University of Virginia Library

ATLANTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

President Darden discussed the proposal that the University join the new Atlantic
Athletic Conference, his conversations with the Presidents of Duke University and of the University
of North Carolina, and the advantages and disadvantages of conference membership. He
stressed the importance to the University of retaining independence to schedule the teams of Virginia
institutions. He added that Mr. Tebell, Director of Athletics, wishes to confer with the
Board in October.

Mr. Mebane Turner was admitted to the Board Room, and he presented arguments on behalf
of the "V" Club in favor of conference membership, stressing the beneficial effects of conference
competition, and giving it as his opinion that student athletes and the student body generally
strongly prefer the Atlantic Conference to independent status, but are opposed to joining the
Southern Conference.

It was resolved the the Board that the athletic matter be made a first order of business
for the Board meeting to be held on Friday, October 9th, 1953. The Secretary was directed to
invite to this meeting the President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Hunter Faulconer, the President
of the Virginia Student Aid Foundation, Mr. Nelson T. Offutt, the Director of Athletics, Mr. G. K.
Tebell; and the Chairman of the Athletic Council, Mr. Mortimer Caplin.