University of Virginia Library

David Shannon Appointed Provost,
Begins Five - Year Term July 1

By Terry Jasperson
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

David Allen Shannon, Dean of the
Faculty of Arts and Sciences was
appointed last Tuesday to succeed Frank
L. Hereford Jr. as Vice President and
Provost of the University.

The announcement was made by
University President Edgar F. Shannon,
Jr. In a statement concerning his action,
President Shannon said, "Dean Shannon
has demonstrated keen and effective leadership
as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and
has contributed immeasurably to improving the
quality of education offered at the University."

President Shannon made his decision after
deliberating on the recommendations of an
eight member advisory committee, headed by J.
C. Levenson, Edgar Allen Poe Professor of
English. Mr. Levenson told The Cavalier Daily
that the committee "considered in detail" 103
nominations.

As to President Shannon's final decision, Mr.
Levenson remarked, "I think he [Dean
Shannon has the kind of understanding of the
University as a community of scholars and an
historical institution, that we can rely upon to
make wise decisions. He will lead the faculties
of the University and help guide them into a
future we all want."

Education Programs

As Provost and Vice-President, Mr. Shannon
will be responsible for educational matters
concerning the ten schools of the University.
George Mason and Clinch Valley Colleges. He
will also be concerned with the School of
General Studies which is responsible for the
state-wide instructional programs in more than
100 communities. In addition he will serve as
chairman of the Committee on the Future of
the University.

Mr. Shannon's term of Office will be five
years, effective July 1, 1971.

In a letter advising Mr. Shannon of his
appointment, the President outlined what he
feels to be the principal duties of the Vice
President and Provost: "I advise the Deans (and
as appropriate the Chancellors) in consideration
of candidates for election to the faculty and
recommend action to the President who will,
except where other duties prevent, interview all
candidates for election to the faculty in senior
positions.

"2. appraise the strengths and weaknesses of
the several faculties and, in consultation with
the Chancellor or Dean concerned, develop
proposals to correct these weaknesses for
consideration by the President.

"3. receive recommendations from the
Chancellors and the Deans and advise the
President on all proposed faculty promotions,
leaves of absence, and other personnel matters.

"4. serve as the chief staff advisor to the
President, in association with the Chancellors
and the Deans on all matters relating to the
undergraduate and graduate curricula of the
several colleges and schools of the University,
but without a vote

"5. receive recommendations from the
Chancellors, the Deans, and the faculties on
educational matters for consideration and
recommendation to the President.

"6. serve as an ex officio member of each
faculty of the University, but without a vote.

"7. act on educational matters for the
President in his absence.

"8. act as chief staff advisor to the President
on research programs and coordinate major
proposals for research grants.

"9. consult with the Vice President of the
University for Business and Finance on the
financial aspects of the educational policies and
programs.

"10. serve as the Chairman of the
Committee on the Future of the University and
on other committees to which appointed by the
President.

"11. supervise the work of the Associate
Provost for Research and the Assistant Provost
for University Colleges.

'Distinguished Work'

The President also commended Mr. Shannon
on his "distinguished and devoted work as Dean
of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences."

Mr. Shannon spoke with The Cavalier Daily
about his appointment. He stated that he wants
to see "a continued improvement of academic
programs and the University in general."

One of the most important facets of his new
job will be planning for the accommodation of
growth of the University, Mr. Shannon also
said. He feels that growth is inevitable if the
University continues to admit a substantial
amount of out-of-state students. He foresees a
growing demand for entrance from in-state
students. The estimated student population at
the University in 1980 will be 17,600.

Mr. Shannon also stated that the University
has a built-in system to fund any increase in
growth. He cited the ability of faculties to
comply with the trend. "In the last three years

the Faculty of Arts and Sciences has increased
by 89 members." he said.

The administration is also flexible to the
needs of increased growth, according to Mr.
Shannon. The position of Provost and Vice
President did not exist until Mr. Hereford's
appointment in 1966. There was not a Dean of
the Faculty until 1962.

Mr. Shannon came to the University in 1969
from Rutgers University. He was appointed as
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at
that time. He is a professor of history and has
conducted a history majors' seminar about the
United States during the Depression.

Mr. Shannon has taught at many institutions
in the United States including Maryland, the
Carnegie Institute of Technology and the
University of Wisconsin.

Mr. Hereford will continue on the faculty in
the Physics Department after his retirement as
Dean, June 30. He told The Cavalier Daily that
physics had always been his final goal and not
administration.

Frank Berkeley. Executive Assistant to the
President, said that "if the President had not
appointed a committee to choose a new Dean
for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, that he
would be doing so in the near future.