xt7ffb4whq7v https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7ffb4whq7v/data/mets.xml Lexington, Kentucky University of Kentucky 19630731 minutes English University of Kentucky Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Minutes of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees Minutes of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, 1963-07-may31. text Minutes of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, 1963-07-may31. 1963 2011 true xt7ffb4whq7v section xt7ffb4whq7v 









         Minutes of the Called Session of the Board of Trustees of the Uni-
versity of Kentucky on Friday, May 31, 1963, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard
Time.

         The Board of Trustees of the University of Kentucky met in a called
session in the President's Office on the campus of the University at 11:00 a.m.
on Friday, May 31, 1963, with the following members present: Governor
Bert T. Combs, Chairman, Dr. Ralph Angelucci, Vice Chairman, Mr. Robert
Hillenmeyer, Mr. Sam Ezelle, Mr. Gilbert Kingsbury, Mr. Floyd Wright,
Dr. H. B. Murray, Dr. R. W. Bushart, Mr. Clifford E. Smith, Mr. Wendell
P. Butler, Dr. Harry Denham, Judge J. A. Sutherland, Secretary, and Dr.
Aubrey Brown and Dr. Lewis Cochran, non-voting faculty members. Members
absent were Mr. Smith Broadbent, Mr. W. F. Foster, and Mr. Emerson
Beauchamp. Dr. Frank G. Dickey, president of the University, was also
pre sent.


         A. Report of Presidential Screening Committee Heard.

         Governor Combs opened the meeting with the statement that this
special session of the Board of Trustees had been called for the purpose of
considering the selection of a president of the University of Kentucky to succeed
President Dickey whosee resignation becomes effective July 1, 1963. He
indicated that the Screening Committee had completed its work and asked Dr.
Angelucci, chairman of the committee, to present its report.

         Dr. Angelucci read the following report:


               REPORT ON SCREENING COMMITTEE WORK

        "Perhaps, the scope of the Committee' s work since last fall can
best be described by pointing out that its nine members have traveled more
than 50, 000 miles in seeking a new president for the University.

        "Those travels have taken the members from points as far east as
New York, New Jersey and Washington to points as far west as Oklahoma,
Nebraska and Colorado.

         "In addition, we have conferred by phone with persons in California
and Alabama, We also have done much work in Kentucky, looking into pros-
pects in many parts of the commonwealth, including our own campus.

        "It has been gratifying to receive the advice and counsel of literally
hundreds of citizens, in and out of the state, who have a deep and dedicated
interest in the progress and growth of the University.




 






2



          "Nominations have come from men who themselves have been under
 consideration, another development indicating admiration and respect for the
 work of the University and a desire to see its program continued and expanded.

          "Our work began when the Committee received approximately 150
names, each of which recerved consideration.  In addition, in order to guide
us the Committee drafted and sent to you a brief resume on the type of man we
sought to conduct the affairs of our school during the next decade. After
considering the names submitted, we called into conference several persons
from outside the University family and sought their advice. Some visited us,
others conferred by phone, In addition, our members went to other schools
and conferred with other University presidents and executives.

          "The work was both arduous and interesting. At times it was disc
couraging. For example, we would come upon a nominee who seemed to fit
the outline we had drafted. We would then find that the nominee was engrossed
En a satisfying program of research and had no desire to abandon his career
for administrative problems.

          "On one occasion we visited a high ranking federal official in Wash-
ington. He expressed an interest in the presidency but had pledged to stay
with President Kennedy until certain pressing problems were solved.

          "On another occasion w-e contacted members of the White House staff
and they, too, expressed regret,  Several expressed a wish to be considered
should the vacancy not be filled -wvithin a year.

          "One excellent nominee was involved in a development program
within his own schcol and could not consider a change until those obligations
had been discharged.

          "Still another nominee expected shortly to be promoted to the presi-
dencyof his own institution and, therefore, suggested that he not be considered
furthe r,

         "In this connection it is interesting - and pleasant -- to note the
loyalty of the alumni of the state colleges in Kentucky.  Those presidents had
been nominated and in a great number of cases, alumni of those schools voiced
an appreciation of their president and expressed the hope that he would remain
at this present post to continue his work, Kentuckians, we firmly believe,
are becoming increasingly aware of the need for progress on all levels in the
field of higher education in the commonwealth.

