Coachacola, here is your answer

[Guest abovetherim]

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Quote:

Originally Posted by McTailGator 

I know Lamar's president personally.

He's a McNeese Alumn. If they think HE will support an FBS team, they may as well give up now. HE is the reason they left the SunBelch and returned to the SLC. HE is committed to being a LONG TERM member of the SLC.

If they don't like that, they best just give up their effort now, because they are FCS bound for as long as McNeese is a member of the FCS.

Not sure how Simmons (Lamar's president) could be the reason Lamar left the Sunbelt since they left after the 1998 season, and he became Lamar's president in Sept. 1999, although he has been with the University for a long time. But they have not mentioned going FBS yet so it's all speculation.

Lamar has already started tearing down the press box. They are looking at expanding it and adding luxury boxes, depending how much money they raise. They are also looking to spend over $5 million on updating or replacing Higgnins field house. AD Billy Tubbs said in paper they have spent 5 years studying football and do plan on doing it right.

[Guest abovetherim]

Dr.James Simmons

Position:

University President

The naming of James Simmons as the 10th president of Lamar University came as music to the ears of loyal Cardinal backers. Simmons is a long-time, well-respected leader in the community and holds a vested interest in the success of the university. He officially assumed his presidential duties Sept. 1, 1999.

Under Simmons' leadership, enrollment has increased by thousands of students to a record level of 10,800 in fall 2004. Implementation of a master plan is enhancing the campus through entrances, landscaping, new signage, building renovation and, most notably, the opening of the Cardinal Village student housing complex, followed by a second and third residence hall complexes in 2002 and 2004 to accommodate 1,500 students.

The university's fiscal health has steadily improved, and community support has increased substantially. Gifts to the university and the Lamar University Foundation have all increased.

An avid sports fan, Simmons continues to be one of the biggest supporters of Cardinal student-athletes.

"Without a doubt, athletic programs are part of what makes any university complete," Simmons said. "They not only provide educational opportunity for student-athletes, but also benefit the university in many ongoing ways. The excitement and energy of sports creates enthusiasm and spirit throughout the campus and community.

"For the young women and men involved, athletics serve as a leadership laboratory, helping groom tomorrow's leaders, while the ideal scholar-athlete is a model aspired to and encouraged at Lamar University."

A veteran educator, musician, orchestra leader and businessman, Simmons brought with him the experience of a 30-year career as a faculty member at Lamar. Simmons had served as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication since 1992 and as interim executive director of university advancement from 1996-99. During three years in advancement, he helped raise more than $8 million in private support for the university.

Simmons began his teaching career in 1964 at Beaumont's Crockett Junior High School. In 1969, he returned to Memphis State University for one year before being offered a position at Lamar University. He began as instructor of music and director of the marching band, later becoming band director, music department chair and dean.

Simmons earned an Ed.D. in education from McNeese State University in 1979, a master of music from the University of Houston in 1969, and a bachelor's degree in music from Memphis State University in 1964. Simmons and his wife, Susan, have three grown children, Jennifer, Matt and Mike, and three granddaughters.

 

[Guest abovetherim]

Dr. Simmons holds degrees from UH, Memphis and McNeese. He once stated he would only be president for 5 years. It's going on 10 years now. I'm sure he is fond of McNeese State but without a doubt his heart is at Lamar. He has been on staff at LU for over thirty years. He'll do what is best for Lamar regardless of how it effects McNeese State.

BTW, I personally know Dr. Simmons. I get Christmas and Birthday Cards from him yearly. To know someone personally is a broad term. I personally know Dr. Simmons and have spoke with him several times but I would not consider us to be friends. Now, if the gentleman above states he is a friend of Dr. Simmons I may be more likely to believe him.

[Guest abovetherim]

Re: Is Lamar Ready to Revive Football? - 12-17-2007, 03:36 PM

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Statement by the same poster.

I for one do not think that it will effect McNeese either.

We kicked Lamar's ass recruiting when they had football in the 70's and 80's, and we kicked their asses on the field too. Nothing will change. They will never be able to compete with our tradition, and our facilties after our renovations are complete in 09.

The Golden Triangle has a lot of players, and while we do get a few from there, a bunch also go to other places too. The main problem that they along with us have to deal with is the fact that MANY of the players that come out of there, have problems making the grades to be able to play in college.

Must be the water over their, but they really have a hard time getting students college ready over there. That's why we only get more players from there than we do now. It's worse than New Orleans players. It's not a lack of tallent, it's a lack of Brain Power.

[Guest abovetherim]

I surely hope Dr. Simmons doesn't have a close friend who would talk about our young people in this manner.

"Must be the water over their, but they really have a hard time getting students college ready over there. That's why we only get more players from there than we do now. It's worse than New Orleans players. It's not a lack of tallent, it's a lack of Brain Power."

Mister professor it is there instead of their in the above statement. Must be the water over "there", but they really have a hard time getting students college ready over there. Then the last statement. It's not a lack of talent not tallent, it's a lack of Brain Power.

Now, I admit my writing skills aren't the greatest but I would never make this statement and let obvious mistakes be seen in mine. This man gets my professor award for the day!

[Guest coachacola]

Thanks abovetherim for the info.  I don't trust much I read on message boards, especially when it comes from fans of other schools.  I do know Dr. Simmons has done wonders for Lamar and I hope he continues to be the president for another 10 years.