University of Virginia Library

The Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia met at 10:00 a.m. on this date in the
Office of the President of the University, at Charlottesville, with the following present. The
Rector, Barron F. Black, President Colgate W. Darden, Jr., Visitors Barksdale, Berkeley, Coxe,
Dunn, Emmett, Gravatt, Gray, Hartfield, Howard, McWane, Mears, Pollock, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Smith and
Wheeler. Absent: Visitor Talbott

The minutes of the meeting of 11 March 1955, previously distributed, were approved

MR. BERKELEY AND MR. HARTFIELD TAKE SEATS ON BOARD

The Rector introduced and welcomed to the Board Col. Joseph M. Hartfield and Mr. Norborne
Berkeley, whose appointments had been announced at the March 11th meeting. Certified copies of
their oaths of office, taken before the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Albemarle County on
April 8th, were handed to the Secretary and ordered to be filed

COMMITTEE ON NEW PRESIDENT FOR MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE

The Rector named to this Committee Mr. Henry E. McWane, chairman, President Colgate W.
Darden, Jr., ex officio, Dr. John M. Emmett, and Messrs. George O. Ferguson, C. O'Conor Goolrick
and Benjamin W. Mears

GIFTS AND GRANTS

The President announced the following gifts and grants

                         

From Mr. John Puryear, for the Hospital	$ 250.00
From Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Davison, Jr., for the James Southall Wilson Fellowship for the 1955-56 session (Anonymous)	1,000.00
From Mr. Thomas W. Streeter, to the Alderman Library, various papers and letters valued at	150.00
From Miss Elizabeth Johnson, 82 volumes valued at	383.00
From the University Hospital Auxiliary, to be added to the drug fund for indigents	200.00
From Kleen Stik Products Company, for the tumor clinic	200.00
From the Alumni Association, contributions made through that office for the School of Engineering	418.00
From the Alumni Association, contributions made through that office for the Medical Library	447.50
From the National Institute of Health, for continued research under Dr. W. P. Anslow of the School of Medicine	9,271.00
From the National Institute of Health, for continued research under Dr. Alfred Chanutin of the School of Medicine	10,892.00
From the American Trudeau Society, for continued research under Dr. Quentin N. Myrvik of the School of Medicine	5,249.00
From the National Science Foundation, for research in physics under Dr. Nicholas Cabrera	6,100.00
From the American Cancer Society, for research in chemistry under Dr. Alfred Burger	5,886.00

ELECTIONS

Following discussion by the President of the high qualifications of Dr. William L. Duren
and others nominated for election, the Board adopted the following resolution.

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the following persons be and they are hereby elected to the faculty:

Dr. Claude C. Coleman, Jr., as Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, part-time, as of
March 15, 1955. He is to be paid $3,000 from the Department of Surgery and allowed to earn
$5,000 in addition, a total of $8,000

Mr. Maurice Davier as Professor of Business Administration in the Graduate School of
Business Administration, for three years, beginning in September, 1955, at a session salary of
$10,500.

Mr. George Madison Maverick as Visiting Professor of Business Administration in the
Graduate School of Business Administration, for the session of 1955-56, effective in September,
1955, at no salary from the University for that period.

Dr. Eric R. Wolf as Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology for
a term of three years, effective in September, 1955, at a session salary of $4,700.00

Dr. William Larkin Duren, Jr., as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor
of Mathematics, effective in September, 1955, at a session salary of $10,000.

Mr. William Carl Lowry as Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education and Research in the
School of Education, effective in September, 1955, at a session salary of $5,000.

Mr. Irvin L. Ramsey as Assistant Professor of Elementary Education in the School of
Education, effective in September, 1955, at a session salary of $5,000

Mr. Vernon Cook as Instructor in German for the session of 1955-56, effective in September,
1955, at a session salary of $3,700.

APPOINTMENTS

In accordance with the resolution adopted by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia on July 14, 1945, authorizing the President to give the proper
professorial standing on the faculty to officers of the armed services on duty at the University
of Virginia in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, the President announced the
following appointments

Commander Thomas W. Hunt as Associate Professor of Naval Science, effective in the
summer of 1955, at no salary from the University. This is a replacement for Lieut. Comdr. R. C.
Young, who is being transferred by the Navy

Captain Harold S. Viall as Assistant Professor of Air Science and Tactics as of 14 March
1955

UNCOLLECTIBLE HOSPITAL ACCOUNTS

The following resolution was adopted by the Board.

