1929-1930 General Report of the President

1929-1930 General Report For The Year

To the Honorable, The Board of Visitors of the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute:

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit the following general report of the institution for the year which began July 1, 1929, and ended June 30, 1930:

Board Of Visitors

Dr. J. G. Ferneyhough, a member of the Board since January, 1929, died suddenly on March 4, 1930, at his home in Chesterfield County. He was an alumnus of this college, a former member of the faculty, and always greatly interested in the institution. As a state official during a long period of years he rendered faithful service.

To fill the vacancy caused by this death, the Governor appointed Hon. W. Stuart Moffett, an alumnus of the college, for the remainder of the term extending to July 1, 1932.

Changes In Staff

Death: W. G. Conner, professor of mechanic arts and director of the shops.

Leaves Of Absence: I. D. Wilson, professor of zoology and animal pathology, 1929-30; Martha D. Dinwiddie, associate professor of home economics and adviser to women students, fall and winter quarters, 1929-30; J. F. D. Smith, assistant professor of engineering drawing, 1929-30; D. A. Tucker, assistant horticulturist, Agricultural Extension Division, 1929-30; J. F. Eheart, assistant chemist, Agricultural Experiment station, July-December, 1929.

Resignations And Expiration Of Terms: W. R. Nichols, professor of military science and tactics and commandant of cadets; F. A. Motz, horticulturist, Agricultural Extension Division, professor of pomology; W. M. Chapin, associate professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; T. R. Aaron, assistant professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; A. N. Tanner, Jr., assistant professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; N. P. Lawrence, Jr., assistant professor of English; A. F. Gustafson, assistant professor of physical education; E. F. Davis, assistant plant physiologist, Agricultural Experiment Station; R. G. Matheson, assistant professor of English; G. A. Moore, instructor in physical education; R. G. Sasscer, instructor in geology; L. D. Lasting, acting assistant chemist, Agricultural Experiment Station; T. A. Keck, instructor in physics; L. Whitt, assistant librarian; A. Whittener, assistant librarian.

Promotions: H. C. Groseclose, professor of agricultural education; F. H. Fish, professor of analytical chemistry; R. E. Hussey, professor of organic chemistry; J. E. Lodewick, professor of wood technology; James Godkin, associate plant pathologist, Agricultural Extension Division; J. B. Jones, associate professor of applied mechanics and experimental engineering; J. A. Waller, Jr., associate agricultural engineer, Agricultural Extension Division; Gordon Elcan, associate state club agent, Agricultural Extension Division; Mary B. McGowan, specialist in home economics, Agricultural Extension Division; C. H. Jenkins, associate professor of history; W. H. Byrne, associate agronomist, Agricultural Extension Division; F. W. HofMann, associate horticulturist, Agricultural Experiment Station; J. L. Scott, associate professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; A. H. Teske, associate horticulturist, Agricultural Extension Division; J. H. Wild, associate professor of French and German; R. H. McNeil, associate professor of English, director of publications; R. L. Humbert, executive secretary, associate professor of economics, manager of bureau of community development; D. A. Tucker, assistant horticulturist, Agricultural Extension Division; J. F. Eheart, assistant chemist, Agricultural Experiment Station; W. T. Hartman, Jr., assistant professor of civil engineering; J. A. Addlestone, assistant professor of chemistry; P. H. McGauhey, assistant professor of civil engineering; N. W. Conner, assistant professor of applied mechanics and experimental engineering; L. E. Starr, assistant professor of zoology and animal pathology; B. O. Miller, assistant professor of economics; .J. H. Hall, assistant professor of English and Spanish; J. L. Maxton, assistant agricultural economist, Agricultural Experiment Station; M. S. Kipps, assistant agronomist, Agricultural Experiment Station, assistant professor of agronomy.

Appointments: J. B. Maynard, professor of military science and tactics, commandant of cadets; P. T. Norton, Jr., professor of industrial engineering, manager of industrial service bureau; H. S. Grenoble, associate professor of industrial engineering, manager of bureau of engineering extension instruction; F. J. Sette, associate professor of sanitary engineering; R. G. Henderson, assistant plant pathologist, Agricultural Experiment Station; W. H. Humbert, specialist in surveys; R. E. Hill, assistant professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; E. V. Macatee, assistant professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; W. C. Bennett, Jr., assistant professor of military science and tactics, assistant commandant of cadets; H. H. Gordon, assistant professor of agricultural engineering, assistant specialist in agricultural engineering, Agricultural Extension Division; J. T. Allen, assistant professor of business administration; P. C. Scherer, Jr., assistant professor of organic chemistry; Frank Marshall, Jr., assistant professor of economics; W. L. Threlkeld, acting assistant professor of zoology; J. P. Mahaney, assistant professor of industrial engineering, manager of shops; A. B. Groves, assistant plant pathologist, Agricultural Experiment Station; S. C. Andrews, specialist in surveys; P. T. Gish, acting instructor in agronomy; D. M. Kohler, instructor in English; K. J. Belser, instructor in architectural engineering; H. H. Waesche, instructor in geology; R. S. Warren, instructor in physical education; J. F. Watson, assistant horticulturist, Agricultural Extension Division; L. Justice, assistant librarian; B. Allen, assistant librarian; L. T. Drewry, assistant librarian.

