Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1972 [PAGE 101]

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1970]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

91

VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (40) For more than two years, discussions have been in progress on how better to_ organize and administer the public service activities of the University. T h e initial study, conducted under the guidance of the University Council on Extension and Public Service, recommended the designation of an officer on each campus to direct such activities and the appointment of a Vice President for Public Service to coordinate the public service efforts on the three campuses and to direct those activities that are University-wide. I believe the time is now favorable for instituting change in the direction proposed in that study and in the subsequent internal discussions. The University of Illinois has a strong commitment to public service, both historically and philosophically. That commitment should now be strengthened in organization and in program. Therefore, I recommend two initial actions: (1) the establishment of a new position of Vice President for Public Service; and (2) the appointment of the first incumbent. 1. I recommend the establishment of the position of Vice President for Public Service, effective September 1, 1971. This action will introduce the changes needed to encourage the campuses to give a higher priority to their capacity for public service through problem-solving and through provision of career-long educational opportunity, especially for those in the professions. It will better mobilize and coordinate the University's capacity to respond to social needs and to decide where the University and society have sufficient mutual advantage to justify such a response. By providing a focal point with direct access to the President and P r o vost, it will strengthen what has long been done through the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of University Extension, and the various institutes. It will provide, in addition, a framework for innovation in both organization and program. T o illustrate, it will bring together the University's many means of serving the special needs of the Chicago region, whether such means are found on the two Chicago campuses, on the Urbana campus, or in some new combination. 2. T o serve as first incumbent of the new position, I recommend the appointment of Norman A. Parker as Vice President for Public Service, effective September 1, 1971. Mr. Parker has indicated his wish to be relieved of his present responsibilities as Chancellor at Chicago Circle, where he has guided the new campus and its Navy Pier predecessor for ten years. (Chancellor Parker's statement is printed below.) Because of the current emphasis on the new ten-year plan for Chicago Circle and the shortness of time before his mandatory retirement age, he believes that it "is highly desirable that the same person be responsible for the administrative direction of this campus during this period." Under these circumstances, it is fortunate for the University that Mr. Parker will be available to launch the important new Vice Presidency, supply the University-wide experience needed at the position's inception, and bring to it the knowledge of Chicago which will be highly relevant and immediately useful. O n m o t i o n of M r . S w a i n , t h i s p o s i t i o n w a s a u t h o r i z e d a n d t h e a p pointment was approved. A N N O U N C E M E N T BY CHANCELLOR NORMAN A. PARKER T h e U n i v e r s i t y of Illinois a t Chicago Circle S e p t e m b e r 16,1970 The University of Illinois and the Chicago Circle campus in particular are now planning their educational development for the decade beginning with the year 1971-1972. It is highly desirable that the same person be responsible for the administrative direction of this campus during this period and especially that he become involved in the planning that remains to be done and in the critical decisions regarding implementation of the development plan. I shall reach my 65th birthday during the 1970-71 academic year and thus will have only three more years until mandatory retirement. Early last spring I decided to request that I be relieved of the responsibilities of Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle on September 1, 1971, or as soon thereafter as my successor can be available. I have had a unique and rewarding experience in the opportunity to have had a central role in planning, constructing, developing, and administering this campus during the period of its inception and rapid growth.