MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
October 5, 1974
A special meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University was held on Saturday, October 5, 1974, at 8 a.m. at the Islander,
Gwynn Island, Virginia.
Present were Drs. Blanton and Gwathmey; Messrs. Dabney, McGehee,
Norris, Obenshain, Scott, Seaborn and Shumate; Mesdames Satterfield and
Stone; Dr. Willett; and Mrs. Price. Absent were Messrs. Morgan, Sheffield
and Taylor and Mrs. Thalhimer.
Dr. Blanton called the meeting to order. The Board reviewed the qualifi-
cations proposed by the joint meeting of the Presidential Search Assistance Com-
mittee and the Presidential Selection Committee (Board of Visitors). Following a
discussion, the following desired qualifications for a new president of VCU were
adopted:
Administrative Ability
Experience
Planner
Sensitivity of service functions of administration
Delegate with accountability
Organization structure
Understanding of government and other outside influences
Understanding of university governance
Understand, appreciate and desire periodic review and
evaluation by the Board of presidential function
Belief in participatory management
Faculty
Students in decision making
Responsive to faculty and students (speaks for as well as with)
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Communications
Represent at legislative level
Interpersonal relationships
Interdisciplinary relations
Relate to the community -- geographic and educational
Listener and responsive
Literate and eloquent
Persuader not hatchet
Warm and friendly
Press relations
Labor relations
Ability to work with diverse groups
Ability to translate our mission to community
Personal characteristics - age
A political sensitivity
Doctorate, if academician
Visibility to total university
VCU Mission
Understand
Articulate
Implement our mission and its
Believe in urban orientation
Willing to change and adapt
MCV identity preservation
Continue to pull together campuses
More aggressive community outreach
Uniqueness and individuality of our mission
Commitment to our mission
Able to appreciate and encourage faculty who are committed
to our own particular educational needs -- not just elitist
Dedicated to equality and human rights
Affirmative Action for its own sake
Health
Vitality
Physical -- statement from each candidate; examination of last
several candidates
Emotional
Stable family relationship
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Integrity and Deep Human Understanding
Good human being
Compassionate
Honest
Fundamental, cultural and historical values
Flexibility - Bold, Innovative Leadership
Open to experimentation in role and approach
Academic Understanding
Understand a university - in part
- in total
Serve needs of students
-available, visible, mediator
-
- the off-campus student
-
-
Understand academic freedom
Encourage an active student body
Awareness of the extracurricular problems of the students
Health sciences appreciation
Hospital tie-in
Health sciences background
previous contact and work experience with;
not necessarily a health professional
Stature
Public image
Represent VCU at national, state or local level
Attainment or capable o
National reputation developing
Relates to national, regional and state agencies
Financial Skills
Financial understanding and appreciation
Fund raising
Budget processes
derivation
articulation
implementation
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At this time, Dr. Blanton turned the meeting over to Dr. Willett. Follow-
ing a discussion on the use of advertisements in the search for a new president,
it was moved, seconded and unanimously approved that the Presidential Search
Assistance Committee would handle any necessary advertising.
There was a discussion on what information should be released to the
press. Dr. Blanton and Dr. Willett both indicated that they felt a general statement of qualifications should be released to the media; but, at the same time
the press should be told that there would be no discussion of individual candidates.
The Board agreed to leave relations with the press to the discretion of Drs. Blanton
and Willett.
Dr. Willett stressed to the Board the need for confidentiality concerning
candidates and also that the term "applicant" should not be used to describe
candidates. He continued that we want to avoid offering this job to a candidate
who turns it down because of premature publicity.
Dr. Blanton reported to the Board that Southern Illinois University had
apologized to the VCU Board for the press situation at SIU.
Dr. Willett reported that a list of over 200 colleges and associations had
been compiled for the purpose of inviting nominations. Dr. Willett asked Board
members to be thinking of people they know that might be considered as candidates
but who may not be nominated through other channels.
It was suggested that the University of Virginia committee which handled
the search for Dr. Hereford be contacted for possible ideas. VPI&SU may also
be able to assist us.
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Dr. Willett informed the Board of the procedures being set up to handle
nominations. Duplicate files on candidates will be set up, with a set of files
located on each campus. Dr. Willett indicated that in the final stages of the
search it may be necessary to bring three or four candidates back to the campus
for the entire Board to interview. It is hoped that at least one Board member
would accompany any site visits that might be made to other campuses.
The Board was in agreement that efforts would continue to pull the two
campuses together toward a unified university.
A discussion was held on the administrative structure of the University.
The Board concurred that they are comfortable with the present provost system
but will remain open to suggestions on organization from the new president.
Dr. Blanton and Dr. Willett had a meeting with Governor Godwin on the
salary of the new president. It is hoped that the president will be able to start
at the level indicated in Mr. Garber's letter to Dr. Blanton. The Chairman of
the RPI Foundation has expressed a willingness to continue with a supplement
and home for the new president. However, there is a move on the part of some
members of the MCV Foundation not to support supplements for the next president.
Dr. Blanton plans to meet with key members of the MCV Foundation to discuss this
matter.
There was a discussion on the location of the President's Office. It was
moved, seconded and approved unanimously that the President's Office be
maintained at 910 West Franklin Street.
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It was agreed that Dr. Blanton and members of the administration would
assist Dr. Brandt in any way possible in determining meaningful activities for
Dr. Brandt as long as he remains as Consultant to the Board.
Dr. Willett expressed the appreciation of the Presidential Search
Assistance Committee for the very open and helpful meetings that were held on
the preceding day.
Mrs. Satterfield requested that the members of the Board not present be
briefed on the need for confidentiality in the selection process.
Mr. Scott stated that a matter had come before the Student Affairs Committee of the Board relating to the recognition of a student gay liberation group.
Following a long discussion, the Board agreed not to take formal action until
the next regular meeting of the Board when a presentation would be made by
Dr. Wilson and Dr. Mathis. It was also requested that a formal ruling from
the Attorney General's Office be made available to the Board.
Following motion made and seconded, the following resolution was
unanimously passed:
WHEREAS, Mr. James E. Sheffield has been appointed by
Governor Godwin as a Judge of the Circuit Court of the City
of Richmond;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Dr. Wyndham B. Blanton, Jr.,
Rector, writing on behalf of the Board of Visitors, express to Mr.
Sheffield the Board's congratulations and the hope that he will
continue to serve on the VCU Board.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a. m. , /y/ ,
Secretary
