Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1948 [PAGE 389]

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388

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MATTERS PRESENTED BY PRESIDENT STODDARD

[ J u n e 23

The Board discussed in executive session several matters included in the agenda, and took action on the following matters presented by the President of the University.

RESEARCH HOUSES AND FIELD OFFICE FOR SMALL HOMES COUNCIL

(1) A report of action of the Executive Committee, pursuant to authorization by the Board on April 24, 1947 (page 341), and May 27, 1047 (page 372), awarding contracts to lowest bidders and authorizing the Comptroller and the Secretary to execute contracts as follows: General work on six research houses in staff housing project to Mr. R. E. Worsham for $5,700. General work on field office and slab laboratory to C. A. Petry & Sons for

$12,060.

General work on one research house to C. H. Siems for $870. This report was received for record.

TRAINING OF TEACHERS OF AGRICULTURE

(2) On October 20, 1939, the President of the University informed the Board of Trustees that two of the state teachers colleges had announced intentions to establish courses in agriculture that would meet State and Federal requirements for Smith-Hughes teacher-training. Existing facilities at the University of Illinois were amply sufficient at that time and still are to meet the demand for SmithHughes teachers. The Board of Trustees requested the President of the University to inform the Governor and the members of the State Board for Vocational Education that the Board considered the proposed expansion an unnecessary duplication of educational offerings (Minutes, October 20, 1939, pages 642-644). Recently the State Board for Vocational Education has approved such work for the Illinois State Normal University. I recommend that the Board of Trustees again recognize the priority of the University of Illinois for teacher-training in vocational agriculture, and that the President of the University be authorized to address letters of protest on behalf of the Board to the Governor, to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to each of the members of the State Board for Vocational Education, and to each of the presidents of the teachers colleges and normal universities. The reasons for this request are contained in Exhibits A, B, and C (see page 448). After full discussion, and on motion of Dr. Meyer, the Board reaffirmed its opposition to the dilution and weakening of agricultural education in the State of Illinois that would follow the unnecessary duplication of the program of the University in the state teachers colleges and normal universities, and authorized the President of the University to take measures to oppose the proposal, including presentation of the position of the University to the State Teachers College Board and the State Board for Vocational Education.

PURCHASE OF RESIDENCE PROPERTIES FOR STAFF HOUSING

(3) The Board of Trustees on May 27, 1047, authorized the purchase of a limited number of residence properties in Urbana-Champaign for rental, possibly for resale eventually, to administrative officers who have recently been appointed. Under this authorization options have been secured on the following properties: 1108 West Green Street, Urbana $38 000 (William F. Schulz, Owner) This property consists of a house and two lots, one a vacant lot adjoining it which the University should have. 1001 West Nevada Street, Urbana 22 000 (Chester W. Richards, Owner) 601 Haines Boulevard, Champaign 22 000 (R. L. Patterson, Owner)