 | Board of Visitors minutes June 9, 1950 |  |
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University
of Virginia was held on this date in the Office of the President of the University of Virginia,
Charlottesville, Virginia, with the following present: The Rector, Barron F. Black; President
Colgate W. Darden, Jr., of the University of Virginia; Visitors Anderson, Barksdale, Emmett,
Gay, Gravatt, Mears, Smith, Wailes, and Willis. Absent: Dr. M. L. Combs, President of Mary Washington
College; Visitors Carrington, Garnett, Howard, and Talbott.
The minutes of the meeting of May 12, which had been copied and mailed to the members, were
approved.
GIFTS
The President announced receipt of the following gifts.
| From friends of the late Dr. W. A. Montgomery, former Professor of Latin, to establish a book fund in his memory |
$ 598.00 |
| From friends of Mr. Harry Clemons, Librarian of the University, who is retiring from active service on July 1, 1950, for the publication of a volume in his honor |
1,970.00 |
| From the New York Medical Alumni Association, for the purchase of books by the Department of Medicine Library |
100.00 |
| From Mr. Jack M. Burdow, to establish the Herbert W. Burdow Law Book Fund. The money has been received over a period of several years, and the total contributions now amount to |
1,100.00 |
RESIGNATION OF PROFESSOR WEBB
The President announced the receipt of a letter from Professor Robert H. Webb tendering
his resignation as of June 30th next. He recounted briefly the controversy within the faculty
which had prompted the action and expressed his deep regret at the decision.
He pointed out that Mr. Webb was the senior member of the faculty and was one of its most
distinguished members, and suggested to the Board that he be permitted to request Mr. Webb to reconsider.
The Board by unanimous vote approved the action and expressed the hope that Professor
Webb would decide to remain. The letter was not read to the Board, Mr. Darden stating that he would
submit it at the next meeting if he were unsuccessful.
Upon recommendation of the President, the following resignations, leaves of absence, promotions,
and elections were approved.
RESIGNATIONS
The following resolutions were adopted.
RESOLVED that the resignation of Dr. Erland C. Gjessing as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry,
be and the same is hereby accepted as of June 30, 1950. We wish for him the highest
success in his new undertaking.
RESOLVED that the resignation of Dr. Alfred P. Kehlenbeck as Associate Professor of Germanic
Languages, be and the same is hereby accepted as of the end of the session of 1949-50. We
wish for him the highest success in his new undertaking.
RESOLVED that the resignation of Mr. Richard Carter Donnelly, Associate Professor of
Law, be and the same is hereby accepted as of the end of the session of 1949-50. We wish for him
the highest success in his new undertaking.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Dr. Orland E. White, Professor of Agricultural Biology and Director of the Blandy Experimental
Farm, granted leave of absence from July 1, 1950 through April 30, 1951, to do research
work in Burma, without salary from the University, but with a grant of $2,000 for the purpose of
continuing research now under way.
Mr. George P. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Speech, granted leave of absence without
pay for the session of 1950-51, in order to take graduate work at Columbia University.
PROMOTIONS
Mr. Jack Preston Dalton, from Associate Librarian and Associate Professor to Librarian
and Professor, effective July 1, 1950.
Mr. Charles W. Smith, from Instructor to Assistant Professor of Art, effective at the
beginning of the session of 1950-51.
Mr. James Norman Dent, from Acting Associate Professor to Associate Professor of Biology,
effective in September, 1950.
Mr. Earl Ruffner Boggs, from Acting Associate Professor, part-time, to Associate Professor
of Education, effective in September, 1950, at no change in salary.
Dr. Alfred P. Fernbach, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Foreign
Affairs, effective in September, 1950.
Dr. Charles A. Micaud, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Foreign Affairs
effective in September, 1950.
Dr. Homer G. Richey, Jr., from Assistant Professor to Acting Associate Professor of
Foreign Affairs, effective in September, 1950.
Dr. Edward Eugene Younger, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of History,
effective in September, 1950.
Dr. Frank L. Hereford, Jr., from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Physics,
effective in September, 1950.
Mr. Lyne Starling Reid, from Acting Assistant Professor to Assistant Professor of
Psychology, effective in September, 1950.
Mr. Henry L. Kinnier, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
as of September, 1950.
Dr. Francis G. Lankford from Associate Professor to Professor of Education, effective in
September, 1950, at no change in salary.
