A Piece of SCS History

Each month we will add a "Piece of History" about the School of Continuing Studies to expand your knowledge and appreciation of your Journeys in Lifelong Learning as a member of the School of Continuing Studies family, whether as a student, alumni, faculty or staff member. Understanding where we have come from will help us take pride in recognizing the opportunities presented by our Odyssey - Journeys in Lifelong Learning at SCS.

A FREE copy of Odyssey - Journeys in Lifelong Learning is available. Call 804-289-8133 or e-mail us and we will send you a copy of a numbered, limited edition book about the history of SCS.

Introduction (Continued)

During 1968, University College expanded its educational program. The college initiated a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in economics, English and history. The college offered certificates in accounting, banking, economics, management, personnel, finance, marketing, retailing, transportation, insurance and real estate.

In addition to its other achievements, the school had created its own culture. Early on, students began quipping that they attended UCLA: University College Lombardy Annex. Working together to shape University College forged strong bonds between faculty, staff and alumni. Years later, representatives of all three groups remembered fondly the sense of "family" that existed on the downtown campus.

On July 1, 1968, two venerable Richmond institutions - the Medical College of Virginia and Richmond Professional Institute - merged to form Virginia Commonwealth University. Ironically, on that same day, Dr. James A. Moncure became dean of University College. The creation of this new institution would have tremendous impact on University College and on higher education in the city. Virginia Commonwealth University could offer more courses at lower fees. As a private institution, University College could not offer competitive pricing.

Adding to the already tense atmosphere at University College was the opening of J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. As part of the statewide community college system, this institution charged lower fees and appealed directly to the same students served by University College.

From 1968 to 1973 University College tried to compete with Virginia Commonwealth University and J. Sergeant Reynolds. Moncure continued to promote the school, support students and bolster morale. However, no amount of enthusiasm or commitment could alter the competitive pressure. University College could neither match the lower fees of the state schools nor offer the same range of courses and programs. Students began leaving University College. By 1973, major changes were clearly needed. In order to ensure its survival, University College relocated to the University's West End campus.

University College underwent significant changes in 1974. The school closed the Junior College, which had lost many students to new state universities in central Virginia. University College also moved from its downtown location to the University of Richmond's suburban campus.

For everyone at the school, the changes were as difficult as they were unavoidable. Although those who served the college in 1974 remember the period's low morale, sadness and confusion, the situation was not as desperate as it could have been. The University of Richmond's administration chose to keep University College open. Administrators reassured the remaining students that they could complete their education and that University College would continue to be an important part of the University of Richmond.

The University also signaled its commitment to University College by naming a new dean. In 1974, Moncure accepted an offer to join Elon College's staff in Elon, North Carolina. His successor, Dr. Max C. Graeber, had already served the University of Richmond as a speech professor, debate coach and director of summer school. Graeber came to the University of Richmond after earning his bachelor's degree (1952) from Indiana University and his master's degree (1965) and doctorate (1973) from Bowling Green State University. Before entering the academic world of teaching and administration, Graeber's early experience included formal debate (he was captain of his undergraduate team), small business management (he opened several different retail ventures), and Virginia politics (he remained active throughout his professional life and retirement).

Once established on the main campus, University College's structure and programs changed significantly over the next two decades as it became home to several activities -- Evening School, Summer School, the Institute for Business and Community Development and the off-campus School of Christian Studies. For example, the college's Master of Commerce degree was transferred in 1976 to the School of Business Administration where it served as the nucleus for the Master of Business Administration degree. The Institute for Business and Community Development also relocated to the School of Business in 1976 and was renamed The Management Institute. In addition, University College phased out the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts degrees by 1981.

(...more next issue)

Did you miss an installment? Visit scs.richmond.edu/history for a printable version of the entire series.