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the Hospital Accounts Committee be and they are hereby authorized to charge off as
uncollectible accounts Schedules 517, 520 and 521, aggregating $25,081.55, as recommended by them

BOXING ABOLISHED AS VARSITY SPORT

President Darden laid before the Board a letter of 26 March 1955 from Gus K. Tebell, Athletic
Director, stating that the University Athletic Council had adopted at a meeting held on March 25
a motion "That boxing be inactivated at the University as a Varsity Sport and placed on an
Intramural basis and conducted there with competent supervision".

After discussion the Board resolved that the decision of the Athletic Council be approved
and confirmed

SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT RENAMED

Letters from Professor Floyd N. House and Dean George O. Ferguson recommending the
inclusion of "anthropology" as part of the name of the Sociology Department, in which the
subject is now taught, having been laid before the Board by the President, the Board adopted the
following resolution

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the name of the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences be and it is
hereby changed to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology

RETIREMENT SYSTEM

At the suggestion of President Darden, the proposal to revise the retirement plan, which
had been discussed at the March meeting, was carried over for further consideration at the
Annual Meeting June 10th

SALARY INCREASES

The President reported that the proposed increases in faculty and staff salaries, approved
in principle by the Board at the March meeting, had now been approved by the Governor in detail
Schedules of present and proposed faculty salaries were laid before the Board as follows

COLLEGE, EDUCATION, ARCHITECTURE AND UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS

                                         

Instructor	Present	Proposed
(Number in rank 14)	3,300	4,000
	3,500	4,250
	3,700	4,500
	3,900	4,750
Assistant Professor	4,200	5,000
(Number in rank 51)	4,450	5,250
	4,700	5,500
	4,950	5,750
Associate Professor	5,200	6,000
(Number in rank 43)	5,500	6,300
	5,800	6,600
	6,100	6,900
	6,400	7,200
		7,500[1]
Professor	6,500	7,300
(Number in rank 65)	7,000	7,800
	7,500	8,300
	8,000	8,800[1]
	8,500[1]	9,300[1]
Cost - $137,000

ENGINEERING SCHOOL

                                             

Instructor	Present	Proposed
(Number in rank 3)	3,300	4,000
	3,500	4,250
	3,700	4,500
	3,900	4,750
Assistant Professor	4,200	5,000
(Number in rank 8)	4,450	5,300
	4,700	5,600
	4,950	5,900
		6,200
Associate Professor	5,200	6,500
(Number in rank 11)	5,500	6,800
	5,800	7,100
	6,100	7,400
	6,400	7,700
		8,000[1]
Professor	6,500	8,000
(Number in rank 12)	7,000	8,500
	7,500	9,000
	8,000	9,500[1]
	8,500[1]	10,000[1]
		10,500[1]
Cost - $35,800

LAW SCHOOL

                 

Professors
Proposed	8,500	9,300	10,100	10,900	11,700	12,500[1]
Present	8,000	8,625	9,250	9,875	10,500
Associate Professors
Proposed	6,500	7,000	7,500	8,000	8,500
Present	5,900	6,400	6,900	7,400	7,900
Assistant Professors
Proposed	5,000	5,300	5,600	5,900	6,200
Present	4,400	4,700	5,000	5,300	5,600

                               

Name	New Salary
Gregory	12,500
Buckler	12,500
Ribble	10,900
Nash	12,500
Dillard	12,500
Boyd	10,900
Priest	10,100
Rhinelander	9,300
Woltz	9,300
Spies	9,300
Redden	9,300
Caplin	9,300
Cowan	7,000
Alford	7,000
Cost - $15,650

The Board resolved that the proposed salaries as set forth above be adopted effective at the
opening of the 1955-56 session.

TUITION FEES INCREASED

The following schedule of present and proposed tuition charges, which, like the salary
schedules, had been submitted in advance to the Governor and to the Visitors, was laid before
the Board.