Dr. Richard A. Meade from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Education as of
September, 1950.
Mr. Emerson G. Spies from Associate Professor to Professor of Law, effective September,
1950.
ELECTIONS
Dr. John W. Eldridge as Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, effective in September,
1950, at a session salary of $4,550, to be paid from the Memminger Fund.
Mr. Morris Sullivan McKeehan as Assistant Professor of Anatomy, effective September 1,
1950, at a salary of $4,300.
Dr. Thomas N. Warren as Instructor in Clinical Pathology, effective July 1, 1950, at no
salary from the University.
Mr. John K. King as Instructor in Foreign Affairs for the session of 1950-51, at a salary
of $3,600.
Dr. Charles G. Craddock, Jr., as Instructor in Internal Medicine, without salary from
the University, effective July 1, 1950.
UNCOLLECTIBLE HOSPITAL ACCOUNTS
The following resolution was adopted.
RESOLVED that the Hospital Accounts Committee be and it is hereby authorized to charge off
as uncollectible accounts schedules 132, 133, and 134, aggregating $9,671.02, recommended by them
for cancellation.
CONVOCATION DAY
A proposal from the Committee on Public Occasions to eliminate Convocation Day from the
University calendar was approved.
SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE
The President explained to the Board that last year he had requested Mr. Campbell to
study the School of Art and Architecture and make recommendations to enable the School to be split
and a separate School of Fine Arts to be established. Since Mr. Campbell's death, the President reported
that he had asked Professor Charles Smith to make recommendations concerning the School of
Fine Arts, and that he hoped before long to be able to present to the Board a proposal for the separation
of Art and Architecture.
"LEWIS MOUNTAIN" PROPERTY
The President reported that the University had been offered the "Lewis Mountain" property
at $125,000, but that he thought the price was too high. The President was requested to keep the
Board advised in this matter and if the price were substantially lowered, the University might be
interested in purchasing the property.
STUDENT BOOK SHOP
The President reported that he had received a letter from the Bookstore Committee, together
with a report by the Student Committee on the Bookstore Project. The Rector was asked to
appoint a committee to study the matter and make a report to the Board. Messrs. Edward C. Anderson,
Benjamin W. Mears, and Dowell J. Howard were appointed, with Mr. Anderson to act as chairman.
RESOLUTIONS FROM UNIVERSITY SENATE ON ACADEMIC MATTERS
Baccalaureate Degree in the College
The President presented the following resolution adopted on May 30 by the University
Senate. The resolution was approved by the Board.
RESOLVED: That the provisions of the College catalogue relating to the "Professional
Option in Law or Medicine" and "Professional Option in Law" be deleted from future catalogues.
AND RESOLVED: That the program for a baccalaureate degree in the College of Arts and
Sciences may include courses in other departments of the University, provided (a) that such courses
shall not exceed eighteen (18) semester hours; provided (b) that such courses shall have been recommended
for inclusion in a major program by the academic school concerned and for the particular
student by an official advisor of that school; and provided (c) that such courses shall have been
submitted to and approved by the College Faculty.
Degree of Master of Engineering Physics
The Board approved a program for the degree of Master of Engineering Physics, which program
had been approved by the University Senate. A copy of the memorandum setting forth detailed
requirements for the degree was filed with the Secretary.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Education
The Board approved the program for the Bachelor of Science degree in Education, as proposed
by the Department of Education and approved by the University Senate. The work approved comprises
programs in general education; professional education; and specialized education in the following
fields: (1) For students majoring in elementary education, (2) For students majoring in
secondary education, and (3) For students majoring in both elementary and secondary education. A
copy of the report setting forth the details of this program was filed with the Secretary.
ARCHITECTURAL TREATMENT OF THE MEWS
Plans for the architectural treatment of "The Mews," as drawn up by the late Professor
E. S. Campbell, were approved.
GROUP INSURANCE
The President reported that numerous insurance companies were making proposals concerning
group insurance for faculty members and administrative personnel. The matter was referred to the
Finance Committee for study.
FEE FOR "THE CAVALIER DAILY"
The charge for "The Cavalier Daily," student newspaper, was increased from $3.00 to $4.00
per session for each student.