Death Of Major John T. Cowan

On October 8, 1929, Major John T. Cowan, of Montgomery County, died. Major Cowan was a member of the first Board of Visitors of this institution. He represented Montgomery County in the General Assembly of Virginia, and took a great interest in the establishment of the college at Blacksburg.

Death Of Professor Conner

It is my sad duty to officially report the death on September 28, 1929, of Professor W. G. Conner, head of our department of mechanic arts. Professor Conner had been connected with the institution continuously for thirty-seven years following his graduation here; and during this long period he rendered the most efficient, loyal, and faithful service. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His sound judgment, his never-failing response to every call, his high standards, and his numerous fine qualities of manhood, not only brought him the respect of all who came in contact with him, but also endeared him to his fellow-workers, so that his loss will be most keenly felt. He had a most important and valuable part in the development of our physical plant, and his works stand in such permanent form in our midst that they will serve ever to remind us of him.

Commencement, 1930

At Commencement this year degrees were conferred upon 227 students as compared with 195 in 1929. These were distributed as follows, the 1929 figures being shown in parentheses:

The alumni reunions at this Commencement were more satisfactory than ever before, and more largely attended. More than 500 registered. The success is due largely to the adoption of the Dix plan, which selects a group of thirteen classes for each year’s reunion, bringing together men who were at college together during four-year periods. Far more interest was shown than ever before on such occasions.

A special feature of the Commencement this year was the alumni presentation of a bronze tablet and an oil portrait of Colonel William M. Patton, to be placed in Patton Engineering Hall.

Summer Activities

During the last few years activities on the campus during the summer months have been increasing rapidly, so that this year they are more largely attended and more varied in type than before. These activities are distributed throughout the summer months in such a way as to utilize our facilities almost without cessation during every week of the year.

The summer quarter class program registered more students than in any previous year. As our courses are technical in character we do not duplicate the work of the other six state institutions conducting summer schools, and we make no attempt to have large numbers of teachers in attendance.

Our schedule for the summer includes, in addition to the regular college classes, the following: electric metermen’s course; rally of agricultural high school students and annual conference of the Future Farmers of Virginia; annual conference of instructors of vocational agriculture in Virginia high schools; 4-H club leaders course and boys’ and girls’ clubs short course; Institute of Rural Affairs and State Farmers Institute. These activities bring more than 4,000 different persons, men and women, boys and girls, to the campus during the summer.

It is believed that activities such as these should be encouraged, not only because they form a means of extending our service to more of the people from various sections of our state, and enable us to use our plant the year around, but also because they enable us to keep our organization in the various service departments intact throughout the year, thus promoting economy and efficiency in management. We do not, of course, attempt to make money out of our guests, but we do require them to pay the full cost of their stay here, so that these activities represent no cost to the institution. On the other hand, the increased interest on the part of our people in this institution is worth much to us.

Certificates Of Merit

It is customary to award each year two certificates of merit to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the development of agriculture in Virginia. These certificates are awarded at the annual Farmers’ Institute in the summer. In accordance with the usual plan, our agricultural faculty nominated four persons for these certificates, from which two were selected by the Board, as follows: Hon. J. B. Watkins, Midlothian, Virginia, and Mr. Frank S. Walker, Orange, Virginia.

Opening Of The Fifty-Eighth Session

Following the practice of the last two years, the three days, September 17-19, were used for the registration and orientation of new students. A program of exercises covering morning, afternoon, and evening of each day was arranged; and practically every student was in place promptly on the first morning. Similar to preceding years the exercises included psychological and placement tests, military drill, lectures by college officials, talks by representatives of various college interests, and recreational features such as music, moving pictures, athletics, and cheering practice. The physical examinations by the health officer, and the routine of registration were practically completed on the first day. About 475 new students were enrolled and given programs during the day. We feel that the time devoted to orientation was well spent, and that the results will be as satisfactory as they have been in the past. The college Y. M. C. A. should be highly commended for its valuable service in connection with the reception of new students. The military department was assisted in the preliminary instruction for new students by a number of the cadet officers who returned a few days in advance of the opening of the session.

