MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
March 17, 1977
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University was held on Thursday, March 17, 1977,
at 9:00 a.m. in the Staff Lounge of the James Branch Cabell Library
. Present were Drs. Blanton, Gayle and Gwathmey; Messrs. Bliley,
Dabney, Grey, McGehee, Norris, Obenshain, Scott and Shumate; and
Mesdames Satterfield, Stone and Thalhimer. Absent was Mr. Seaborn.
Also present were Drs. Beller, Brooke, Hall, Neal, Willett and
Woods; Messrs. Holmes and Ross; Miss Cosby and Mrs. Price.
Following an Executive Session, Dr. Blanton called the meeting
to order. Dr. Blanton introduced to the Board its newest member,
Mr. Thomas J. Bliley, Jr. He also introduced the new Provost for
Administration, Dr. Ronald E. Beller, and the new Legal Advisor,
Mr. Davis L. Ross.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the
Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Property Committee and
Executive Committee, held December 22, 1976; a Special Meeting
of the Board of Visitors, held December 24, 1976; a Special
Meeting of the Hospital Committee, held January 20, 1977; and
a Regular Meeting of the Board of Visitors, held January 20, 1977,
were unanimously approved.
Dr. Blanton announced that Dr. H. I. Willett had accepted the
position of Acting President until such time as a new president
could be appointed.
The Report of the Acting President followed. During
the report, on motion made and seconded, the Board unanimously
agreed to express to the Governor its support of the proposed
bond referendum.
Page 2
Following a presentation by Dr. M. Pinson Neal, on motion
made and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously
approved:
WHEREAS, DOROTHY KIRSCHBAUM, now deceased, and
formerly of Peakskill, Westchester County, State
of New York; and a graduate of the Class of May,
1928, of the MEDICAL COLLEGE OF VIRGINIA, did
write and leave a LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
WHEREAS, it did in part read thusly:
FOURTH . . .
(B) (1) Upon the death of my mother, I
direct my Trustee to pay to the MEDICAL COLLEGE
OF VIRGINIA, in Richmond, Virginia ONE-HALF (1/2)
of the entire principal of the trust fund, together
with the entire income of said trust, to be used
according to the needs of the MEDICAL COLLEGE, and
as a memorial to my brother, Dr. Arthur Kirschbaum.
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors of the Medical College
of Virginia of the Virginia Commonwealth University,
gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Dr. Dorothy
Kirschbaum in making this contribution in the memory
of her brother, Dr. Arthur Kirschbaum.
AND, WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors proudly approves
the establishment of a memorial to be named the DR.
ARTHUR KIRSCHBAUM MEMORIAL FUND, to be used for the
benefit of students and faculty at the MEDICAL COLLEGE
OF VIRGINIA as follows:
The principal of the fund is to be used to
establish the Dr. Arthur Kirschbaum Memorial
Fund and interest on the principal may be
used for student scholarships, student loans,
and/or development support to faculty for
educational or research needs; the adminis-
trator of the Fund to have the responsibility
of designating annually the specific use of the
interest based on student and faculty needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Visitors of the Medical College of Virginia of the
Virginia Commonwealth University does hereby approve
the acceptance of this bequeath and its provisions
and the proposal as set forth in the foregoing
paragraphs and names the Provost of the Health Sciences
Division of the Medical College of Virginia as the
Administrator of the Fund.
Page 3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of
Visitors expresses appreciation to the
Family of Dr. Dorothy Kirschbaum, and directs
that the DR. ARTHUR KIRSCHBAUM MEMORIAL FUND
be given full exposure and recognition in
the appropriate publications of the University.
Drs. Brooke and Neal presented the Faculty Promotions for
the Academic and MCV Campuses, respectively. Following a discussion,
on motion made and seconded, the Faculty Promotions were unanimously
approved.
On motion made and seconded, the Faculty Appointments and
Changes in Status were unanimously approved.
Dr. Lauren Woods presented the Mission Statement for VCU.
Dr. Woods detailed the process which resulted in the final state-
ment. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the
Mission Statement was unanimously approved.
