MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS
OF VIRGINIA. COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
May 19, 1977
A regular meeting of the Board of Visitors of Virginia
Commonwealth University was held on Thursday, May 19, 1977,
at 9 a.m. in the Sanger Hall Board Room.
Present were Drs. Blanton, Gayle and Gwathmey; Messrs.
y, Dabney, McGehee, Norris, Obenshain, Scott, and
Seaborn; and Mesdames Satterfield and Stone. Absent were
Messrs. Grey and Shumate and Mrs. Thalhimer. Also present
were Drs. Beller, Brooke, Hall, Neal, Willett and Woods;
Messrs. Holmes and Ross; and Mrs. Price.
On majority vote of the Board, an Executive Session was
held. Following the Executive Session, Mr. Scott reported for
the Property Committee. He introduced Mr. Ron Wilson, a land-
scape architect, who presented the Landscape Plan for the Academic
Campus. Mr. Wilson stated that this was a conceptual idea --
plan for future development. Dr. Brooke reported that approval
this concept did not involve any expenditure of funds. Follow-
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the conceptual Landscape; Plan was unanimously approved
Mr. Scott asked Dr. Brooke to report on the Recreational
Facilities Plan. Dr. Brooke indicated that the University plans
to purchase the land bounded by Cary, Cherry, Cumberland and
Harrison Streets, for physical recreational space. This would
include the construction of tennis courts, basketball courts, a
running track and the renovation of the old City Auditorium.
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Mr. Scott reported that the Recreational Facilities plan re-
quired no action of the Board at this time.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded,
the Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Executive and Property
Committees, held March 10, 1977; a Special Meeting of the
Academic Policy Committee, held March 11, 1977; a Regular
Meeting of the Board of Visitors, held March 17, 1977; and a
Special Meeting of the Executive and Hospital Committees, held
March 24, 1977, were unanimously approved.
The Report of the Acting President followed. During Dr.
Willett's report, the appointments of Dr. Murry N. DePillars
Dean of the School of the Arts and Dr. Charles P. Ruch as
Dean of the School of Education were unanimously approved. Dr.
DePillars and Dr. Ruch joined the meeting to meet the members
the Board.
A discussion of the bond referendum followed.
motion made and seconded, the following resolution was unani-
mously approved:
The Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth
University endorses the proposal of the Governor
of Virginia and the General Assembly to issue
bonds in the amount of $125000,000 to support
construction of new facilities for higher educa-
corrections, mental health, parks and
recreation, and port facilities.
In the recent period of economic stress,
Virginia h accumulated a backlog of improve-
population. ments nee to serve adequately its growing
Board of Visitors of Virginia
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Commonwealth University believes the bond issue
represents a realistic means for Virginia to
provide these essential facilities in a responsible
manner.
Two projects included in the bond issue will re-
spond to specific needs of students already enrolled
and to patients now under treatment at Virginia
Commonwealth University. One is an instructional
facility for music and theatre; the other is expanded
facilities for cancer treatment and care. Students
enrolled in the areas of the performing arts occupy
structures built in 1905 which are now dismally sub-
standard. Our cancer facilities are crowded at a
time when more than 20,000 Virginians will require
treatment for cancer this year.
Because of our belief in Virginia, our confidence
in the leadership of the Governor of Virginia and
our interest in the generations of Virginians who
will greatly benefit from the availability of all
of these facilities in the years ahead, the Board
of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University
pledges its strong support to the Governor and to
the General Assembly of Virginia in this critically
needed bond project.
On motion made and seconded, the Faculty Appointments
and Changes in Status were unanimously approved.
Following a presentation by Mr. Holmes, on motion made and
seconded, the Compensation Plan was unanimously approved.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the
Report of Gifts, Grants and Contracts was unanimously approved.
Mr. Holmes presented the Financial Statements. On motion
made and seconded, the Financial Statements were accepted.
Mr. Holmes presented a list of those contracts signed
since the March meeting of the Board which, following a dis-
cussion and on motion duly made and seconded, the Board unani-
mously affirmed.
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Mr. Seaborn presented the report of the Academic Policy
Committee. This report deals with the State Council's study
on Faculty Tenure and Activity in Virginia. Mr. Seaborn
pointed out various statistics dealing with VCU's and other
State institutions' tenure policy, tenure figures, etc. Mr.