PRESENT AND PROPOSED TUITION CHARGES

                                             

	Virginian	Non-Virginian	Out-of-State Differential
LAW
Proposed	255.00	525.00	270.00
Present	235.00	450.00	215.00
ENGINEERING
Proposed	230.00	525.00	295.00
Present	210.00	450.00	240.00
ARCHITECTURE
Proposed	230.00	525.00	295.00
Present	177.50	450.00	272.50
COLLEGE & UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS
Proposed	180.00	525.00	345.00
Present	160.00	450.00	290.00
EDUCATION
Proposed	180.00	525.00	345.00
Present	150.00	450.00	300.00
MEDICINE
No change	400.00	800.00	400.00
GRADUATE BUSINESS
No change	350.00	650.00	300.00
GRADUATE ARTS & SCIENCES, LAW, ENGINEERING, & EDUCATION
Proposed	180.00	360.00	180.00
Present	150.00	300.00	150.00

The Board resolved that the proposed charges be approved and made effective as of the
beginning of the 1955-56 session.

FARM RENTAL RESEARCH CONTRACT

President Darden discussed a proposed cooperative research project on "The Law of Farm
Rental and Cropper Contracts". The Board adopted the following resolution

RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia that Dean F. D. G. Ribble
of the Law School be authorized to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Virginia
Agricultural Experiment Station, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Production Economics Research Branch; and the School
of Law, University of Virginia, relative to a cooperative research project on THE LAW OF FARM
RENTAL AND CROPPER CONTRACTS.

WILLIAM H. WHITE FOUNDATION LECTURES

At the President's request the Board adopted the following resolution

RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia that the Dean of the Law
School be authorized to enter into contracts with appropriate publishing houses for the publication
of the annual William H. White Foundation Lectures.

MILITARY PROPERTY BOND

The bonding agreements entered into with the Department of the Army in 1948 and in 1951 and
the revised requirements of 1954 having been reviewed, the Board resolved as follows

WHEREAS, The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia by resolution dated 9 July
1948 bound itself to the extent of $100,000 to the United States Government at the time of
establishment of a Transportation Reserve Officers Training Corps, and

WHEREAS, in 1951 a Signal Reserve Officers Training Corps, and an Air Reserve Officers
Training Corps were established and the value of the military property furnished to the University
of Virginia for the use of the three ROTC units was substantially increased, and

WHEREAS, The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia by resolution dated 8 June
1951, bound itself to the extent of $225,000 to the United States Government as required, and

WHEREAS, Section 47 of the National Defense Act was amended in 1954, reducing the amount
of bond which ROTC institutions must furnish to a maximum of $25,000.

NOW, THEREFORE, KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That said The Rector and Visitors of the
University of Virginia hereby cancels the previous bond in the amount of $225,000 and in lieu
thereof is held and firmly bound unto the United States of America in the just and full sum of
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) lawful money of the United States, for which payment, well
and truly to be made, it binds itself, its successors and assigns, firmly by these presents.

THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH that if the above-bounden The Rector and Visitors of
the University of Virginia shall take good care of the property covered by this bond and shall
when required by the Secretary of the Army, duly return the same in good order to him, or to such
persons as he may designate to receive the same, within thirty (30) days from the receipt of
notice so to do, except uniforms, expendable articles, supplies expended in operation, maintenance
and instruction, such property as has been worn out in the service for which it was intended,
and/or property lost or destroyed without negligence of said The Rector and Visitors of the
University of Virginia, or its agents, including students under its jurisdiction, then this
obligation to be void and of no effect, otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue.

It was, thereupon,

RESOLVED, that Colgate W. Darden, Jr., President of The Rector and Visitors of the University
of Virginia, be and he is hereby authorized and requested to execute said bond in the name and
on behalf of said The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, and that Francis L.
Berkeley, Jr., Secretary of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, be and he is
hereby authorized and requested to affix the corporate seal of said corporation to said bond,
attesting the same and delivering the said bond to the Judge Advocate of the United States Army.

