University of Virginia Library

WELCOME TO SECRETARY EARL J. SHIFLET

The Rector then extended a warm welcome to Secretary of Education Earl J. Shiflet, who was the guest of the Board at the meeting.

Secretary Shiflet spoke briefly to the Board. He commended President Edgar F. Shannon, Jr. for his statesmanlike actions as President, and expressed regret to learn of Mr. Shannon's approaching retirement.

Secretary Shiflet also commended the Board of Visitors for outstanding service to the Commonwealth and expressed to the Board the thanks of the Governor. He expressed particular pleasure in the high level of cooperation between the University and Piedmont Virginia Community College, and was pleased to witness the presentation of a framed resolution of thanks from the Community College Board to the University of Virginia.

Mr. Shiflet compared his own position to that of the director of a symphony orchestra, noting that he strives to see the educational institutions in the State to be in harmony with each other and with the needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Shiflet distributed a leaflet describing the financial profile of education in Virginia. He explained that there will be an audit of productivity in education, and that his office will attempt to define the mission of higher education in Virginia.