Seaborn indicated that the Academic Policy Committee recom-
mended that VCU's tenure policy remain as it is and that an
annual report on tenure be submitted to the Board. Following
a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Report of the
Academic Policy Committee was unanimously accepted by the
Board. In addition, the Board requested that the Academic
Policy Committee investigate the probationary tenure review
system and the whole area of faculty evaluation.
Dr. Blanton gave the Report of the Executive Committee
during which he stated that this Committee had approved an
increase in tuition and fees for 1977-78 including an additional
$60 student facilities fee. Dr. Blanton also stated that the
Executive Committee had received reports on the Virginia Hospital
Laundry, the new hospital construction and the hospital financial
report. Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded,
the Report of the Executive Committee was unanimously accepted.
Dr. Blanton read into the minutes two resolutions in memory
of Dr. T. Edward Temple received from Reveille United Methodist
Church and the Board of Visitors of the College of William and
Mary. These resolutions are attached to the minutes.
Dr. Blanton appointed Messrs. Dabney and Seaborn and Mrs.
Satterfield to serve as a Nominating Committee. This committee
was requested to report at the Board's July meeting.
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The Board requested that a report be made at its next
meeting concerning what impact federal regulations for the
handicapped would have on VCU.
The Board also requested the administration to formulate
a policy on archives and submit it to the Board. The University
archivist would like to have personal papers belonging to Board
members relating to their role and work on the Board and a
policy is needed.
Mr. Norris reported on behalf of the Student Affairs Com-
mittee. He stated that the student facilities fee had not come
to his committee for approval before going to the Executive Com-
mittee. Dr. Willett reported that he and Dr. Blanton had deter-
mined that the facilities fee was a financial matter and, there-
fore, should be approved by the Executive Committee. Dr. Willett
continued that he would like to discuss with each committee chair-
man the role, by-laws, etc. of his/her respective committee.
Following a discussion, on motion made and seconded, the Report
of the Student Affairs Committee was unanimously accepted.
Dr. Gwathmey reported on behalf of the Hospital Committee.
He stated that Mr. Nick Carter had been appointed Director of
Operations Planning for MCVH. The Committee also received
hospital budget preparation reports. Following a discussion,
on motion made and seconded, the Report of the Hospital Committee
was unanimously accepted.
Mr. Ross presented a report on litigation affecting the
Board of Visitors and the University. The following cases are
currently being worked on by the Legal Advisor's office:
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Cramer v. VCU -- on appeal to Fourth Circuit Court
of Appeals
Oslund v. VCU -- pre-trial discovery proceeding
Doe v. Linas -- pre-trial discovery completed; trial 6/13/77
Goodall v. VCU -- responsive pleadings in preparation stage
Chandler v. VCU -- judgment for University affirmed on appeal
Dr. Wayne Hall, Chairman of the Presidential Search Assis-
tance Committee, reported on behalf of his committee. He stated
that a total of 155 applications and nominations had been received.
Of the 43 screened, 33 have been eliminated. June 1 is the last
date to receive nominations and applications. Dr. Hall stated
that it is possible that interviews with candidates could begin
by mid to late summer.
Dr. Neal reported on the status of the Virginia Hospital
Laundry. The search is continuing for a manager and the increase
$0.40 per pound has been initiated. The financial picture is
king better. The administration will continue to review the
progress of the Laundry.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
Approved:
REPORT OF THE ACTING PRESIDENT
May 19, 1977
1. Deans of Schools of Education and the Arts
Dr. Willett announced the proposed appointment of Dr.
Murry DePillars as Dean of the School of the Arts and
Dr. Charles Ruch as Dean of the School of Education.
(See 5/19/77 Board of Visitors Minutes).
2. Commencement
Dr. Willett stated that he had received many nice re-
ports on Commencement. He continued that Dr. Blanton's
speech was most timely.
3. Bond Referendum
Dr. Willett reported that the Rector had met with the
Governor and Rectors of other State institutions to
discuss the proposed bond referendum. It will be
necessary for everyone in education to work for the
entire bond package and not just the education section.
Dr. Blanton stated that he hoped the VCU Board would
pass a resolution in support of the proposed referendum.
(See 5/19/77 Board of Visitors Minutes).
