The arrival of spring is always a jovial occasion at TheUniversity of Memphis. Flowers begin to bloom. The fountain startsrunning. The University Center steps slowly get crowded again. Andthe annual tradition of a certain rumor takes center stage.
Nothing says spring at The U of M like the rumor that men'sbasketball coach John Calipari may be considering leaving TigerHigh to coach at another school.
But unlike springs of the past, Coach Cal is now having to sharehis spot on The U of M's rumor mill. This year, some attention isbeing given to University President Shirley Raines.
As the old saying goes, when it Raines, it pours.
Raines is considering following in the footsteps of ScooterMcFadden. Just like our former basketball player, Raines may try toleave The U of M for the University of Tennessee.
A UT graduate, Shirley Raines is one of more than 75 nominatedcandidates to fill the position of the University of Tennesseepresident. Since she was nominated, all she has to do is apply tobe considered for the job. April 3 is the last day the "NowAccepting Applications" sign will be hanging in Knoxville.
Raines leaving for UT would be a lot like if Mr. Belding leftBayside to be principal at Valley. The only difference being thatMr. Belding was well liked.
(I promise that what you just read was my last reference toSaved By the Bell this semester. Starting next week, all my obscurereferences will be about California Dreams.)
Our fearless leader has yet to officially confirm or deny herinterest in moving to the other end of the state and changing outher blue wardrobe for orange. Though, it is obvious that anyone inher position should be interested in switching to a job that is ofhigher profile and higher pay.
Does Raines have a legitimate chance to get the job?
Maybe. It is unknown whether Shirley's haircut will help or hurther chances at getting the job.
Does anyone care if she leaves?
It will not bother me as long as Coach Cal stays.
Shirley's reign at The U of M has had little impact. She has notbeen in charge of the 38152 Zip Code very long. As the 11thpresident of The U of M, she has been at the grand opening ofeverything that was planned under the watch of former U of MPresident Lane Rawlins. She held a press conference thatprematurely announced that the Tigers would be moving to theFedExForum. Raines has yet to do much else that did not involve aribbon cutting or photo opt.
So maybe it's time to start singing "Raines, Raines, goaway."