Mr. Holmes presented the Report of Gifts, Grants and
Contracts. Following several questions, on motion made and
seconded, the Report of Gifts, Grants and Contracts was
unanimously approved.
On motion made and seconded, the following resolution
was unanimously approved:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Raymond T. Holmes, Jr.,
Vice President for Finance is hereby authorized
to sell, assign and endorse for transfer, certifi-
cates representing stocks, bonds or other securities
now registered in the name of this University.
Page 4
Mr. Holmes presented a list of those contracts signed
since the January meeting of the Board which, following a dis-
cussion and on motion duly made and seconded, the Board unani-
mously affirmed.
Dr. Roger L. Smith, Director of Institutional Research
and Planning, presented the Capital Outlay Priority List and
the Enrollment Projections on behalf of the Property Committee.
Following the presentation and discussion, on motion made and
seconded, the Capital Outlay Prority List and the Enrollment
Projections were unanimously approved.
Mr. Obenshain, on behalf of the Academic Policy Committee,
presented the Memorandum of Agreement, VCU School of Education
and VPI&SU College of Education for Advanced Graduate Study in
Capital Consortium. Mr. Obenshain reported that this program
would not require new resources but would use the resources in
existence and offer them in a different manner. Although VPI&SU
will grant the degree, VCU hopes that this will eventually lead
to our offering such a degree. Following a discussion, on motion
made and seconded, the Memorandum of Agreement, VCU School of
Education and VPI&SU College of Education for Advanced Graduate
Study in Capital Consortium was unanimously approved. The second
item presented by Mr. Obenshain was the Program Proposal for the
Master of Fine Arts in Design. Following a discussion, on motion
made and seconded, the Program Proposal for the Master of Fine Arts
in Design was unanimously approved.
Page 5
Mr. Obenshain also presented the proposed Transfer of the
Graduate Program in Public Administration to the School of Community
Services. Mr. Obenshain stated that the proposed transfer was being
recommended for administrative reasons and included changing the
Program in Public Administration to the Department of Public Adminis-
tration. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the
Transfer of the Graduate Program in Public Administration to the
School of Community Services was unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m. for lunch.
Following lunch, Dr. Blanton announced that Dr. Wayne C. Hall,
Vice President for Academic Affairs, had agreed to serve as Chair-
man of the Presidential Search Assistance Committee.
Dr. Willett presented the Development Plan which calls for
the addition of a new staff member with expertise in fund raising.
Mr. Ralph Ware, currently Director of Development, may assume the
duties of Director of Governmental and Professional Relations.
The new position may carry the title of Director of Development.
The work of the offices of Alumni Activities, University Relations
and Governmental and Professional Relations will support the work
of the Office of Development in order to achieve a high level of
private funding. Dr. Willett asked the Board to authorize the
administration to continue work on the Development Plan and to
select a person to fill the position in Development. Following
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, Dr. Willett's proposal
to continue work on the Development Plan and to select a staff
member in Development subject to the approval by the State for the
use of overhead funds for this position, was unanimously approved.
Page 6
Mr. Holmes presented the Financial Statements. Following
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Financial State-
ments were unanimously accepted.
Dr. G. J. Vasile, Mr. Robert C. Kidd and Mr. Christian C.
Rice joined the meeting for a presentation of the Hospital Financial
Status Report. Mr. Rice reported that because the Financial
Management System is working so effectively in identifying costs,
increases in per diem Medicare and Medicaid payments to MCVH
have increased significantly. Mr. Kidd reported that the hospitals
and their support systems are operating more effectively than in the
past. In response to a question, Dr. Vasile estimated that the
return to date on the dollars spent for the hospital studies has
been $3 for each $1 expended and is projected to be $26 to $1.
In summary, Mr. Rice reported that the Financial Management System
is being utilized for State and internal budgetary purposes, new
reports are being generated and managers are becoming educated as
to their use and the reorganization of the Accounting Department
and the documentation and tightening of the accounting system and
internal controls system are progressing.