4. Legislative Luncheon and Tour
Dr. Willett reported that the Governor and members of
the Legislature would be touring MCV/VCU on May 26.
In addition, VCU will be hosting a luncheon on the
26th at 12 noon in Oliver Hall. All members of the
Board were invited to attend.
5. Dr. Beller's Organization
Dr. Willett reported that a search was now underway to
seek a replacement for Mr. Holmes as Vice President
for Finance. In addition, the organization called for
a position to be responsible for the entire planning
effort coordination and information management.
6. Development
Dr. Willett reported that the administration planned to
fill a position that was already established -- Vice
President for Development. Once this person is on
board, we will begin to move to set up the rest of the
staff. It is necessary to title this position "vice
president" to add some prestige to the position. The
other major State universities have established similar
positions.
T. EDWARD TEMPLE
Theodore Edward Temple, formerly a member of this Board of
Visitors, was one of the College of William and Mary's most distinguished
and devoted alumni. His death on March 6, 1977, left an immeasurable
void in the affairs of Virginia government, public service and higher edu-
cation.
Mr. Temple became the eminent President of Virginia Common-
wealth University in July, 1975, and quickly earned the admiration and
respect of all of those who seek to sustain and advance the cause of higher
education in America. He was perceived as a masterful administrator
and a superlative teacher, as well as an effective communicator.
As a member of the Class of 1937 at William and Mary, Mr. Temple
earned the Master of Education degree from the College in 1965. He re-
ceived the College's honorary Doctor of Laws degree in May, 1975, in
recognition of his outstanding leadership and service to the Commonwealth
of Virginia.
The Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary shares in
the sense of loss that has been felt by his friends and colleagues every-
where and pays sincere tribute to Mr. Temple's achievements, his ability,
and his great wisdom.
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Visitors places on its Minutes
this memorial resolution to its former member and colleague, and directs
the Secretary to transmit the same to members of his immediate family
and to the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Adopted by the Board Visitors
College of William and Mary
March 18-19, 1977
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
I N M E M O R I A M
T. Edward Temple
A poet once penned some words which somehow seem peculiarly appropriate to
our thoughts today. Among other things he said
1f you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
It is not a common privilege to walk Life's way with such a person for they
are all too few. But this congregation and, in a more intimate way, the members
of this Administrative Board, have been enriched by such a fellowship for some
years past. Now God in His Infinie Wisdom and Love has called Ed Temple home
and we walk no more with him on this earth.
Physically and mentally he was a man of large stature. But the true source
of his greatness lay in the world of the Spirit. For he was a true Son of God
who, by choice, walked closely with his Maker all his days. Ed was a gentle
man, a loving man, a wise man, a tender man, a patient man, a natural leader
of men. But above all, he was a Christian Gentleman who loved his fellowmen
and served his Father in Heaven faithfully. Herein lay his greatness.
Truly he talked with crowds--all kinds-of crowds--hostile crowds, angry crowds,
curious crowds, seeking crowds--and kept his virtue. Truly he walked with Kings--
men in high places--governors, administrators, bishops, leaders in all walks of
life--and never lost "The Common touch."
We cannot find adequate words to express our sense of loss and yet he would
the Lord. We can be sure that he would say to us -
Shed no tear - 0 shed no teat!
The flower will broom another year.
Weep no mote - 0 weep no mote!
Young bud's sleep in the toot's white cote.
be the first to tell us that all things work .together. for good to those who love
In placing these poor words of ours upon the records to preserve our gratitude
to our Father God for the privilege of having known and worked with Ed Temple,
it seems appropriate that we rededicate ourselves to the principles by which
he lived, and which made him great, and commit all that we have and hope to
be to the service of the God he loved and served throughout his life.
And when the day comes that we walk into the Sunset let us so live that we
may be assured that we shall meet again in that land beyond the river.
We rest assured that Tennyson expressed Ed Temple's faith in these words
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me,
And may there be no moaning of the
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide a4 moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundIess deep
Turns again home,
Twilight and evening bell,
And age/ that the dark:
And may .there be no sadness s of farewell
When I embark:
For 'tho from out our bourne of time and pace
The flood may bear me far.,
I hope to see my Pi tot face to face
When I have crossed the ban.
Amen!