SEWARD ESTATE LAND CONVEYANCE

President Darden presented a request for confirmation of a conveyance of 1946

In the settlement of the estate of the late Dr. Walter M. Seward a number of lots in the
City of Petersburg, Virginia, were conveyed to the University, and by deed dated August 10, 1946,
Lots 17, 18, 19 and 20, Block C, in a subdivision in said City known as "Hillcrest" were conveyed
by the University to Johnie Winston Fleming and said deed was recorded by said Grantee in the
Clerk's Office of the Hustings Court of said City on the 17th day of September, 1946, in Deed Book
No. 158 p. 69

We are advised that while the attestation clause of this deed recites the fact that- "The
Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia has caused its name to be signed by J. L.
Newcomb, its President, and its corporate seal to be thereunto affixed by E. I. Carruthers, its
Secretary", there is no reference made to any specific resolution of this Board authorizing and
directing this action by these officers

A Petersburg attorney, in examining the title to these lots, has asked that he be furnished
with several certified copies of the resolution which authorized this action, but upon a thorough
examination of the minutes of the Board, it would seem that if such a resolution was adopted it
was not spread upon the minutes. Our records do show, however, that the transaction was properly
concluded, the deed delivered and the purchase money paid. The following resolution was, thereupon,
unanimously adopted

RESOLVED, that the action of the late Dr. J. L. Newcomb as President of The Rector and Visitors
of the University of Virginia, in executing a deed dated August 10, 1946, by which Lots 17, 18, 19
and 20 in Block C on a plat for the subdivision known as "Hillcrest" in the City of Petersburg, were
conveyed to Johnnie Winston Fleming, and of E. I. Carruthers, Secretary of the Board of Visitors of
the University of Virginia in affixing and attesting the seal of the Corporation to said deed and
in delivering said deed to the purchaser, be and is hereby approved, ratified and confirmed in all
respects

CEMETERY REGULATIONS

The following memorandum of recommendations from the Faculty Committee on the University Cemetery
was laid before the Board by President Darden

The Board ordered that the foregoing Memorandum of the Cemetery Committee be referred to
the Visitors' Committee on Buildings and Grounds for further study.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA EXTENSION

The Rector read to the Board a letter from Mrs. Ruby Duncan conveying a resolution from the
Fairfax County Business and Professional Women's Club commending the work of the Extension
Division in Northern Virginia and recommending the establishment of a Northern Virginia branch of
the University in the Fairfax County area

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

Mr. Mears, Chairman of the special committee studying the administrative structure of the
University laid before the Board the following proposals by his Committee for the University's
administrative organization and functions.

THE PRESIDENT

BASIC FUNCTION

The President shall be responsible for the administration of the University
of Virginia. He shall carry out this responsibility in such a manner as to
realize the maximum educational potentialities of the University.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In order to carry out this basic function, the President shall have discretionary
powers broad enough to enable him to meet his extensive responsibilities. Portions
of the following duties, with the required authority for their fulfillment, may be
delegated to subordinates, but this does not reduce the President's over-all
responsibility for their performance.

• 1. Policy-Making Responsibilities

  • a. Define the mission of the University

  • b. Formulate and promulgate the educational and administrative policies
    of the University

  • c. Interpret the policies of the University to

    • (1) The officers of the University,

    • (2) The faculties,

    • (3) The student bodies,

    • (4) The alumni and alumnae, and

    • (5) The people of the state of Virginia

  • d. Promote the general welfare and the development of the University by

    • (1) Striving to maintain a favorable attitude toward the University on the
      part of the citizens of Virginia and the General Assembly

    • (2) Stimulating efforts to procure financial support to supplement
      state appropriations

• 2. Executive Responsibilities

  • a. Promptly and effectively execute:

    • (1) All laws relating to the University.

    • (2) All resolutions, rules and regulations adopted by the Board of
      Visitors for the government of the University

    • (3) All duties assigned to him by the Board of Visitors

  • b. Present recommendations pertaining to the University to the

    • (1) Board of Visitors

    • (2) General Assembly and its committees

    • (3) The Governor and his administrators and commissions

  • c. Prepare an annual report of the activities, accomplishments and
    problems of the University, and such special reports as he deems
    wise or the Board of Visitors may require

• 3. Administrative Responsibilities

  • a. Assume, and retain at all times, control over all budgets of the
    University. Supervise the preparation of the budgets, and their
    presentation to the Board of Visitors, the Advisory Budget Commission,
    and the General Assembly and its committees. Approve revisions of
    the budgets including reallocations of unexpended funds. Approve
    expenditures under the budget.

