanent president is chosen. The process has cost MSU a little more than $100,000, including costs for a consultant, travel for candidates, advertising and other expenses. Costs will keep climbing, but should be less than $50,000 more, said assistant higher education commissioner Pam Smith. It will be the most expensive presidential search in the board's nearly 60-year history due to the delay, she said. The job itself pays $200,000 in state salary and $100,000 more from the private MSU Foundation. MSU is being led by Interim President Charles Lee. MSU's earlier presidential prospects include: Mark Keenum, chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran; New Mexico State University President Jay Gogue; Paul Gaffney II, president of National Defense University and Mike Martin, vice president of agriculture at the University of Florida. These candidates can reapply. Some alumni support Keenum, a native of Corinth and an MSU graduate and former professor. But other alumni have written letters to the board saying they don't want a political appointee an unspoken reference to Keenum's connection to Cochran. A number of faculty members like Gogue, who was a finalist for the job five years ago. MSU faculty say Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott has expressed support for Gaffney, a former MSU administrator at the Stennis Space Center. "This search is becoming a political football," Goodman said. "There is some political maneuvering going on."
209.172.230.149
Here is part of an article form the Clarion Ledger today. Interesting. What's new about the college board being political? In the end it will be Nicholson's call.
"In August, board members failed to reach a consensus on the type of leader they wanted. There were also factions of MSU alumni split over the candidates. Some alumni and other MSU supporters say the process got "too political."
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