Former students were registered on the third day, and classes began the next morning. At the close of the three days of registration, there were 1,236 students on the rolls, as compared with 1,198 the preceding year.

Entrance requirements were rigidly enforced, and as a result a number of applicants were denied admission, although practically all of them were eligible for most of the colleges. Our greatly increased dormitory facilities have enabled us to accommodate the large number of students in a very satisfactory manner. The difficulty we are now facing is in providing sufficient space in the dining hall. It has been necessary to use the assembly hall for additional dining-room space. It is very obvious that a college auditorium is badly needed, there being now no place where student assemblies can be held from time to time during the year, although it is very desirable that they should be frequently held.

Student Enrolment

The enrolment of regular college students during the nine months’ session, 1929-30, was distributed as follows, the figures in parentheses being for the preceding year:

The total includes 73 (70) women students, 178 (147) nonmilitary men students, and 1,189 (1,117) cadets. In addition to these there were 67 (58) special dairying students enrolled in the winter course. Of this total enrolment in the regular nine months session for students resident in Blacksburg, 1,305 (1,246), or 86.6% (89.5%), were from Virginia; and 202 (146), or 13.5% (10.5%), were from 24 (20) other states; 4 (4) were from other countries. In the list of regular students every county and city in Virginia was represented with the exception of Buchanan County; while in the preceding year seven counties were not represented.

The summer quarter enrolled 304 (289) students, in residence at Blacksburg. Outside of the resident enrolment there were during the year 115 extension students taking non-credit work, and 64,183 men and women, boys and girls, enrolled for extension work in agriculture and home economics through our county agent and club system. Many thousands were, of course, given intermittent instruction through correspondence, printed matter, demonstrations, institutes, etc., the record of attendance at institutes and conferences being more than 200,000. In summer courses for boys and girls there was a total enrolment of 2,743.

Resignations Of Students

In view of the fact that some attention has been directed recently to resignations of students from college soon after the opening of the session, it may be of interest to state that our records for the past six years are quite complete, showing the name, date, and reasons in the case of every student resigning. According to these records, the number of new students resigning in each of the six years is four per cent, with the exception of the year 1926-27, which for some unexplained reason ran as high as seven per cent. Attention is particularly directed to the fact that the percentage this year was not higher than it has been in other years during the six year period. Of the eighteen students leaving during the first two months of the session, four of them left before attending classes. We feel sure that our percentage is comparatively small.

College Band Fraternity

An application was received from the cadet band for authorization to establish a chapter of the national honorary college band fraternity known as Kappa Kappa Psi. It is understood that the requirements for membership in this fraternity are very high, and that such chapters are now in existence at Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Pennsylvania State College, University of Washington, Tulane University, and Georgia School of Technology.

John Philip Sousa is the honorary president of this organization. It is understood that this is not a social fraternity, but an honor society which seeks to promote the best in music for college bands, and to encourage students through such recognition to become members of the band and take a pride in such membership. This matter was investigated by the dean of the college and the commandant of cadets, and they both recommended that the request be granted. They believed that this will be an incentive to scholarship, as well as serve to promote the efficiency of the band. [The Board approved, provided the names of the students shall be submitted to the dean of the college for approval before they are elected as members of the organization, and also that the organization be under the general supervision of the commandant of cadets.]

Carnegie Report On Athletics

Considerable attention has been directed through the newspapers to a recent report of the Carnegie Foundation concerning college athletics. I regret very much that this institution was not visited when the study was being made, although information was supplied by mail in compliance with the request of those carrying on the study. We should gladly welcome a thorough inspection of our athletic interests in all directions. We have no athletic scholarship and no fund with which to attract and subsidize athletes. We do not favor athletic students either financially or academically. We see no reason for discriminating against a student because he happens to be an athlete, and students participating in athletics are on exactly the same basis as students who take no part in athletics. Our state scholarships merely cover the tuition fee for Virginians, and are available for all Virginians who are properly prepared to enter college, so that athletics enter in no way into the assignment of these scholarships. We do not have scholarships such as some of the state institutions have, which aid students in meeting other expenses than the tuition fee. Positions for self-help at the college are assigned to students by the dean of the college without reference to their participation in athletics. Of the students whom we assist through student employment and loans, only a very small proportion are athletes, and those few are not assisted because they are athletes, but because they are worthy and in need of financial assistance. We have found that the class records of our students who take a part in athletics are somewhat above the general average, because the eligibility rules of the Southern Conference, of which this institution is a member, prohibit students who fall behind in their class work from taking part in inter-collegiate games. It is, therefore, not usual for a member of the inter-collegiate teams to fall behind in his class work, particularly since those in charge of our athletics take especial pains to see that such students maintain the proper academic standards. Our athletic coaches are members of our college faculty, and are subject to the same salary schedule as other members in the various academic and technical departments.

