University of Virginia Library

BALZ PROPOSAL FOR NAMED PROFESSORSHIPS

The Rector read to the Board a letter written to President Darden on August 25th by Dr.
Albert G. A. Balz, Corcoran Professor of Philosophy, proposing that the named professorships in
the University be disassociated from the chairmanships of departments and awarded only as a mark
of special distinction to professors whose scholarly attainments were deemed to reflect unusual
credit upon the University.

In the discussion that followed, President Darden said that he differed from Professor Balz
only in his own feeling that the distinguished professorships ought to carry additional remuneration.
There were general expressions of approval of the general plan. Members pointed out that
further planning should include faculty participation either by thorough consultation or by the
appointment of a mixed committee of Visitors and Professors.

The Board resolved that the Rector appoint a special committee to study the proposal.