University of Virginia Library

Virginia Johnson Named
Black Admissions Officer

By Phil Chabot And Bill Crockett

"You can't put me in a bag," said Mrs.
Virginia Johnson, new Assistant Dean of
Admissions, as she explained her philosophy
about herself and the post she will occupy. Mrs.
Johnson was hired to replace Fred Stokes as
black recruiter for the University.

Acting on a leave of absence from Virginia
Union University, Mrs. Johnson has come to
the Grounds both as a student and administrator.
Her original impression of the University
was as a student in the Graduate School of
Education. "I was on the verge of heading back
to George Washington University, where I had
been a student. There was no warmth." Mrs.
Johnson's view of the atmosphere has changed
considerably with time.

Mrs. Johnson feels that in order to attract
qualified black students to the University, the
"social pattern for the black student must be
changed." She said that at the present time
there are almost no social opportunities for
black students in the Charlottesville area. She
hopes to overcome this obstacle by attracting
more black students which would, of itself,
change their social world.

When asked about the type of students she
hopes to attract, her reply was, "They are going
to have to be individuals. They won't buy
anyone's image of a University student." But in

order to "seek out able black students, the
standards of the University should not be
lowered." She did say, however, that she would
be as flexible as possible within the limits set by
the board of admissions.

Mrs. Johnson's concept of her job is that of
seeking more applicants, rather than the simple
admission of more black students. Her opinion
is that in the past there has been a limited
number of black applicants, making it impossible
to have a realistic proportion of students.
There was also, until last year, a complete lack
of recruiting in the area of underprivileged and
minority groups.

She intends to do a great deal of traveling
around the state talking to high school seniors
in line with her responsibilities. Mrs. Johnson
thinks that this is very important: talking to
young people. "I don't anticipate any problem
influencing students? They can smell a phony a
mile off - and they know I'm real."

As far as her goals are concerned, she hopes
to double the present number of black students
enrolled in the University. She is not, however,
being held to a quota. "The quota concept is a
negative one," she said. The new Assistant Dean
also attributes the present lack of black
students to the over-all reputation of the
University. "Black students just haven't been
made aware of a compatible climate." At the
same time, Mrs. Johnson wants to attract a
large number of women for the first-year class
of next year. This is an integral part of her
plans to change the social aspect of a student's
life on the Grounds.

"I am asking for co-operation and guidance.
I have experience, but not at U.Va." Along this
line, she said, "Students can help. They are the
best recruiters of all."