Washburn University - Kaw Yearbook (Topeka, KS)

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New president cites u11ive1'sity's role WE HAVE no visions of quantitive bigness, nor have we aims for Washburn to be all Things to all people. . . . We envision our responsibilities as a university, steeped in glorious tradition as a liberal arts college, yet geared for progress as a universi- ty, said Dr. John W. Henderson in his installation address in October. Taking the reigns as WU's tenth president as she plunges into her second century, Dr. Henderson has already made significant changes in administrative policies and procedures. His chief emphasis during his first year as Wash- burn's top administrator was on increased and improved communications among the Washburn family of faculty, regents, alumni, students, and friends. The establishment of a President's Round- table at which representatives from all areas of University life meet to talk over issues and ideas affecting the University as a whole, and the close- ly-coordinated Student and Faculty Goals commit- tees were proiects initiated this year to increase unity and encourage interaction. Another aim of Dr. 14 Henderson's is to popularize library study. We must emphasize a 'book centeredness' on this cam- pus which stresses the importance of the library as every student's essential laboratory and it will need to be equipped accordingly. Not stopping with University facilities, however, Dr. Henderson also proposed to all campus living groups a plan for building paperback libraries in their respective housing units. Groups are encouraged to invest in books selected with the assistance or final approval of a faculty adviser. Any funds invested are matched by the University for further expansion of their planned program. President Henderson has also expressed his belief in the strengthening and improvement of faculty. One responsibility a Uni- versity president assumes is the task of maintaining an environment where creativity can be nurtured and where mutual trust exists among faculty and staff. Colleagues must have a free and open ex- change of knowledge in their serious concern for professional growth, Dr. Henderson maintains.

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. For a universit to row to maturity as Washburn acadernlcs has done in the las?century, a dedicated faculty must nurture the seed of knowledge through foresight and diligent labor. This can only be accomplished by co- operation among faculty in the various departments and where these faculty are guided by an able administration. Selected by a Board of Regents who actively support it, the administration realizes the importance of the role it plays-that of a control center where all university problems may be channeled and thereby be cared for in an organized and professional manner. Men and women who compose such a nerve center are of necessity vibrant, capable people who at every moment have expectant fingers on the pulse of Washburn's vital workings, both now and in anticipation of years to come.

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Officials direct, interpret WU policies IN ACTION relating to the area of budget control, the Board of Regents last fall added a S2 parking improvement fee to students' statements of charges at enrollment to help defray expenses of new parking areas constructed during the summer months. Final plans were approved on the Fine Arts building and commencement was the date set for ground-breaking ceremonies. We are also making an all-out effort to strengthen the faculty, says Chairman F. G. Weid- ilng. Headed by Weidling, the ten-member board includes local business and professional men and has as an ex-officio member, Topeka mayor Charles W. Wright, Jr. F. G. Weidling -ani 5 ff WITH HIS appointment last fall as Assistant to the President, Gerald K. Barker assumed direct responsibility to President Henderson for adminis- tering public relations, alumni affairs, informational services, and the Centennial Development program at Washburn. According to Dr. Henderson, He assists the president in his program of closer rela- tionships with business, industry, government agen- cies, university friends, and alumni. Barker was previously Director of Public Relations except for a two-year leave to organize WU's Educational Television proiect, KTWU, Channel II. His duties as Assistant to the President include editing the alumni magazine, The Alumnus, which is published four times a year, and handling public- ity releases to all news media. Mr. Barker and his assistants coordinated the Centennial Homecoming parade last October and made arrangements for the annual senior breakfast held prior to commencement. His de- partment also sets performances forthe Washburn Belles, a singing group of thirteen girls sponsored by the Alumni Association. In cooperation with alumni representatives, Mr. Barker assists in the selection of an Outstanding Junior, a scholarship award made annually to the person who is iudged to excel in the areas of activities, scholarship, and service to the University. Gerald K. Barker I '15