Response to the News Clarion Ledger article by Mason jan.28,2010. Title JSU chief undaunted by fuss





It is about time for Mississippians to get things right the first time. There is no such thing as merging colleges. Nonprofits do not merge ,they consolidate. Standard Corporations merge there stocks for the purpose of emerging with a one owner company. The stocks of one company are acquired by another. One company emerges as the new company. Colleges are not stock owners they are non profit corporations that are developed in the public interest . There are no owners. The corporations are charted by the state government ,recognized by the federal government and given a federal tax ID number. They file a non profit tax return as apposed to the 1120 IRS returns of standard corporations.


Non Profit Corp. consolidations are arrangement designed to strengthen the asset basis or the management efficiencies of the consolidating partners


If we as tax payers can envision our selves as stock holders and demand efficiency and effectiveness of our college investments , we must always look at consolidations as a reasonable option for improving efficiencies.


In this vein , let,s examine some reasonable options:


1) Consolidate the administrative functions ,Plant and Plant assets in Jackson Ms that will Combine the Medical Center and Jackson State University. All students who are seeking an education in health would come under the combined UMC/ Jackson State consolidation .


2)A student who would like an engineering career would enter a consolidation between Mississippi State and Jackson State at the Jackson or Starksville campus depending on convience and availibility of courses.


3) A student who would like a career in Agriculture would enter a consolidation between Alcorn and Mississippi State. Conditions as discribed above


4) A Student who is seeking a career in Business would enter a University of Mississippi/Jackson State consolidation as discribed above.