So far as this institution is concerned I see no reason why we should not want a full investigation, and I believe it would be helpful if such an investigation could be made of all of the colleges in Virginia as regards all phases of athletics, of awarding scholarships, gifts, loans and student jobs, and the use of all funds derived from or connected in any way with athletics. It, of course, is to be presumed that such an investigation would be made by competent and impartial men brought from outside of the State of Virginia, and who have never been in any way connected with the institutions which are being investigated. I believe that good would be accomplished by publishing the results of such an investigation for the information of all who are interested in a college education, and that this would help to remove misapprehensions in the public mind. There are undoubtedly evils in our college athletics, and undesirable features which can and should be eliminated; but the whole situation, at least so far as some of our colleges are concerned, has been greatly exaggerated in the public mind. We do not believe the situation at our college is such as to cause anxiety on the part of those interested in our welfare, but if there should be anything unethical, unsportsmanlike, or otherwise undesirable in athletics at this institution, it would be a favor to us to point it out so that we may promptly correct it. Since our institution was not one of the small number selected for a personal inspection, we are unfortunately placed in the large group which rests in the shadow of suspicion. For that reason I feel that it would have been much better for us if we had been included in the list of institutions inspected, regardless of what might have been the result of such an inspection.

Gifts

Mr. William E. Wine, an alumnus of the class of 1904, now president of the General Alumni Association, has provided funds for the establishment of three scholarships, one to be awarded each year to a Virginia student who has completed the freshman year. The scholarships are good for three years with a stipend of $300 a year each. The award is made by a committee from the college faculty and is on a basis of evidence of need, scholastic record, qualities of manhood, and moral force and character. This constitutes an outstanding gift and one which is greatly appreciated.

Certain other scholarships are being provided by several individuals for use from year to year, but I am not authorized to name the donors. All of these scholarships are rendering real service in assisting worthy young men and women of limited resources to attend college. We trust that others will be prompted to make similar gifts, as the need is great.

Mr. Gordon Lefebvre, an alumnus of the class of 1913, has donated the sum of $10,000 toward the completion of the stadium. With the addition of the concrete seats provided in this way the stadium has a capacity of 9,000. This generous act is of great assistance, and it is hoped that it will inspire others to supply the comparatively small remainder needed to complete the stadium.

The college received, through the administrator of the estate of the late Dr. Steinmetz, the cabinets which he used in his own laboratory at Schenectady. This gift was made to our department of electrical engineering through the interest of our Schenectady alumni. The administrator of the estate was the foster son of Dr. Steinmetz, and we appreciate his recognition of this institution which has sent so many graduates to work with the General Electric Company. Dr. Steinmetz had such a world-wide reputation as a scientist that the associations make these cabinets very valuable for an institution of this type, aside from their intrinsic value, which is considerable. The cabinets are quartered oak, and have been installed in our engineering hall, forming an attractive and useful addition to our equipment.

An Unusual Honor

One of our 4-H club girls, Miss Helen Drinker, of Henrico County, was awarded the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Trophy as the club girl in the United States best typifying the standard of club work. This silver cup was presented to the girl by Mrs. Herbert Hoover before a large assemblage in Washington, and she was later presented over radio broadcasting system. When it is recognized that competition for this honor was keen and covered the entire country, it is seen that this achievement constitutes high commendation for the efficiency of our extension staff engaged in this important club work with our boys and girls.

Extension Work For Negroes

The extension work for Negroes in Virginia is conducted under the direction of our Agricultural Extension Division, the headquarters for this branch of the work having been maintained at Hampton Institute. A request was received from the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute that the headquarters of this extension work for Negroes be transferred to that institution. About ten years ago, by direction of Governor Davis, the portion of the federal funds for land grant colleges which had been assigned to the Hampton Institute was transferred to the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute on the ground that the former institution is not controlled by the State of Virginia, whereas the latter is a strictly state-controlled institution. We communicated with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, under whose direction the extension work is conducted jointly with our Agricultural Extension Division, and were informed by the chief of extension service that no objection would be raised by the federal department to the proposed transfer, if the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute could meet satisfactorily the requirements of the extension service. Director Hutcheson outlined these requirements, and we were informed by the rector of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute that this institution could meet the conditions and carry on the work in an acceptable way.