         "in each inter-view  and there were many -  we outlined the problems
of the University in detail, '-he need, perhaps, of reorganization, the salary
problem, the growing student body, the emphasis on graduate study, the prob-
lem of research and the many other matters certain to face the new president.




 






3



           "It was interesting to learn that the problems of the University of
 Kentucky differed only in detail from the problems of other schools and
 colleges. Those with whom we talked appeared familiar with what we might
 have thought to be University of Kentucky problems only.

           "We also sought advice on the relative merits of a president with a
 small college background as opposed to one coming from an executive position
 within a larger university.  We find merits on both sides.

           "While a dean from a college within a university might have an
 awareness of university administration, the president of a small college had
 to provide the ultimate answer, To put it bluntly, the small college president
 could not pass the buck.

           "After these discussions, the Committee concluded that it was the
 man and not his most immediate experience that counted. During many of
 these sessions with advisors and nominees, it was evident that the progress
 of the University had attracted wide attention in academic circles.

          "The more stringent admission requirements were mentioned by
 several. The higher standards demanded to maintain residency were also
 lauded.  7the strengthening of the graduate program had also attracted wide
 comment.   The growth of the physical plant brought other comments.  The
 employment of a master planner and competent architectural and engineering
 firms was another factor praised by visitcrs,

          "One visitor, not a nominee, expressed the belief that the University
of Kentucky would soon lead all southern schools in academic excellence. He
placed Kentucky in the same category with schools now considered to be great
and those about to enter that company,

          "The work of University graduates in the academic world and the
professional world was mentioned by several and the University receive's just
credit for the undergraduate or graduate training and inspiration.

          "To get back to list of nominees. They came from all the academic
disciplines and from all sections of the nation. We received the listings of
those who had been considered for the presidency of other institutions and, for
one reason or another, had not been invited or had refused the invitation.

          "Those selected elsewhere were invited because they had a particular
tale'at needed in that special situation, Without attempting to sit in judgment
on other Screening Committees, we felt that, perhaps, their choice had not
bee n the best and the man we had under consideration would have been the better.
Ali the above discussion took many months. The Committee met at least once
a 'week and, in more recent days, at least several times a week. While the
majority of the sessions were held in Lexington, we did gather elsewhere to
treet with candidates.  We traveled by private plane, commercial airlines,
automobile, train and even bus. During the stormy days of the past winter,
sFome of our members had numerous delays and a few hazards.




 





4



          "Some may have felt that the processes have been unduly long. How-
ever, Indiana required two years before it finally selected a University of
Kentucky graduate. Other colleges and universities required a longer time.
We have found in checking the experiences of others, that the situation at the
University of Kentucky is average. The selection of a University president
is not something to be accomplished within a week or two if the duties are to
be properly discharged.

          "As you know, the Screening Committee was composed of members
of the Board of Trustees and the faculty. For both groups it was an enjoyable
experience and we came to know and admire one another. Each member made
a contribution and our differences, though slight, were discussed in an atmosphere
of good will guided only by dedication to the future of the University of Kentucky
and the commonwealth. Each member felt that he would have no greater
responsibility in his lifetime than the task at hand.

          "One aspect of our work should not go without comment.  During
these past months, many of you have read in the press or heard on the air
that a president had been selected. How and where some of the reports originat-
ed remains a mystery to us. However, we do want to thank the Board for its
patience and for taking the rumors at their minimum value.

          "Fortunately, no harm was done although several fine nominees may
have been embarrassed.  On the othe r hand. we have been assured by them
that it was an honor to be considered for the high position.

          "In concluding this report, we want to thank the members of the
Board for their attitude. Not once have we been subjected to political pressure,
not once have undue demands been made.  The advice and counsel given to
each of us has been given and received with the full knowledge that all of us
are working toward the same goal. a great University president, for a great
University in a great and growing state.

         "The recommendation which the Screening Committee now makes to
the Board of Trustees of the University of Kentucky is made with the deepest
sense of responsibility as defined in the utmost dedication to the stated aims
and objectives of our University. In making our recommendation we believe
that we are saying to the Board of Trustees that here is the name of a man of
exceedingly high quality who can lead our University into its next stage of
realizing the dream of excellence of higher education in the Commonwealth of
Kentucky.

