University of Virginia Library

To Aid In Black Admissions

Two Student Recruiters Hired

By Rob Buford
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, Assistant
Dean of Admissions, announced yesterday
the appointment of two student
assistant recruiters. The two, John
Thomas of Norfolk and George Taylor of
Hampton, will travel extensively in the
near future on behalf of the Admissions
Office in an attempt to increase black
enrollment at the University.

Both new recruiters are on the payroll
and a third slot is open for a graduate
student. No appointment for that position
has yet been announced.

Mrs. Johnson, a graduate student in the
doctoral program of the School of Education,
spoke of a need that goes beyond the initial
problem of black recruitment. "We need to
create here a genuine feeling of harmony. I
would not feel good recruiting black students
here if we were not working also to improve the
atmosphere.

Black Students Unaware

"Many black students even in Virginia,"
Mrs. Johnson continued, "are for the first time
becoming aware that the University exists. I do
see many signs of improvement."

When asked what her office could actually
do to improve the racial atmosphere at the
University, Mrs. Johnson asserted that she has
"no magic wand to wave over the Grounds."
She stressed the importance of individual
student effort and cooperation.

Methods Of Recruitment

Asked about their methods of recruitment,
Mrs. Johnson said that the primary effort will
be made in the state of Virginia. Mr. Thomas, a
second year College student, said, "Let the
black people in Virginia reap some of the
benefits of the University."

There will be no mass mailings to prospective
students because the Admissions Office
relies on interviews and personal contacts. Mrs.
Johnson pointed out the fact that both new
recruiters have many contacts at schools around
the state which should be of some benefit in
finding black applicants.

Personal Interviews

Mr. Thomas stressed the necessity of
personal interviews. "You have got to talk and
feet with the people. I'm going to tell it like it
is." He said that he will emphasize to
prospective black applicants the many advantages
of the University, such as the facilities and
quality of the faculty.

"The situation here is no bed or roses,"
continued Mr. Thomas. "Our job is like selling a
new product."

Student Assistant Recruiters George Taylor (L.) and John Thomas Will Aid Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson.

As Paid Members Of Admissions Staff, They Will Visit High Schools To Increase Black Enrollment.

Mrs. Johnson expressed the hope that before
long the matter of black recruitment would
pass from the primary stage and become "more
a matter of routine business." She added that
this year's recruitment effort will not be
confined entirely to the state of Virginia. The
recruiters, who will begin their tours in the next
few weeks, will go as far as New York and New
England.

"College Nights"

Much of the effort will be made in
conjunction with "college nights" at various
schools. Also, her office will sponsor conferences
with secondary school college counselors
to acquaint them better with the University.

Both Mr. Taylor and Mr. Thomas stressed
the importance of the institution of a strong
Black Studies program at the University. The
need, they say, is not only to provide black
students with an opportunity to learn about
their own culture, but to educate the white
students in the same area.

Mr. Thomas looks upon such a program as a
means of effecting change in an institution. "It
should cover all aspects of the social sciences."

One factor which would tend to improve the
atmosphere here for black students, they
agreed, would be the admission of a good
number of black women in the near future.