Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1920 [PAGE 780]

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776

BOARD O F T R U S T E E S

[June 2,

Arts, Director of the Courses in Commerce, Dean of the Graduate School, and who since 1914 has served as Vice President of the University, and for the past year has ably administered the affairs of the University as Acting President, is the most desirable selection that can be made. In permanently retiring from the Presidency, Doctor James has strongly recommended Dean Kinley as his successor, with the statement that "Kinley will carry on the work to greater heights." Doctor Kinley stands well in educational circles, and has good administrative ability. He is intimately acquainted with the various problems that confront the University, and in our opinion can direct and more largely aid in bringing about their early and favorable solution than any other that we have considered. He appreciates fully that our income is inadequate to even maintain the University in its present state, with the large increase in attendance, to say nothing of the growth and development that we must look forward to in every department. He appreciates the necessity of an important future building program to care for ever increasing numbers and for the demands rightfully made upon our institution by our citizens. He views with serious concern the insufficient salaries of many men and women in our Faculty, and the loss of desirable members of the staff on this account. He is well and favorably known to the people of the State, and to many of those responsible for our State government. With the loyal support of all friends of higher education, Doctor Kinley and the Trustees should secure increased financial support for the University at the next legislative session. Moved by these considerations, your Committee unanimously recommends the election of Dr. David Kinley as President of the University. Respectfully submitted,

ROBERT F. CARR, Chairman MARGARET DAY BLAKE LAURA B. EVANS FRANCIS G. BLAIR W M , : L . ABBOTT

The Board resolved itself into a committee of the whole to consider this matter in executive session. After full discussion of this report, the Committee rose and announced that the following action had been taken: On motion of Mr. Trimble, Dr. David Kinley was unanimously elected President of the University of Illinois, to fill the unexpired term of President Edmund J. James, beginning September 1, 1920, with salary at the rate of $12,000 a year and with the use of the President's house. Dr. Kinley was called to the room and notified of this 'action. At this point, at 1 p. m., the Board took a recess for luncheon.