Dr. Neal presented the proposal for the Medical Center Manage-
ment Institute, proposed by Booz, Allen & Hamilton. Dr. Neal in-
dicated that the MCV Foundation is interested in working with
BAH to establish this Institute. However, the Foundation would
like for the Board to approve the concept of such an Institute.
Dr. Neal reported that "feelers" have been put out with outside
organizations (AHA and AAMC) to determine their reaction to such
an institute. The initial reactions have been very positive.
Page 7
There was some concern expressed by members of the Board that
this Institute would leave the "door open" for Booz, Allen &
Hamilton to gain additional contracts from MCVH. Dr. Vasile
stated that this had been discussed with BAH and they had
indicated unequivocally that this would not be the case. Dr.
Neal pointed out that the proposed Institute would serve as a
continuing education center for MCVH employees involved in the
new systems and would also serve as a model and visitation center
for other hospitals. Following considerable discussion, on motion
made and seconded, the Medical Center Management Institute concept
was unanimously approved.
On motion made and seconded, the following resolution was
unanimously adopted, followed by a moment of silence:
From time to time in the course of their history,
certain institutions are fortunate to find an
individual ideally suited to meet a special need
or rise to a particular challenge.
In June, 1975, Dr. T. Edward Temple came into the
life of Virginia Commonwealth University as our
second president, our chief executive, and our
friend.
With only seven years having elapsed since the
merger which led to its creation as Virginia's
new urban-oriented university, VCU needed a
person with extraordinary talents in administra-
tion and communications, a person with the ability
to understand, interpret and articulate its special
mission, a person of bold innovative leadership
and integrity and with the stature to establish
our position firmly among the leading comprehensive
universities in Virginia.
No man could have been better suited through natural
ability, attainment or commitment, to become our
president.
Page 8
No man could have undertaken a task with more
enthusiasm.
No man could have given more of himself to move
our university closer to its goals.
Indeed, he gave his life.
Therefore, with great emotion, we, the members of
the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University, mourn the tragic and unexpected loss
of Dr. T. Edward Temple,
and by means of this resolution, wish to express
to his children our profound sense of sadness and
loss,
in hope that together we may find the strength to
carry on without him, in a way which would have
made him proud, while thanking Almighty God that
he was here with us, for even these few short
years, when we needed him most.
The Executive Committee agreed to meet on Thursday, April 21,
1977, at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room at 910 West Franklin
Street.
The meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
Approved:
wyndham B Blan on, Jr., Rect
The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the
Faculty Senate at a meeting on March 15, 1977:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of Virginia
Commonwealth University notes with great sadness and
regret the death of a true friend of the University,
Dr. T. Edward Temple. Our President was a unique
combination of ability, experience, judgment, and
sensitivity to the needs and desires of people. His
integrity, character, and willingness to work for
continual improvement provided a model for the very
best a human can become. To all members of the
University community, we commend his life as an
example for everyone.
The Senate calls upon students, faculty, administra-
tion and staff to unite for completion of the task
set by Dr. Temple -- the achievement of a great compre-
hensive university of which all Virginia can be proud.
The Executive Committee of the Senate is directed to
transmit this Resolution to the Board of Visitors and
to others as might be appropriate, so that it may be
widely recognized that the faculty held President
T. Edward Temple in high esteem. He will be sorely
missed and long remembered.
Certified a True Copy:
/s/ Glenn R. Hawkes
Glenn R. Hawkes, Ph.D.
President, Faculty Senate
REPORT OF THE ACTING PRESIDENT
March 17, 1977
1. General Assembly
Dr. Willett reported that, because the enrollment data at the end of
the semester was lower than it would have been in October, the General
Assembly felt we had received $196,000 more in appropriations for this
year than we should have. However, the administration worked with
the State Council, and we were able to clarify the enrollment data
and were spared that cut.
Dr. Willett also reported that two VCU projects are included in the
Governor's recommended bond issues. They are the $1.5 million
Cancer Center and the $4.2 million Music and Drama Instructional
facility. Dr. Willett continued that the bond referendum will go to
the voters in November and will need the strong support of all State
institutions and agencies.