The Board directed that an inspection of the institution be made by Director Hutcheson with a view to seeing if the facilities available there would be satisfactory. His report being favorable, the transfer of the extension activities for Negroes from Hampton Institute to the Virginia State College for Negroes (the General Assembly of 1930 having changed the name) was promptly effected. The attitude of the authorities of Hampton Institute as to this matter is worthy of high commendation. We are assured that they will continue to give us their hearty cooperation as needed in this work.

Radio Broadcasting

Beginning January 6, 1930, this college has regularly broadcast a program from 12:30 to 1:00 p. m., daily, through Station WDBJ, of Roanoke, by connection with our studios in the tower of the War Memorial Hall. This time has been generously placed at our disposal by the owners of the Roanoke station, the Richardson-Wayland Electrical Corporation. Our studios are fairly well equipped, and there is evidence that our programs reach a large number of people, covering practically every part of Virginia and neighboring states. For the most part our broadcast material represents brief talks by members of the various instructional departments of the college, experiment stations and extension divisions, on subjects lying within their special fields of teaching or research. In addition, musical numbers by campus groups and other local talent, are frequently offered. A carefully worked out and balanced schedule of programs is published at the beginning of each quarter. All who take parts on our programs do so voluntarily and without compensation; and we are grateful to them for their valuable assistance.

Building Projects Completed

During the past year we have completed a number of major physical plant improvements. The central heating and power plant, the largest of these projects, was completed, equipped, and put into operation early in the year. Patton Engineering Hall was completed, partially equipped, and occupied last fall. The dormitory for non-military students was completed, with the exception of the top floor, and occupied during the college year. The University Club completed and occupied its comfortable house. The addition to the student hospital was completed and put into use. Fireproofing of the stairways and corridors in the old barrack buildings was completed during the summer. Our water and sewer lines were considerably extended and in some cases old lines were replaced and enlarged. The remaining unimproved wing of our main dairy barn was remodelled and equipped. A horse barn and two silos for the main dairy barn have been completed. Additional work has been in progress on the stadium, which will soon result in doubling its seating capacity.

Minor improvements and various repair items are too numerous to mention. In a plant of this size and kind a large amount of repair work is necessary every year. Fortunately we have been able to do a fair amount of landscaping and planting on our campus during the year, but the protracted drought has caused considerable injury.

New Building Projects

The budget provides for a dairy products building, a mechanical engineering laboratory, and the completion of the top floor of the non-military dormitory. In a conditional group of appropriations provision is made for a physics building, the first unit of an agricultural engineering building, and certain additions to Davidson Hall; but at this time it appears doubtful as to whether these items will be available.

Contracts have been made for the dairy products building and its fixed equipment, amounting to a total of approximately $160,000, including fees of architects and engineers and bonds required of contractors. To this must be added at least $5,000 for additional equipment. The appropriation being only $150,000, the governor’s authorization was sought to exceed the appropriation by $15,000 with the understanding that this amount would be provided from general operating funds of the institution. This authorization was granted and the construction is now under way.

Contracts have been made for the mechanical engineering laboratory building, amounting to a total of approximately $27,000, including fees of architects. The appropriation for building and equipment is $50,000, so that approximately $23,000 will be available for the equipment, which is naturally very expensive. It is hoped that much of the necessary equipment may be secured by gift or at greatly reduced prices, so that our laboratory will be well equipped. Construction of the building will begin soon.

Contracts have been made for completing the dormitory for non-military students, amounting to a total of approximately $18,000, including fees of architects and engineers. The appropriation, made from funds borrowed on the Noell plan, was $25,000, thus leaving approximately $7,000 for equipping the building and providing other necessary and desirable items. In this way not only the 42 rooms of the top floor will be completed but eight additional rooms will be provided on the first floor, making a total of 108 rooms in this building.

In addition to the amount made available on the Noell plan for the completion of the new dormitory, the sum of $12,500 was provided for improvements in the old barrack buildings, chiefly for the installation of clothes closets in the bedrooms. Contract for this portion of the work was made at a total of $7,500. The remainder of the available amount will be used a little later.

Heating Connections

It is necessary to extend our central heating system lines to the proposed dairy products and agricultural engineering buildings, and in doing so to go by Agricultural Hall and connect that and the Extension Building to the central system. It is also very desirable to connect Davidson Hall with the central system via Agricultural Hall. Unless this be done additional boiler capacity will have to be provided for the additions to Davidson Hall and the proposed Physics Building, and that will be both difficult and expensive.