  • b. Establish an organization to carry out effectively the policies
    of the University. Interpret the organization to the Board of
    Visitors, and to the officers and faculties of the University

  • c. Insure that the University is properly staffed with personnel
    competent to discharge their responsibilities effectively, and
    that adequate opportunities are provided for the development
    and advancement of such personnel

  • d. Foster high morale among the personnel of the University

  ---

  408

  
  

  • e. Guide and counsel all officials concerned with development, public
    relations and communications, and act as coordinator to prevent or
    reduce confusion among supporters and the public regarding the several
    programs of the University.

  • f. Establish and maintain lines of communication adequate to insure prompt
    perception of needs for

    • (1) Problem identification and analysis

    • (2) Policy formulation

    • (3) Decision

To this and, the President shall be a member of all faculties, and shall frequently
attend and participate in faculty meetings.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• 1. The President shall be subject to the direction and control of the Board of
  Visitors.

• 2. The President shall have the following staff officers reporting to him

  • a. Provost

  • b. Comptroller

• 3. The President shall have the following administrative officers reporting to him.

  • a. Provost

  • b. Dean - Medical School

  • c. Dean - Law School

  • d. Dean - Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

  • e. Dean - College of Arts & Sciences

  • f. Dean - School of Education

  • g. Dean - School of Engineering

  • h. Dean - Graduate School of Business

  • i. Director - Undergraduate School of Business

  • j. Director - School of Architecture

  • k. Director of Extension

  • l. Chancellor of Mary Washington

  • m. Comptroller

• 4. The President shall be Chairman of.

  • a. The University Senate

THE PROVOST

BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Provost shall serve as the principal staff officer to the President on
educational affairs of the University, and as an administrative officer in directly
supervising the academic service agencies of the University

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In carrying out his function as a staff officer, the Provost shall perform
the following duties

• 1. Research and Policy Formulation Responsibilities

  • a. Assist the President in formulating budgetary and fiscal policies and
    plans with respect to the operations and maintenance of the University

  • b. Organize and conduct research into indicators of long-term requirements
    for educational programs, staff and plant facilities

  • c. Formulate and recommend adoption of policies to implement approved
    plans and to solve recurring educational problems.

  • d. Develop and recommend the adoption of standards and policies
    governing instructional personnel administration, including such
    matters as

    • (1) Qualifications for appointment

    • (2) Promotion and tenure

    • (3) Leaves of absence

    • (4) Salaries

    • (5) Retirement

    • (6) Acceptance by faculty members of outside consulting work and the
      compensation for such work

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  409

  
  

  • e. Keep the President and Deans informed of movements and
    activities of outside educational bodies having implication
    for the University

• 2. Review and Coordinating Responsibilities

  • a. Devise and recommend the installation of systems of reports and
    records to reveal.

    • (1) Instructional personnel strengths and weaknesses.

    • (2) Teaching loads and class sizes.

    • (3) Instructional costs.

    • (4) Grade distributions

    • (5) Needs for reallocation of space, building modification, new
      construction

  • b. Report his findings and recommendations, as a result of his reviews
    and analysis of reports and records, to the President.

  • c. Study and advise on proposed appointments and promotions to insure
    compliance with standards and to prevent inequities.

  • d. Consider and evaluate suggestions and recommendations made by
    faculty groups and individuals

  • e. Represent the President upon request in contacts by correspondence
    or in person with outside associations, foundations and similar
    groups

  • f. Act for the President in the latter's absence.

In carrying out his duties as an administrative officer, the Provost shall
supervise all the academic service activities of the University including the
following.

• a. Library

• b. Registrar

• c. Dean of Women

• d. Director of Student Affairs

• e. Student Health

• f. Student Aid

• g. Public Relations

• h. Intercollegiate Athletics

• i. Independent Research Bureaus

• j. Alumni Activities

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

1. In carrying out his functions, the Provost shall work closely with the
individual Deans, but the conduct of his activities shall in no way abridge the
administrative responsibility or authority of these officers, who shall report
directly to the President.