Regarding the Health Sciences Building, Dr. Willett reported that
Governor Godwin had called President Temple to express his concern
about not including this project in the bond package. However, in
order for the bond issue to pass, the projects had to be geographically
distributed. Dr. Willett stated that, in addition to the Health Sciences
Building not being included in the bond package, a renewed campaign
to save the Old First Baptist Church was in full swing. Dr. Willett
indicated that it had always been the intent of MCV to demolish this
building. However, the building is listed on the Virginia Historic
Landmark's register and only the Governor can release a facility from
this register.
Dr. Willett indicated that he and Dr. Neal had met with Dr. Ramsey
and Mr. Shiflet to discuss the possibility of removing the church
from the register. The two secretaries agreed to meet with the
Governor to find out how he would like to proceed on this matter.
2. Search for Deans - Schools of the Arts and Education
Dr. Wayne Hall reported that the search committees have identified
three external candidates and one internal candidate for each position.
The two internal candidates are the acting deans. The first external
candidate for the School of Education arrived on last Sunday. On
Monday afternoon, he collapsed in the hallway of Sanger Hall and
died of a heart attack.
Report of the Acting President (continued) Page 2
3. Signage
Dr. Willett reported that approximately 30 percent of the exterior
signage has arrived and is being installed. The remainder is due
to be received within the next week. VCU had expected delivery
by late January, but the Winter of '77 and the fuel shortage in
Cleveland caused a delay. The design work for interior signage
in the emergency room areas of the hospitals is nearing completion.
The emergency area signage will be used as a test case for the
remainder of the University's interior signage.
4. Service Awards
Dr. Willett stated that the final Service Awards program was held
yesterday. Dr. Gayle and Mrs. Satterfield were present at Friday
night's banquet and assisted in the presentations. Almost 400
employees were honored for service to the University. The accep-
tance rate for the functions was much higher this year than in the
past.
Dr. Willett also stated that two visitors from VPI&SU were present
during service awards' activities observing our program.
5. Commencement
Dr. Willett reported that commencement will be held on Saturday,
May 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Richmond Coliseum. Dr. Wyndham B.
Blanton, Jr. will be the commencement speaker. All members of
the Board are invited to attend and march in the procession.
6. Institutional Planning Task Force
Dr. Willett stated that the mission statement in the Board agenda is
the product of Phase I of the Institutional Planning Task Force. We
are now trying to identify someone to lead the effort over the next
year as we identify the goals of the University.
7. Vacant Positions
Dr. Willett indicated that, with Mr. Holmes' resignation in August,
a decision will have to be made on how to fill the finance position.
Dr. Willett indicated that President Temple had had some preliminary
discussions with State Personnel, but additional discussion would be
Report of the Acting President (continued) Page 3
necessary. Also, we have had an Acting Director of the Computer
Center since the departure of Dr. Grove, and the administration
will be moving ahead to fill this position.
8. Minority Affairs
Dr. Willett reported that, at the request of President Temple, he had
been working with a minority affairs committee. President Temple
felt the need for some means of coordination in this area. The
committee, at the request of Dr. Willett, is working on a job
description for this position.
9. Low-Rise Dormitory and Landscaping Project
Dr. Brooke reported that the low-rise dormitory should receive approval
in a week or ten days from the Division of Engineering and Buildings.
At this point, the Division will set the time frame for advertising bids
and the date for receiving bids.
Dr. Brooke continued that the landscape architect has substantially
completed his work and will soon be making a presentation to the
administration and the Property Committee. Dr. Willett reported
at this point that former Mayor Bliley had noticed the empty tree
boxes on campus. Mr. Bliley suggested that perhaps the City
could be called upon to plant trees in these boxes.
10. Opening of Hunton Hall Corner Stone
Dr. Willett reported that the Hunton Hall corner stone was opened on
Wednesday, March 16. Quite a bit of MCV history was enclosed
including Dr. R. W. Miller's cigarette tube.
11. Capital Outlay
Dr. Willett indicated that we had been asked to remove from our
1978-80 capital projects those items for which we received bond
authorization from the 1977 session of the General Assembly.