TUITION IN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
A reduction in tuition for those Virginia students in the last two years of the Department
of Education was eliminated, and the fees were made uniform for all four years, in accordance with
the following proposal:
| Virginians | ||
| Present | Proposed | |
| Students with less than 60 hours | $150 | $150 |
| Students with more than 60 hours | 100 | 150 |
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON HISTORY REQUIREMENTS
The report of a committee appointed by the Rector to study the feasibility of including a
course in American history and government as a prerequisite for the bachelor's degree was presented
and approved.
Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Visitors adopted October 14, 1949, the Rector
appointed the undersigned Committee to meet with the President and such members of the Faculty as
the President thought appropriate to study the desirability and feasibility of including a course
in American History and Government as a prerequisite for the Bachelor of Arts degree. At the present
time neither subject is required of applicants for that degree.
In a letter of November 15, 1949, to its Chairman, the President suggested that your Committee's
study "be made a part of a general review of the curriculum of the College of Arts and
Sciences" and stated that, "The Faculty Committee on College Policy will shortly report, and Dean
Lewis tells me that one of the things suggested is the setting up of a committee to review the work
being done in the College. An over-all review is badly needed and much would be gained by making
it a general instead of a piecemeal process."
Pursuant to the President's suggestion, your Committee has therefore awaited the coming in
of the report of the Committee on College Policy, which we understand has now been received by the
President. A copy has just been made available to your Committee. Upon the subject with which we
are concerned the report has this to say:
"(3) We recommend either that a new committee be constituted to study and report
upon the College curriculum or that the present Liberal Arts Committee be requested
to make recommendations to the Academic Faculty relative to the curriculum."
Since receiving the foregoing report, the President has suggested to your Committee that
it presently report to the Board its conclusions and recommendations, in order that the Board may
make known to the committee to be created to review the college curriculum its views upon the question
whether a course, or courses, in American History and Government should be made a prerequisite
to the awarding of the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Your Committee therefore submits the following report:
The teaching of American History and Civil Government in the elementary and high schools
of the State is now and has been for many years required by law (Section 22-223, Virginia Code,
1950), and these subjects are also included in the "branches of learning" required to be taught at
the universities (id., Section 23-63).[1]
It seems implicit in these provisions of law that the subjects mentioned are considered as
essential in the education of the youth of our State. Both are taught at the elementary and high
school levels as well as at the college level. The question submitted to your Committee, therefore,
is simply whether their study should be compulsory in the institution of learning which Jefferson
is credited with intending should constitute the cap-stone of the educational system of Virginia.
It may be suggested that it would be better to leave the matter to the choice of the student,
since compulsion is a force alien to the traditions of the University. This view point is
contrary to the practice presently obtaining in respect to other subjects, since the University now
requires applicants for the B.A. degree to take courses in English (Composition and Literature), a
foreign language (ancient or modern), Mathematics and a natural science (the University of Virginia
Record, College of Arts and Sciences, Volume XXXV, No. 1, January 1, 1949).
The addition of American History and Government as a required course, or courses, would,
therefore conform to rather than depart from the established practice, if the importance of the subject
so requires.
It has seemed to your Committee, therefore, that the real question with respect to which
it should submit its conclusions and recommendations is whether the study of American History and
Government by University students is of such importance in the acquisition of a Liberal Arts education
as to require it to be taken as a condition to the award of a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In discussing this question, Doctor A. L. Strand, President of Oregon State College, recently
and aptly said:
"The main justification for publicly supported education is training for intelligent
citizenship. This is enhanced through an understanding of American history, which is
a synthesis of the origin and development of American society. History reveals the
blunders to be avoided and the constructive achievements to be continued. History provides
us with perspective and tolerance at home and abroad."
Being in accord with these views, your Committee has sought to ascertain the extent to
which other American colleges and universities place sufficient emphasis upon the teaching of American
History and Government to prescribe it, or them, as required courses in a liberal arts education,
and was happy to find that a most comprehensive investigation had recently been made by the
"New York Times" which published in its issue of April 17, 1950, a highly informative article by Mr.
Benjamin Fine, accompanied by a chart showing the "Results of Study of American History in Colleges
and Universities" based on questionnaires returned from 1,301 such institutions, of which 455 were
public, 353 private and 493 denominational.
The questionnaire submitted contained, among others, the following inquiries
"Is American History required for a degree (undergraduate, graduate)?" and
"Do you believe American History should be compulsory (for undergraduates, for
graduates)?"
The answers to these inquiries are most interesting and revealing. As to the former 162
(53.6%) public, 63 (21.8%) private and 114 (27.8%) denominational institutions, a total of 339
(33.9%) of the replies received, answered in the affirmative in respect to undergraduate students.