2. He shall be a member of the University Senate

The Board resolved that the Secretary be directed to prepare and send to each Visitor a
copy of the foregoing Report, together with a copy of the accompanying chart, the original of
which should become a part of the permanent minutes.

FORD FOUNDATION PROPOSAL

A brief discussion was held on proposals by the Ford Foundation for cooperative effort by
the Extension Division's Richmond Center in a projected experiment in group studies in the
liberal arts and a training program in leadership and community development. There was favorable
comment on the principle of cooperation in educational work of this type, but no vote was taken
as the plan is still a tentative one

MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE MATTERS

APPEAL OF WILLIAM HOUCHINS

The Rector initiated a discussion of the request by Mr. Fred C. Abbott, Richmond attorney for
a hearing before the Board of the appeal of his client Mr. William Houchins for reinstatement in
his former job on the buildings and grounds force at the College. During extensive discussion, it
was emphasized that an appeal could not be brought before the Board against the lay-off of a worker
necessitated by a reduction in force for economic reasons, but, on the other hand, that the adduction
of substantial evidence indicating that a dismissal for cause had been misrepresented as a lay-off
would justify an immediate appeal to the administrative head of the College, and subsequently to the
Board. President Darden pointed out that since he had already reviewed the case and denied the
appeal, Mr. Houchins might consider him to be prejudiced in the case.

The Board resolved that the Rector write to Mr. Abbott pointing out the distinction between final
authority by the Administration and by the Board, requiring Mr. Abbott to particularize regarding the
circumstances of Mr. Houchins' dismissal, and advising him that in any case the first appeal must be
to President Darden or to a deputy to be named by him.

REICHEL PROPERTY WAIVER FOR TRINITY CHURCH

President Darden laid before the Board a letter of 31 March 1955 from Mr. Swart, Recorder of
the Vestry of Trinity Church, Fredericksburg, requesting release from the residential restriction
on property at the southeast corner of William Street and College Avenue which the Vestry desired
to purchase as the site for the proposed new church. The President also presented a letter of
2 April 1955 from the Bursar, Mr. Edgar E. Woodward, quoting the abstract title prepared by
Mr. Goolrick and recommending the requested waiver.

The Board resolved that the waiver be granted, subject to review by the University's Attorney,
provided that the release of restrictions should apply to church construction and to no other kind.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE COLLEGE

The circumstances of Dr. Morgan L. Combs' administration of the College and relations with the
Board over the past sixteen months having been reviewed, the following Report of the Committee on
Mary Washington College was read to the Board

MARY WASHINGTON COMMITTEE

The Committee is extremely conscious of the seriousness of the problems arising from the
situation existing at Mary Washington College. It has constantly concerned itself that no hasty
action be taken and the matter be handled with fairness and justice to all concerned. Every effort
to have President Combs cooperate to this end has met with failure. The Committee is of the opinion
that the Board, Rector of the Board and President Darden have been more than tolerant, have exhausted
every effort for reconciliation, and have gone far beyond the call of duty in their efforts to give
full credit for Dr. Combs' achievements and to deal with him on a dignified plane and with full
consideration for his personal attitude

Statements in letters written by Dr. Combs followed by circulation of the recent paper entitled,
"The Whole Story at Mary Washington College" are in the opinion of the Committee inexcusable.
Such attacks as made on the Rector of the Board, other members of the Board, a former member of the
Board and members of his own staff at Mary Washington College are inappropriate and unwarranted.

Recognizing the increasing gravity of the problem, the Chairman of the Committee unofficially
visited and talked with Dr. Combs in an effort to have him cooperate in order that the Board could
justify retaining him in office. This effort having failed, a second visit was made and it was
suggested to him that he request retirement at age 65. He was informed that should he do this a
proposal would be made to the Board that he be given leave of absence beginning July 1, 1955 with
full pay to retirement

Every proposal has been met with refusal and defiance followed by constant direct attacks and
implications involving former and present Board members, and members of the Mary Washington staff

Every effort having failed to resolve this matter, your committee is of the opinion that
Dr. Combs' actions have now placed the Board in the position that to retain him in office would be increasingly
detrimental to the College and would be evading the responsibility imposed upon the Board.

