University of Virginia Library

EXCERPTS FROM BOARD MINUTES OF 12 FEBRUARY 1954

The Rector reported that he had been requested last Monday by Messrs. Jere M. H. Willis
and Alfred W. Garnett, attorneys for Dr. Combs to confer with them. At a conference in
Richmond on February 10th they had advised him that Dr. Combs would be willing to relinquish the
burden of administrative authority and responsibility at the College, providing he could continue
in charge of new construction, fund raising, and related matters, and could retain the title of
President. The Pector had stipulated that suitable letters be written by Dr. Combs to the parents
of the four young ladies he had interviewed on November 19th and to the authors of letters received
by the Board

Following a recess, the committee reported back to the Board the following resolution,
incorporating minor changes proposed by President Combs, and thereupon agreed to by him

WHEREAS, for several months past, the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia has
been engaged in a careful investigation of substantial complaints concerning the administration of
Mary Washington College by Dr. Morgan L. Combs in a manner adversely affecting student discipline
and morale and proper faculty relations, and,

WHEREAS, the Rector and Visitors is of opinion that a rearrangement of responsibilities for
the administration of Mary Washington College is both necessary and desirable, and,

WHEREAS, the Board's investigations have demonstrated the fact that administrative
responsibilities heretofore assigned to President Combs are presently more than he is physically
able to discharge in justice to himself and to the best interests of the College;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: (1) That in the discharge of his duties as the principal
administrative officer of Mary Washington College, the President of the University of Virginia
shall have and exercise in respect to Mary Washington College supreme administrative authority,

(2) That in pursuance of this authority the President of the University of Virginia be and
he hereby is authorized to delegate the performance of such duties in respect to construction and
development, solicitation of funds, and related matters as he in his discretion shall determine,
to Morgan L. Combs, who shall retain the title of President of Mary Washington College until his
retirement or so long as his performance of such duties is satisfactory to the Rector and Visitors,

(3) That the President of the University of Virginia is further authorized to delegate all
other administrative functions of Mary Washington College, including faculty relations, student relations,
curriculum, internal budget, and control to such other administrative official or
officials as shall be designated by him with the approval of the Rector and Visitors.

The resolution was adopted by the Board, and the Rector was authorized to issue copies of
it to the press, with the statement that it had been read by President Combs, who was satisfied
with its terms and resolved to cooperate fully in its execution.

It was further resolved as being the sense of the Board, subject to the State budget and
conditioned on the establishment of satisfactory relationships at the College, that President
Combs' salary be continued at its present rate.