03-12-2019, 08:48 PM
I just got home from the Jackson installment of Dr. Bennett’s 7-city listening tour, focused on feedback about the University and athletics.
I took a few notes about what we discussed, so I will jot some of that down here.
Dr. Bennett began the forum by informing the group about a lot of the positives happening at USM, ranging from budgetary improvements, to development and fostering of better relationships with the IHL and Mississippi Legislature. Some of these topics include:
Dr. Bennett then began taking questions and comments from the group. The group ranged from a small group (about 3 individuals) in their mid-20’s, to about 50 individuals above the age of ~50. I will outline as many question/comments and replies as I can remember.
I can’t remember a lot of the specific questions, but I will try to run down more of what Bennett included in his responses.
That’s about all I can recall at this point. My takeaway is that Dr. Bennett really does care deeply about athletics. He also cares about what stakeholders think about the program and administration. I think we’re in pretty good hands moving towards the future.
I took a few notes about what we discussed, so I will jot some of that down here.
Dr. Bennett began the forum by informing the group about a lot of the positives happening at USM, ranging from budgetary improvements, to development and fostering of better relationships with the IHL and Mississippi Legislature. Some of these topics include:
- Dramatic improvement in the relationship and communication with IHL members.
- By 6/30, there will be somewhere between 102 and 105 days of cash on hand in the University’s operating budget. This is an improvement from previous years, and we now far surpass the IHL requirement of 90 days.
- In 2013, USM had less than $900,000 in recurring budget funds. At the end of this fiscal year, we will have between 9 and 10 million.
- As everyone knows, we are now an R1 Research Institution, positioning us with 140 of the most prestigious US Universities.
- We are recruiting and retaining a higher quality student than ever. And enrollment is nearing some of the best numbers ever.
Dr. Bennett then began taking questions and comments from the group. The group ranged from a small group (about 3 individuals) in their mid-20’s, to about 50 individuals above the age of ~50. I will outline as many question/comments and replies as I can remember.
- The first statement was about the divide between the group of 5 conferences and the power 5. The questioned posed was about a potential playoff writhing the group of 5.
- >>>Dr. Bennett responded by kind of dismissing the idea of a playoff among G5 conferences. However, he did acknowledge his belief that there will be another conference realignment happening sooner rather than later and, we are continually putting ourselves in a better position to come out of that alignment favorably. He also acknowledged that, when the time comes for us to move to better pastures, people will have to put their money where their mouth is and write checks.
- The next statement was also about conference realignment as well as about confidence in conference leadership.
- >>>Dr. Bennett responded that part of conference realignment will need to involve an improvement in geography because of how ridiculous all of our travel has gotten (ODU to UTEP, etc). He then explained that he understands the concerns with conference leadership. He has specifically told JM that many stakeholders in the conference are dissatisfied with her leadership and there needs to be some reevaluating.
- The next statement was praise for Jeff Mitchell, as he engages younger alumni better than many former AD’s.
- >>>Bennett responded by acknowledging the importance of engaging young alumni, but affirming that Mitchell will not simply be appointed to the role. There will be a thorough application and vetting process. He is welcome to apply but not guaranteed the permanent job. .
I can’t remember a lot of the specific questions, but I will try to run down more of what Bennett included in his responses.
- He expressed that the next AD must be aware of the history of Southern Miss athletics. To not only have a good vision of the future but have a deep knowledge and respect of our past. He hinted that it possibly should be a Southern Miss alumnus, but someone with strong administrative capabilities. Also, someone who is excited to stick with the program and move it into the future. Not to see the position as a stepping stone.
- Speaking of athletic budgeting, Dr. Bennett informed us that when he took office, the IHL only allowed the transfer of $1.5M of the University’s budget to athletics. Through his lobbying over the years (including using UM and MSU’s $40M SEC welfare check as ammo), he has been able to increase this transfer number to $4M annually.
- Bennett expressed how hard he tries to get more and more each year from IHL regarding athletics. He illustrates the unfairness between “us and them” and it is continually improving due to improved relationships between current administration and IHL (and mentioned that Aubrey K commended him on IHL relationship and that it hasn’t been as good as it is now since when he was president).
- He encourages people to reach out to him and the administration with questions and comments. He also tongue-in-cheekily reminds us that any email sent to him is subject to public records.
That’s about all I can recall at this point. My takeaway is that Dr. Bennett really does care deeply about athletics. He also cares about what stakeholders think about the program and administration. I think we’re in pretty good hands moving towards the future.