The Committee recommends

That Dr. Combs be granted a leave of absence, disassociating himself from the affairs
of the College, beginning April 11, 1955 with full pay from private funds, to June 11, 1956.

After expressions of approval and further discussion, the Board resolved that the Committee's
Report be filed with the Secretary and spread in full upon the minutes. Members having pointed out
that the final recommendation would place Dr. Combs in the position of an inactive president rather
than an employee-at-large on terminal leave, a motion to approve and adopt the Report in full was
defeated

REMOVAL OF DR. COMBS AS PRESIDENT

The Board thereupon adopted the following resolution by unanimous vote

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia that
Dr. Morgan L. Combs be and he is hereby removed from office as President of Mary Washington College
of the University of Virginia effective immediately.

RESOLVED further that provision be and is hereby made for continued payment of his salary from
private funds of the University until June 11, 1956, at which time he will reach retirement age

ANNOUNCEMENT OF DR. COMBS' REMOVAL

A Committee having been appointed to prepare a statement summarizing the recent difficulties
regarding the presidency of the College and announcing the Board's final action, Judge Barksdale,
Chairman of this special Committee, read to the Board the following statement

A STATEMENT BY THE BOARD OF VISITORS OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA REGARDING THE PRESIDENCY
OF MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE

8 April 1955

In late November 1953, serious reports about conditions at Mary Washington College came to the
Chairman of the Mary Washington College Committee of the Board of Visitors of the University of
Virginia. It was reported to her by reliable sources that the students were highly disturbed and
that a student riot against the Administration had been narrowly averted. In accordance with her
obvious duty, she consulted the Rector, Mr. Barron Black, and with his approval, the Mary
Washington Committee proceeded to investigate the situation, and reported to the Board of Visitors
at its meeting on December 11, 1953, that complaints had been made against Dr. Morgan L. Combs,
President of Mary Washington College. Upon receiving this report it was the conclusion of the
Board that Dr. Combs should be notified of the charges against him and that he be given a full
opportunity to explain them. By letter of December 12, 1953, Mr. Black wrote Dr. Combs as
follows

On December 22, 1953, the Board met at Dr. Combs' request at Mary Washington College, and
Dr. Combs was afforded an opportunity to make a full statement. Dr. Combs presented a written
statement to each Visitor, and addressed the Board for more than two hours. A court stenographer
was present and recorded all testimony of Dr. Combs and other witnesses during a session which
lasted from 10:00 A.M. until after 6:00 P.M. After hearing the statements of Dr. Combs and the
statements of seven other persons on this occasion, it was the opinion of the Board that the investigation
should be continued. Arrangements were made for the Board to meet again at Mary
Washington College on February 12, 1954, and to hear the statements of all persons whom Dr. Combs
wished to make statements in his behalf, as well as the statements of others

On January 23, 1954, Jere Willis, Esq., an attorney at law of Fredericksburg, wrote to
Mr. Black, the Rector, stating that he had been engaged as attorney for Dr. Combs. At the
request of Mr. Willis for a conference with Mr. Black in Richmond, a conference was held in
Richmond on February 10, 1954. Mr. Willis, his law partner Mr. Garnett, Mr. Thomas B. Gay of
Richmond, then a member of the Board of Visitors, and Mr. Black, participated in this conference
Mr. Willis suggested in the interests of Dr. Combs and of Mary Washington College, that the investigation
of the charges against Dr. Combs be discontinued, and that if this were done, Dr. Combs
might be willing to relinquish the administrative duties at the College provided he could continue
in charge of new construction, fund raising and related matters, and retain the title of President

At the meeting of the Board at Mary Washington on February 12, 1954, the suggestion of
Dr. Combs' attorney, Mr. Willis, was reported to the Board by the Rector, and the Board, deeming it
to be in the best interests of the College, agreed to his proposal. Numerous persons were present
prepared to make statements to the Board, but since the proposal made to the Board by Dr. Combs
through his attorney had been accepted, it was deemed unnecessary to hear further statements, and
accordingly none was hrd.

A Committee of the Board drafted a resolution, incorporating certain suggestions made by
Dr. Combs through his attorney, which was adopted by the Board as follows

Following the adoption of the resolution, Dr. Combs signed and delivered to the Board the
following letter.

