Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1946 [PAGE 604]

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1945]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS W I T N E S S E S FOR D E A N B E N N E R

601

Judge Johnson introduced the following witnesses: D r . T h o m a s E . Benner, Professor of Education a n d Dean of the College of Education: from 8:25 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Dean Benner's testimony w a s interrupted for a short time during the evening, to permit the introduction of four representatives of the Association of Advanced Degree Graduate Students in the University of Illinois: J o h n C. Roberts, Kansas, Illinois; Marshall J. Scott, Fisher, Illinois; Jeff T . Kelley, P a n a m a City, Florida; H o w a r d W . Hightower, Effingham, Illinois. M r . Roberts acted as spokesman, a n d testified under oath. At 11:15 p.m. the Board adjourned, to meet at 9:30 a.m. on the following day. A D J O U R N E D S E S S I O N , J U L Y 26, 1945 W h e n the hearing of Dean T h o m a s E . Benner was resumed at 9:30 a.m. on T h u r s d a y , July 26, 1945, the same members and officers were present as at the time of adjournment the night before, a n d all remained throughout the day.

DEAN BENNER CONTINUES

T h e testimony a n d cross-examination of Dean Benner continued until 12:30 p.m. At the conclusion, Dean Benner, in response to direct questions by President Livingston, stated ( 1 ) that he had introduced all the witnesses and evidence that he desired, ( 2 ) that he felt t h a t he h a d a full and fair hearing, and ( 3 ) that he had said that he was glad the hearing was conducted in executive session. H e said that he h a d made the latter statement in consideration of the opinion of M r . Ralph E. Himstead. of the Association of American University Professors that the hearing should be in closed session.

PROVOST G R I F F I T H R E C A L L E D

M r . Marshall recalled Provost Coleman R. Griffith to the stand to testify on statements made by Dean Benner while the latter was on the stand.

CONCLUDING STATEMENTS

It was agreed that all exhibits introduced should be considered part of the record. M r . Marshall asked for ten minutes, and Judge Johnson for from twenty-five to forty minutes, to make their concluding statements. Following the arguments, at 3:30 p.m. the Board resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, all non-members being excused. A t 5:30 p.m., the Committee rose, and having recalled all officers and parties to the room, announced in open session that it h a d taken action on Dean Benner's reappointment. T h e following record and resolution was read by the Secretary.