Proposals received for these heating connections, including electrical ducts, engineers’ fees and estimated contingencies, amounted to a total of approximately $24,000. The available funds for such work amount to $7,000. It was, therefore, decided to make contract for as much of the work as could be done within the sum, and to ask the governor to authorize the use of an amount not to exceed $17,000 from the contingent group of appropriations in the budget. If such authorization be secured, the lowest bidder, to whom a partial contract has been awarded, will be directed to proceed with the entire project.

An Outstanding Need

Attention has been called to the overcrowded condition of the dining hall and the necessity for taking the only auditorium of the college for additional dining-room space. The auditorium is not large enough to accommodate the present student-body, and in view of the need for additional dining-room space, the only feasible plan seems to be to devote this hall entirely to dining hall purposes as a permanent arrangement. It must be recognized that it is a great handicap to the college not to have an auditorium where its students may be assembled frequently during the year for various purposes. In fact, such a hall is considered to be indispensable at all colleges, and even high schools. It cannot be too strongly urged, therefore, that a suitable auditorium is an outstanding building need of this institution, and should be supplied at the earliest possible date.

In planning an auditorium, future as well as present needs should be considered. Within the next two or three years the normal increase in student enrolment will mean at least 1,800 students here, with about 400 staff members, and probably at least 800 townspeople, parents of students, alumni and other friends of the institution, to be accommodated in an auditorium. Within a ten-year period there can be no question that this total number will be increased to at least 3,500, and surely ten years is not too far to look ahead in providing a building of this type in an institution such as this one.

The only social service center on our campus is the Y. M. C. A., and its building is comparatively small and greatly overtaxed. Recently a thorough survey was made as to this side of our campus life, and this is very convincing that one of our greatest needs is an adequate social service building. It has, therefore, occurred to me that our best plan would be to provide a combined auditorium and social service building. This would naturally be an expensive project, the most ambitious we have attempted, but I am inclined to think it would be more economical than to erect two buildings.

Faculty Salaries

In the application of our present scale for salary increases it has been customary to apply it automatically and almost without variation on a basis of length of service. It seems desirable that future salary increases shall be based upon merit rather than merely upon the number of years an individual has occupied a position. This merit basis would, of course, include such factors as better preparation through graduate study, research, etc., and the efficiency shown, results produced, etc., in the position.

Biennial Budget Of Requests, 1930-32

The budget of requests for the biennium 1930-32 was submitted to the Governor prior to September 15, 1929. As is well known, the budget of this institution is voluminous and involved. For this reason an attempt has been made to analyze and summarize it in the tables which form a part of this report. These tables relate to the college proper, as the budgets of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Agricultural Extension Division were presented separately by their respective directors.

Table I -- Summary of Biennial Budget Requested for 1930-32

(Compared with preceding biennium)

*These amounts representing profit or unallocated credits are to be deducted from the amount requested.
†The amount appropriated was $1,242,535, of which 5400,000 was loaned under the Noell Act plan.

Table II -- Capital Outlay and Special Items in Requested Budget, 1930-32

(Amounts include both years)

Support Of The Budget

One of the most encouraging events of our experience, in my estimation, was the meeting here of a group of leaders representing the large agricultural organizations and interests of Virginia. This committee was appointed by the Agricultural Conference Board of Virginia, an organization consisting of officially designated representatives of the various agricultural commodity organizations and the other farm organizations of our state. The purpose was to go over with us the budget of requests we were to present to the governor for the coming biennium for the various activities of this institution in all of its departments and divisions, not merely those of an agricultural type, altho those are of course of primary concern to this group. An entire day was given to an explanation and discussion of these budget matters. I feel most grateful for this added interest in our institution and its service to the people of our state.

In this connection, it may be of interest to call attention to the action of the Board of Directors of our General Alumni Association. This board met in Richmond on September 20, and was attended by the following members:

E. W. Allen, vice-president in charge of engineering, General Electric Company, Schenectady, N. Y.; E. P. Waller, manager railway department, General Electric Company, Schenectady, N. Y.; Donaldson Brown, vice-president in charge of finance, General Motors Corporation, New York City; J. Thompson Brown, vice-president duPont-de Nemours Company, Wilmington, Delaware; Gordon Lefebvre, vice-president in charge of operation, Oakland Motor Car Company, Pontiac, Michigan; J. B. Huffard, vice-president in charge of purchases, Union Carbide and Carbon Company, New York City; W. E. Wine, president Wine Railway Appliance Company, Toledo, Ohio; C. K. Payne, vice-president Kanawha National Bank, Charleston, West Virginia; F. P. Turner, principal assistant engineer, Norfolk and Western Railway Company, Roanoke, Virginia; Lawrence Priddy, insurance, New York City; D. G. Robson, cotton linter, Memphis, Tennessee.

