Birmingham Southern College - Southern Accent Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

Page 22 text:

President Completes Third Year: Academic and Physical Progress Evident. Cynicism and negativism were the prevailing cam- pus attitudes in 1963. Accepting the implied chal- lenge, Dr. Howard M. Phillips instituted a progres- sive program that has begun to operate on both the educational and physical level. In an effort to maintain top efficiency in every area, a reorganization of administrative offices was effected, and the acquisition of superior personnel in every position has been an object of major con- cern. In conjunction with his progressive develop- ment, the building and renovating program is an answer to the necessity of providing facilities equal to the greater stimulative challenge which higher education is providing. Aware that progress could too easily be instigated at the expense of the student. Dr. Phillips is con- cerned with maintaining the small campus atmos- phere of educational excellence and interpersonal relationship between educator and student. Wishing to avoid the critical appellation of administration- ism, he must insist, however, that academic free- dom cannot be maintained without self-discipline. To combine discernment with firmness is his objec- tive in realizing his goal of maintaining and surpass- ing the academic excellence which belongs to Birmingham -Southern.

Page 21 text:

ADMINISTRATION In effect, the administration of a college community is a service organization concerned with smooth and efficient operation. Considering the student as the ultimate determinant of edu- cational policy, the administration must not only cope with physical realities, but must delve into the intangible realm of attitude and atmosphere. This, then, is the most important but the most challenging aspect of administrative functioning. Progress must be their goal, but comprehen- sive insight must be their method.

Page 23 text:

The role of a college president is not faced with problems, but with challenges. The administration is a service organization — a service to both the faculty and students. The student is the central purpose of the college.