MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
February 4, 1969
SPECIAL MEETING
PRESENT: Don Stevens, Chairman, Frank Merriman, Vice Chairman,
Frank Hartman, Kenneth W. Thompson, Blanche Martin.
ABSENT: Stephen S. Nisbet, Clair A. White, Warren M. Huff.
President John A. Hannah reported that he had been approached
to assume the position of Director of the Agency for International
Development which reports to the President of the United States
through the State Department; that he had concluded that the
position was of sufficient importance to the nation to require
his acceptance; that such a decision was compatible with the
best interests of Michigan State University; that, if appointed
and confirmed, he wanted to insure an orderly transition of
University responsibilities during the period required to
select a new president; and that details of the change in
administration should be determined by the Board of Trustees.
Following discussion by the entire Board, it was moved, seconded
and unanimously voted:
FIRST: That Dr. Hannah is granted permission
to continue negotiations with the President of the United
States, and the Secretary of State, and to accept appointment
as Director of the Agency for International Development, if
mutually satisfactory. It is understood that such an
appointment is subject to confirmation by the United States
Senate, and therefore, all provisions hereinafter specified
are conditional upon such appointment and confirmation.
SECOND: That Dr. Hannah continue as president of Michigan
State University through the end of the academic year which
concludes June 30, 1969. He shall devote weekends, and such
additional days as may be required, to satisfactorily conduct
the business of this institution. It will be expected that
he shall attend meeting of the Board of Trustees, participate
in legislative hearings, preside over Commencement ceremonies,
and attend functions important to the University. During the
time the President is absent from the University, the offices
of Vice President for Research Development and Advanced Graduate
Studies, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Vice President
for Special Projects, will report to the Provost.
THIRD: That the President shall continue on full
active status with the University through the end of the week
in which his appointment is confirmed by the Senate and he
has qualified with the oath of office. At such time as he
is eligible to receive the salary allocable to the Federal
position, the remainder of his salary for the balance of his
term shall be diverted to the fund for the John A. Hannah
Professorships. Nevertheless, all travel expenses incident
to his service rendered to the University will be paid by
the institution.
FOURTH: That effective July 1, 1969, Dr. Hannah shall be
granted terminal leave, with full pay, for the period ending
June 30, 1970, in accordance with the provisions of the retirement
system.
FIFTH: That Dr. Hannah's family shall have full rights of
occupancy to Cowles House until September 1969; subject, however,
to the contingency that earlier vacating may be required for
the convenience of his successor.
SIXTH: That, effective with the February 21, 1969 meeting
of the Board of Trustees, process for selecting a new president
shall be instituted, as required by Article IV of the Bylaws.
The Secretary and University Attorney were instructed to
prepare a press release, which is appended to these Minutes.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
PRESS RELEASE
East Lansing, Michigan
February 4, 1969
At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of Michigan
State University held this evening, it was unanimously voted
to grant the request of President John A. Hannah to continue
negotiations with the Federal Administration.
Should Dr. Hannah accept the position of Director of the
Agency for International Development, final details will be
worked out at the February 21 meeting of the Trustees.
(p. 351)