In response to the latter inquiry, 336 (73.8%) public, 159 (45.0%) private, and 305
(61.9%) denominational, a total of 800, or 61.5%, of the replies received, answered in the affirmative
in respect to undergraduate students.
Two other questions submitted by the "New York Times" seem especially pertinent to the
present inquiry. They are:
"Do you believe that a fundamental knowledge of American History will enable our
students to become better citizens?" and
"Do you feel that if our students have an adequate knowledge of American History
they will be less likely to turn to other ideologies?"
The answers to these inquiries are also most interesting and revealing. As to the former,
430 (94.5%) public, 278 (78.8%) private, and 423 (85.8%) denominational, a total of 1,131, or 86.9%,
of the replies received were in the affirmative. In response to the latter inquiry, 407 (89.5%)
public, 248 (70.3%) private, and 394 (79.9%) denominational, a total of 1,049, or 80.6%, of the replies
received answered in the affirmative
The foregoing significant demonstration of opinion among American institutions of higher
learning favorable to the teaching of American History and Government and its, or their, inclusion
in the courses required for the award of a Bachelor of Arts degree in order that students may be
better informed in the ideals of citizenship and accordingly less likely to turn to other ideologies,
impels your Committee to suggest that the Board of Visitors approve and recommend that the curriculum
of the College be revised as soon as possible to include these subjects in a required course, or
courses.
Chairman
Committee of the Board of Visitors,
University of Virginia
State laws in at least 34 of the States require that public elementary and secondary schools
teach United States History and the statutes on this subject in many States are applicable to
colleges as well. ("Education for Freedom, as Provided by State Laws", published by the Federal
Security Agency, Bulletin 1948, No. 11, Table 1, page 6.)
UNIVERSITY BUDGET 1950-51
The budget for the University for the year 1950-51 was approved, with total revenues
estimated at $4,950,507 and estimated expenditures at $4,943,786
RUSHTON TRUST FUND AGREEMENT
Mr. Perkins, Attorney for the University, presented to the meeting a form of Covenant or
Agreement designed to be executed on behalf of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
in evidence of its acceptance of the sum of $1,000.00, to be paid on execution of the Agreement and
of its willingness to accept such future amounts as may be added to the fund by the family of the late
Dr. Urban Joseph Peters Rushton. The purpose of the creation of this fund is to establish a perpetual
memorial to Dr. Rushton in the form of this fund, the income from which is to be used for the purchase
of books of significance in the field of American or English Literature, and, more particularly, in
the field of Contemporary Poetry and Literary Criticism and useful to the University Library.
Mr. Perkins stated that the purpose and substance of this Agreement have been approved by
Mr. Harry Clemons, the Librarian. He also stated that from a legal standpoint the Agreement is
properly drawn.
It was, thereupon,
RESOLVED that Colgate W. Darden, President, be and is hereby authorized and instructed to
execute this Agreement in the name and on behalf of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
and to deliver a copy thereof to Mr. William J. Rushton, of Birmingham, Alabama, expressing
to Mr. Rushton the appreciation of this Board and its gratification that the memory of Dr. Urban
Joseph Peters Rushton, a brilliant and valued member of the Faculty of this University, should be so
appropriately preserved.
NEGRO APPLICANT FOR LAW SCHOOL
The President was requested to secure an opinion from the Attorney-General on the application
of a Negro to take graduate work in Law, and to discuss the matter with the Governor prior to the
next meeting of the Board
SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP FUNDS
President Darden reported to the Board that certain scholarship funds have accumulated large
amounts of income which have not been expended because of the lack of applicants during the war. Since
these accumulations are in excess of the amounts needed for current scholarship awards, it was recommended
to the Board that a portion of the accumulated income in these funds be reinvested in principal
It was, thereupon
RESOLVED that the amounts indicated for the following scholarship funds be reinvested as
principal
| Name of Fund | Amount to be Reinvested |
| Virginia Mason Davidge | $6,500 |
| William C. Folkes | 7,500 |
| Thomas Fortune Ryan | 7,000 |
| Joanna Davidge Randall-McIver Foundation | 5,000 |
| William A. Herndon | 4,000 |
| Benjamin F. Thomas | 7,000 |
| James H. Skinner | 3,000 |
In addition to the funds listed above, it was suggested that $25,000 of the accrued income
in the Bayly-Tiffany Scholarship Fund be reinvested. The Board took no immediate action on
this recommendation, but requested a list of persons awarded Bayly-Tiffany Scholarships during the
session 1949-50 and a list of the names of any applicants who were refused Bayly-Tiffany Scholarships.