This board had a conference with the governor, and endeavored to impress upon him the necessity for increasing the salary schedule at the institution in order that the highest type of professional and technical men might be secured and held on our various staffs. The following resolutions were adopted and presented to the governor:

“WHEREAS, it is deemed of the greatest importance for Virginia to maintain a high order of education available for her sons, to the end that the state may continue to enjoy its preeminent position in the contribution of man-power to the industrial and economic progress of the country; and,

“WHEREAS, the contribution of V. P. I. to this cause has been outstanding as applying in directions in which the institution is particularly equipped; as, for example, agriculture, engineering in the several branches, and applied science; and,

“WHEREAS, recent observations have given to this Board of Directors of the Alumni Association convincing evidence of the high quality of service being performed at V. P. I. under the present administration; and,

“WHEREAS, it seems imperative that increases of salaries be allowed for the teaching staff so that a suitable quality of professors and assistants can be maintained; and,

“WHEREAS, it seems of almost equal importance that the equipment be extended, particularly in the engineering departments, so that the facilities offered at V. P. I. may be more nearly in line with the standards afforded by the higher grade of institutions outside of the state of Virginia,

“THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alumni Association record its approval and hearty support of the present administration of V. P. I.; and,

“FURTHER RESOLVED that there be conveyed to the governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia our earnest appeal for favorable consideration of the biennial budget submitted by V. P. I. for the years 1930-32.”

Attention is especially directed to the personnel of this alumni board. It would be difficult to assemble a more impressive group, particularly from the industrial and commercial standpoint. Attention has been called to the representative agricultural group which came to the college in June and went over with us the portions of the budget of requests relating to the agricultural phases of the institution. An institution is indeed fortunate when it can enlist the active interest of such men as compose these two groups. We are deeply appreciative of their efforts in our behalf.

The Biennial Budget As Approved

The biennial budget for 1930-32 as recommended by the governor and passed by the General Assembly contains the following amounts for this institution:

Table III -- Appropriations

Compared with the state appropriations for the 1928-30 biennium these recommendations are as follows:

Table IV -- Comparison of Appropriations

From the tables it is to be noted that, crediting our institutional revenue against the amounts allowed for operation shows an increase of $83,240 for the biennium in the state appropriation allowed for operation. The increase in the state appropriation for capital outlays is $220,270, not including the amount loaned for capital outlays in 1928-30. In the last biennium we were allowed to borrow from the literary fund $400,000, while for the new biennium we are allowed $37,000 by such loans. Because of this the actual total available for capital outlays during 1930-32 is $142,730 less than the total which was available in 1928-30.

The following are the more important special items included in the recommended budget:

Table V -- Special Items

The increase in the state appropriation for operation of the college is about ten per cent over the 1928-30 biennium; while the increases for the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Extension Division are each about twenty per cent. The college increase does little more than enable us to proceed on our present program; but the increases for the other two divisions will permit substantial enlargement of the work. The governor stated that he had in mind, in increasing the latter two amounts, provision for carrying out the recommendations of the State Agricultural Commission, and it is gratifying to know that substantial progress may be made in this direction of our research and extension activities.

Finances And Business Management

Financial statements covering the year closed February 28, 1930, are presented; and from these it will be seen that the institution closed its last budget year in excellent financial condition. We have operated well within our income, and at the same time have paid for the completion of Patton Engineering Hall out of our own revenues during the year to an amount of approximately $40,000. During the ten years of the present administration we have never had to go to the governor or the General Assembly with a deficit, yet we have been able to use for capital outlays a comparatively large amount of our own revenues from sources other than the state treasury. We always operate on a safe margin and have a good working balance at the end of each year.

Tables VI and VII give financial and business statements concerning the year closed February 28, 1930.

Table VIII is a financial statement for the year 1929-30 arranged to include the interdepartmental business as well as the regular budget items, as a basis for the proposed budget for tho) year beginning July 1, 1930.

A consolidated balance sheet as at February 28, 1930, is presented in Table IX. This shows an increase of $254,578 in our assets and an increase of $242,102 in unencumbered investment in physical plant, as compared with the preceding year.

Table X is a financial statement for the period of four months which intervened between the close of the last fiscal year, February 28, and the beginning of the newly adopted fiscal year, July 1. Hereafter the budget year will extend from July 1 in each year through June 30 of the succeeding year.