Five weeks later, Dr. Combs wrote the following letter to some of those who had expressed
interest.

On December 9, 1954, Dr. Combs delivered to the Mary Washington Committee at its meeting in
Fredericksburg a letter charging that five members of the Mary Washington College faculty and
staff had a conspiracy against him and that the then chairman of the Mary Washington Committee had
given the alleged conspirators sympathetic support. These charges are completely unfounded

In the same letter, Dr. Combs charges his attorney, Mr. Willis, with acting on February 12th
without his permission, and alleges that he, Dr. Combs, on February 12, 1954, acted under duress.
Mr. Willis has positively denied that he, or anyone else, subjected Dr. Combs to duress or
coercion of any kind, or that he effected a compromise without the full permission and knowledge
of Dr. Combs

At to the scurrilous document recently circulated, entitled "The Whole Story at Mary
Washington College", the Board of Visitors has no knowledge of its authorship and has made no
effort to discover who wrote and circulated it. However, the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star did
conduct an inquiry respecting purported signatures thereto and reported the results of this
inquiry in an editorial of March 23, 1955

Dr. Combs has not openly admitted authorship of this composition but he has stated to the
Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star that he was aware of its circulation and familiar with its
contents. It is not without significance that one of the signers of the paper stated to the
press that he had signed the petition in Dr. Combs' office and at Dr. Combs' request. While the
Board feels impelled to its present conclusions independently of Dr. Combs' part in this
publication, it does wish to express its resentment of the completely false charges therein
directed against the Rector, certain past and present Visitors, and members of the faculty and
staff of Mary Washington College.

The Rector acted throughout this entire proceeding as an agent of the Board and with the
full support of its members, with whom he was in constant communication

It now appears that the Board has been overly patient with Dr. Combs and     mistaken in
its reliance on his promises. In its efforts to bring harmony and constructive force to bear
in the administration of the affairs of the College the Board has heretofore left him with his
title, with responsible duties to perform, and with his salary and other emoluments of office.
He was asked in return only for cooperation with the plan of administration, to which he
subscribed his full consent. He has now not only repudiated his agreement, he has gone to the
length of bitter attack on important members of the College faculty and the administration. He
is now completely at odds with the governing body of the College and with its Chancellor. It is
clear to the Board that continued retention of Dr. Combs in any active capacity at Mary
Washington would be against the best interests of the College. Accordingly, the Board has today
unanimously adopted a resolution removing him from office, effective immediately

Provision has been made for continued payment of his salary from private funds of the
University until June 11, 1956, at which time he will be eligible for retirement. The affairs
of the College will be directed by Chancellor Darden pending election of a President in the
place of Dr. Combs.

The Board resolved by unanimous vote that the foregoing statement be approved and adopted,
that the Secretary be directed to prepare and to release copies of it to the press, but not
earlier than 3:00 p.m. and in no case until Dr. Combs had been informed of the Board's action

NOTICE TO DR. COMBS

The Secretary, in response to instructions to notify Dr. Combs by special courier of
the Board's decision, prepared and read to the Board the following letter.

The Board having approved the foregoing letter, the Secretary dispatched it to Fredericksburg,
together with a copy of the press release quoted above, by Major James A. Bear, Jr., who at 2:20 p.m.
reported by telephone his personal delivery of it to Dr. Combs

REASSIGNMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL DUTIES

The Board adopted the following resolution

RESOLVED that President Darden as Chancellor of Mary Washing College shall assume the duties
heretofore reposed in Dr. Morgan L. Combs and that he be authorized to delegate the same in whole
or in part to such person or persons as in his judgment will serve the best interest of Mary
Washington College until a successor to the office of President of Mary Washington College is
appointed

COMMITTEE TO SELECT A NEW PRESIDENT OF MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE

The Board having resolved that a committee be appointed to find a new president for the
College, the Rector subsequently named to this Committee Mr. Henry E. McWane, Chairman,
President Colgate W. Darden, ex officio, Dr. John M. Emmett, and Messrs. George O. Ferguson,
C. O'Conor Goolrick, and Benjamin W. Mears, as noted above.

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On motion the meeting was then adjourned