CONTRACT WITH VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
A resolution was adopted ratifying and approving the action of the President in signing a
standard contract for electric service for the University with the Virginia Electric and Power
Company.
BUILDING PROGRAM
Power Plant
The President presented plans for the new Power Plant, which were approved, and the President
was authorized to advertise for bids.
Academic Building
The selection of brick for the Academic Building was referred to the Buildings and Grounds
Committee, with the request that a meeting of the Committee be held and action taken prior to July 1.
REPORT OF UNIVERSITY ATTORNEY
"Four Acres"
Mr. Perkins reported to the Board that the sale of "Four Acres" had been consummated.
Walter M. Seward Estate
Mr. Perkins reported also the completion of the sale of the Colonial Heights property
which came to the University as a part of the Seward Estate, and which the Board authorized to be
sold at the May 1950 meeting
William Jackson Humphreys Estate
The committee which had been appointed to consult with Mr. Perkins on this matter presented
the following report.
The undersigned were designated by The Rector under date of April 15, as a committee to
consult with the University's Attorney, Mr. W. Allan Perkins, and report to the Board concerning
problems raised in connection with the devise to the University of a farm in Monroe County, West
Virginia, under conditions stated in the Will of Dr. William Jackson Humphreys, deceased
We have completed our study of the matter and have had the benefit of the factual and
legal investigation made by Mr. Perkins, prior to our conference with him.
We concur in his opinion that The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia does
not have power to accept the devise and recommend the adoption of a resolution in form shown on the
sheet attached as a part of this report.
(1) RESOLVED that this Board here record its conclusion, reluctantly reached, after studying
the facts and conditions attached to the generous devise by Dr. William J. Humphreys, deceased, giving
to the University his farm in Monroe County, West Virginia, that The Rector and Visitors of the
University of Virginia does not have authority under the laws by which it is governed to own and
operate this farm for the purposes set out in Dr. Humphreys' Will.
(2) All other provisions of the Will, designed to benefit the University of Virginia, and
dealing with subjects other than the ownership and management of the farm, are gratefully accepted;
(3) That this Board here record its deep appreciation of the loyal devotion to the University
which the devise of the farm and the other bequests in Dr. Humphreys' Will so eloquently express,
deploring the existence of those limitations which prevent our full and unrestricted cooperation in
his plan for extending useful and practical knowledge,
(4) That the President of the University be and is hereby requested to forward a copy of this
resolution to Mrs. Humphreys so that she may be advised of its appreciation of her husband's generosity,
and to Mr. Leonard Marbury, Vice-President and Trust Officer of the Washington Loan and Trust
Company, Executor of Dr. Humphreys' estate.
After discussion, the report of the committee was approved and the foregoing resolution was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Board.
RESOLUTIONS ON MR. CAMPBELL AND MR. CLEMONS
A resolution was adopted requesting the Committee on Resolutions, of which Mr. Garnett is
chairman, to draft appropriate resolutions noting the retirement of Mr. Harry Clemons, Librarian, and
the death of Professor Edmund S. Campbell
RESOLUTIONS UPON RETIREMENT OR DEATH OF FACULTY MEMBERS
In July 1949 a resolution was adopted establishing as a policy of the Board the practice
of recording in its minutes the resolution passed by the faculty upon the retirement or death of a
faculty member, and of transmitting the resolution to the retiring faculty member or to his family
upon his death.
After discussion of this matter, it was decided to discontinue this policy.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
In accordance with statutory regulations requiring the election of the Executive Committee,
the present Committee was unanimously re-elected. Members are: The Rector, Mr. Black, Chairman;
Mr. Gay, Mr. Anderson, Vice-Chairmen; Mr. Carrington, Mrs. Wailes.
SIGNING OF BOARD MINUTES
The following resolution was adopted.
BE IT RESOLVED that Barron F. Black, Rector, be and is hereby authorized to sign minutes
of this Board for Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., which minutes were not signed by Mr. Stettinius because
of his absence from the country, followed by a long illness prior to his resignation.
On motion the meeting was then adjourned.
Rector
Secretary
| Board of Visitors minutes June 9, 1950 | |