Table VI -- Financial Statement for the Year March 1, 1929-February 28, 1930

(For regular budget only-not including interdepartmental)

(A) Total receipts (column 2) exceeded total disbursements (column 5) by 567,120, the gross balance on March 1, 1930.
(B) Accounts receivable and gross balance on hand March 1, 1930 (column 3) exceed accounts payable (including $16,970 of federal funds paid in advance and reserved for expenditure March 1-June 30, 1930) by $44,391, which is the net balance on hand March 1, 1930 (column 6).
(C) Total disbursements, accounts payable and federal funds reserved, for 1929-30 (column 7) amount to less than the total revenue (column 4) by $44,391, which is the net balance on hand March 1, 1930.

Table VII -- Business Statement for the Year March 1, 1929-February 28, 1930

(For regular budget only-not including interdepartmental)

The net revenue produced in 1929-30 (column 5) is the total receipts (column 3) less the accounts receivable at the beginning of the year (column 2) plus the accounts receivable at the end of the year (column 4).
The inventory (columns 6 and 7) includes only supplies on hand for early consumption and nothing of a permanent nature, thus being essentially the same as ca8h on band for operation, and it might be properly included in the gross balance in Table II. This, therefore, is a substantial working margin, or reserve.

Table VIII -- Financial Statement for the Year March 1, 1929-February 28, 1930

(Including interdepartmental transactions)

This table is similar to Table VI but includes also the interdepartmental transactions, and is put here in different form in order to furnish a basis for the budget for the year beginning July 1, 1930, as shown in Table XIII. It is to be considered in connection with Table XI, which represents the budget for the four months March I-June 30, 1930, the period between the old budget year and the beginning of the new budget year.

Table IX -- Consolidated Balance Sheet-As at February 28, 1930

(Exclusive of Agricultural Experiment Station and Agricultural Extension Division)

Table X -- Financial Statement for the Period March 1-June 30, 1930

(Including interdepartmental transactions)

This table is similar to Table VIII, and is made to cover the transition period of four months between the end of former fiscal years and the beginning of the newly adopted fiscal year.

Working Budget For 1930-31

The working budget for the period beginning March 1, 1930, is presented in unusual form. The state changed its budget year to begin July 1 instead of March 1 each year, hence it became necessary to make two budgets, one for the four months from March 1, 1930 through June 30, 1930, and the other from July 1, 1930 through June 30, 1931.

The working budget for the four months period, March 1 - June 30, 1930, is presented in Tables XI and XII. The footnotes explain these tables, particularly with respect to the balances.

The working budget for the year beginning July 1, 1930 is presented in Tables XIII and XIV. Special attention is called to the footnote for Table XIII. This indicates that it is proposed to hold in reserve two per cent of the entire amount estimated as revenue for the year, as protection against over-expenditure or shortage in receipts other than from state appropriations.

The capital outlay items which are provided conditionally in the appropriations made by the General Assembly are omitted from this budget. These items are all for purposes specifically designated in the appropriations act, hence if they are secured it is merely a matter of following the law.

Table XI -- Summary of Budget for the Four Months March 1-June 30, 1930

Amounts in column 2 cover amounts in columns 4 and 5, constituting the regular budget. In column 4 are included the special appropriations of 5150,000 for Dairy Building and 550,000 for Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, $12,400 out of the special appropriation of $70,000 for additional equipment, and $I7,750 from the balance of 144,392 brought over from 1929-30. These amounts together with the accounts payable of 510,969 are covered by the amounts listed in column 2. Columns 3 and 6 are purely interdepartmental transactions and must balance. Column 7 represents total of all estimated expenditures, which are covered by columns 2 and 3. The reserve balance of $I03,398 is made up of 119,156 from operating funds, 157,600 of the 570,000 special appropriation for additional equipment, and $26,642 of the balance of $44,392 brought over from 1929-110.

Table XII -- Allocations for the Four Months March 1-June 30, 1930

Above amounts are for regular budget except 88 shown in column 6 and included in totala. of column 7.
These allocations are all included in Table X.
A-Salaries, wages, and special payments; B-Repairs, light, heat, power, travel, transportation, communication, printing, etc.; C-Food, fuel, laboratory, office, and other supplies; D-Building, highway, and other materials; E-Office, laboratory, and other equipment (in column 3 for replacements, in column 4 for new additions); F-Buildings and other structures, land and land improvements (pipe-lines, roads, walks, fences, etc.); G-Rent, insurance, and refunds; I-Interest; J-Rotary funds. In column 6 the amounts include a few capital outlay items in addition to the operation items.

Table XIII -- Summary of Budget for the Year July 1, 1930-June 30, 1931