These items are the student commons, the extension and comple-
tion of the MCV gym and the extension of DuVal Street on the
MCV Campus.
FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS ONLY
MINUTES OF AN EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE BOARD
March 17, 1977
Dr. Blanton announced that, at the last meeting of the Executive
Committee, he had appointed a committee consisting of Mrs. Anne
Satterfield, Mr. Stuart Shumate and Dr. H. I. Willett to discuss the
interim management of the University and the process to be used in
the selection of a new president.
Mr. Shumate, reporting on behalf of the committee, stated that
the committee had discussed whether or not to recommend an acting
president or a management committee for the interim period. Mr.
Shumate indicated that the committee felt that an acting president would
give the University a focal point and that an acting president would
have greater authority to make decisions, or delegate, as he saw fit.
The acting president would not be expected to accept public speaking
engagements, attend social functions, etc., but to handle the internal
management of the University. The acting president would have the
authority of a presidency. The committee further recommended the
appointment of Dr. H. I. Willett as Acting President. Dr. Willett
indicated to the Board that he had been in contact with his physician
and had received approval to accept the position of Acting President.
Dr. Willett also indicated that there was apparent agreement among most
members of the staff in favor of an acting president as opposed to an
interim committee.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, Dr. H. I.
Willett was unanimously appointed Acting President.
Page 2
Mr. Shumate then presented the committee's recommendation con-
cerning the search process for a new president. Mr. Shumate stated
that, although the Board felt a keen sense of urgency with regard to
time, the University should use basically the same process which had
been used before. However, the committee agreed that due to the short
period of time since the previous presidential search, some revisions
should be made to speed up the process. Mr. Shumate indicated that it
would probably be January 1, 1978, before the new president could be on
the job. Mr. Shumate stated that the committee had discussed a person
to chair the Presidential Search Assistance Committee but would prefer to
withhold his name until he could be asked to serve. The committee agreed
that it may be necessary to relieve this person of some of his present
duties in order to insure that he has sufficient time to expedite the wor
k of the search committee.
Mr. Shumate reported that the committee recommended that the Executive
Committee of the Board and other Board members who would like to partici-
pate should serve as the Board's Search Committee and should meet monthly
to receive reports from the Chairman of the Presidential Search Assistanc
e Committee.
Mr. Obenshain asked if in the interest of time, it would be possible
for the Executive Committee to do the initial screening and, after the
list had been narrowed down considerably, bring in the Search Assistance
Committee. Dr. Willett stated that this would be almost impossible becaus
e of the substantial amount of time this initial review would involve.
Dr. Willett indicated that, during the last search for a president, the
Search Assistance Committee had an executive committee which did much of
the initial screening. This same procedure would probably be used again.
Page 3
Mr. Scott raised the possibility of employing an outside firm to
conduct the search. The consensus was that this would not be acceptable
to the University community and Dr. Willett emphasized the importance
of getting the new president off on the right foot with members of the
University community. Mr. Scott indicated that the University's recent
search and the fact that we have a model already in place should save time.
Mr. Obenshain suggested that the files from the last presidential
search be screened to locate qualified candidates. Also, candidates con-
sidered by other universities which have recently conducted presidential
searches could be reviewed.
Mrs. Thalhimer requested that the schedule of candidates visiting the
campus be sent to members of the Board in order that questions, if received,
could be answered intelligently.
On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously agreed that the plan
of the last presidential search be used for the current search and that
the Rector be given the authority to appoint the members of the Presidential
Search Assistance Committee.
Mr. McGehee stated that he had learned that the State auditors are
selecting the external auditors who will be employed to audit the VCU
accounts. Mr. McGehee indicated that he felt the Board of Visitors should
have this authority and would like to have this entire situation looked into
. Mrs. Thalhimer reported that each member of the Board had received a
copy of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's study on
Faculty Tenure and Activity in Virginia. She indicated that a report
regarding this study should be made to the Board. This document was
referred to the Academic Policy Committee of the Board.
The Executive Session concluded at 10:40 a.m.
