Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, RG 1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
8.4 Cubic Feet 12 boxes
Creator:
Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. Board of Visitors, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Board of Visitors, Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Board of Visitors, and Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Board of Trustees
Abstract:
The Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors includes unofficial minutes, correspondence, reports, Executive Committee minutes and reports, material from and about individual members of the Board, and reports to the Board of Visitors.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, RG 1, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors includes unofficial minutes, correspondence, reports, Executive Committee minutes and reports, material from and about individual members of the Board, and reports to the Board of Visitors.

Biographical / historical:

The legislation that created Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) provided for the establishment of a board of visitors as a governing body. Consisting of both appointed and ex-officio members, the board was empowered to select the president and faculty, determine salaries, handle all matters of discipline and student life, and be responsible for all property of the College.

Governor Gilbert C. Walker appointed the first board on March 19, 1872, the day he signed the bill creating the college, and the first meeting was held March 25 and 26 in Richmond. Board appointments are still made by the governor and subject to confirmation by the Virginia Senate. Since its inception, the board has been chaired by a Rector.

Various changes have occurred throughout the years concerning the composition of the board, primarily relating to number and qualifications of appointees and offices to be represented ex-officio. The first board was composed of nine appointed members, with the president of the State Agricultural Society and members of the State Board of Education serving ex-officio. The next year, the makeup was changed so only the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the president of the Agricultural Society served ex-officio. Later, the president of the Agricultural Society was eliminated as an ex-officio member, but the State Superintendent of Public Instruction remained until 1966. The president of the Board of Agriculture and Immigration (now Consumer Services) became an ex-officio member after 1902, now being the only ex-officio member serving with thirteen appointed members. Four non-voting members have been added to represent the faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

Acquisition information:
The Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors were transferred to Special Collections and University Archives prior to 1980. The Thomas S. Bocock Papers and General G. C. Wharton Paperswere received in 1955. Additional items were transferred in multiple accruals between 2003 and 2019.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors was completed in 2017. The processing, arrangement, and description of additions was completed in November 2019.

Arrangement:

This collection is divided by material type and RG subgroup number. Each subgroup is divided by RG subgroup number and chronologically.

Record Group Subgroups
  1. RG 1 - Student and Personnel Records
  2. RG 1/1 - Official Minutes
  3. RG 1/2 - Unofficial Minutes, Correspondence, and Supporting Materials
  4. RG 1/3 - Committees of the Board - Executive Committee
  5. RG 1/4 - Individual Members of the Board
  6. RG 1/5 - Administration and Governance Structure
  7. RG 1/7 - Annual Reports