         " The Screening Committee unanimously recommend Dr, John W.
Oswald be invited to become the president of the University of Kentucky."




 






5



          Mr. Floyd Wright made the motion to nominate Dr. John W. Oswald
as president of the University of Kentucky. Governor Combs expressed the
thanks of members of the Board to members of the Screening Committee and
then called for a second to Mr. Wright's motion.  Dr. Aubrey Brown seconded
the motion, stating that those on the faculty felt he would make a great presi-
dent.  Dr. Lewis Cochran joined in seconding the motion and expressed his
pleasure at Dr. Oswald's selection. On roll call vote by Governor Combs,
the following persons voted aye: Dr.Angelucci, Dr. Murray, Dr. Bushart,
Mr. Smith, Dr. Denham, Mr. Wright, Mr. Butler, Mr. Kingsbury, Mr.
Ezelle, Mr, Hillenmeyer, Governor Combs, and-Judge Sutherland.


          B. .Dr. Albright Named Acting President

          Governor Combs indicated that, since it would not be possible for
Dr. Oswald to assume his position until August or September, it would be
necessary for the University to have someone serve as its chief executive
officer after Dr. Dickey's departure and before Dr. Oswald's arrival. Mr.
Smith made the following motion:.

          Mr. Chairman, we have a man who has rendered a very valuable
          service as Executive Vice President of the University in the
          person of Dr. A. D. Albright.  Dr. Albright is a very outstanding
          man in the field of education and administration and I would like
          to move that Dr. Albright be named as the acting or interim
          president with the full power to act, to perform all acts, that the
          president would act until Dr. Oswald is ready to assume the
          duties as president, I think we are indeed fortunate that we
          have a man of Dr. Albright's character and qualifications to fill
          that bill and I think that Dr. Albright has rendered a very fine
          and outstanding service to the University of Kentucky.  So it
          is my pleasure to make that motion.

Mr. Ezelle seconded the motion. Governor Combs indicated that he had a
letter from Dr. Albright which he read to the Board.



                                          May 31, 1963

         The Honorable Bert T. Combs
         Chairman, Board of Trustees
         University of Kentucky
         Lexington, Kentucky

         Dear Mr. Combs:

         The Board of Trustees is to be commended highly and unreservedly
         in the selection of Dr. John Oswald as president of the University
         of Kentucky.




 






6



          Dr. Oswald is a most outstanding and able man. His leader-
          ship will brighten the prospects of future advancements for
          this institution.

          I know all of us here and throughout the Commonwealth will
          assist fully in generating the human and material support
          essential to the fulfillment of the University's mission in the
          days ahead.

                                         Very truly yours,

                      (Signed)           A, D. Albright
                                         Executive Vice President




         Governor Combs expressed the feeling that Dr. Albright was the
logical person to serve as chief executive officer of the DJiiiversity during
the interim period. There being no further discussion, a vote was called for
on Mr. Smith's motion and the following persons voted aye: Mr. Hillenmeyer,
Mr. Ezelle, Mr. Butler, Mr. Wright, Dr. Denham, Mr. Smith, Dr. Bushart,
Dr. Murray, Dr. Angelucci, Governor Combs, and Judge Sutherland.




         C. Salary for Dr. Oswald

         In answer to a question from a member of the press, Mr. Kingsbury,
spokesman for the Board, indicated that Dr. Oswald would receive a salary
of $30, 000. In addition, he would receive those fringe benefits already ap-
proved for President Dickey and perhaps others might develop after further dis-
cussion with Dr. Oswald.




         D. Dr. Oswald to As sumne Duties Not Later than September

         Governor Combs stated that he had talked with Dr. Oswald by telephone
at the suggestion of the Board and in its presence and Dr. Oswald had accepted
the position as president of the University of Kentucky effective not later than
September.

         Mr. Kingsbury indicated that Dr. Oswald would be in Kentucky on
the ninth and tenth of June and that the Board would attempt to arrange a public
reception for him at that time.




 






                                                                        7



         E. Meeting Adjourned

         There being no further business to come before the Board at this
special session, Governor Combs adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m.


                                    Respectfully. submitted,




                                    James A. Sutherland
                                    Secretary