University of Virginia Library

William Elwood

Spokesman For Diversity

Profile

By LINDA EICHELBAUM

Poised, smooth and polished William
Elwood, assistant to the President for
Special Programs, leaned forward in his
chair and began to reveal his impressions
of his role in the University community.

Mr. Elwood advises Edgar F. Shannon,
President of the University, on its
diversified student body. It is felt that the
University is no longer a white gentleman's
school but a school which encompasses within
it's realm many minority groups. It is Mr.
Elwood's job to report to Mr. Shannon on any
matter concerning these groups. In this
position he must keep in contact with each
spectrum of the student body.

As Mr. Shannon's assistant, Mr. Elwood
deals with faculty, students, and administration
daily. Because of these "varied contacts he is
able to objectively view the role of the
administration at the University.

"Changes have occurred in recent years all
over the world, but it has not been as difficult
here, because the decision making process is
more diffuse. Other schools are run like a
corporation. Here, students control vital
aspects, which at other schools are controlled
by faculty," he said.

Mr. Elwood says he feels there are problems
Involved in a decentralized administration such

as ours, but that these problems are
outweighed by the close contact with the
student body that our system enables. Here the
administrative personnel are spread throughout
the Grounds, instead of being closeted in a ten
story building. Thus the administration is able
to gain a closer relationship with the students
and be more responsive to their needs.

In addition to his administrative role, Mr.
Elwood teaches Renaissance Literature and is
the Managing Editor of the "New Literary
Historical Journal."

Along with other members of the English
Department, Mr. Elwood helped found the
Journal three years ago. The Journal boasts an
International Board and deals with current
problems in history or anti-history. It discusses
the "state of change in humanities, such as
assumptions about culture, arts and sciences. It
reflects and is a vehicle for ideas as well as a
forum for interest," he said.

The Journal has in the past sponsored two
colloquia for the University to help reflect the
interchange among faculty in different
departments.

When asked about the "University
Tuesday" events last week, Mr. Elwood
expressed his relief that the events were over.
He said he feels it is too early to realize the
effects of the demonstration, but feels that the
events may be interpreted incorrectly by many
people. He said that it is a shame that there will
be a negative response from some people when
there is such a fight for the tax dollar, which
we need for proper expansion.

Mr. Elwood's position as assistant to the
President has diversified to meet the varying
demands of a changing University community.