The Bismarck Tribune

Shepperd President Wants to Carry Life's Work If and When He Does Resign

Fargo, N. D., May 25.-(P)-Dr. J. H. Shepperd Tuesday announced he was ready to retire as president of the North Dakota Agricultural college whenever a "suitable successor" could be obtained.

His desire is to be transferred back to the department of animal husbandry, where his earlier research activities had gained him national recognition.

He has been president since Sept. 1, 1928, and has been connected with the institution since Nov. 1, 1893.

Members of the alumni association called on Dr. Shepperd Monday as a result of persistent rumors there would be a change at the college after July 1.

Dr. Shepperd said that, in the event of his retirement, he would wish to continue in the service of the state and college as president emeritus and associate animal husbandman, a field to which he has devoted his life.

"There have been continued and persistent rumors throughout the state since early in the year that a change is contemplated in the office of president," Dr. Shepperd said.

"Such action would not be personally unwelcome to me. My service as president has been during some of the most difficult years the institution and the state have had to face. During this time it has become necessary for me to lay aside almost entirely my work in animal husbandry, always my principal interest."

Members of the alumni association are primarily interested, in view of Dr. Shepperd's announcement, in his successor.

The alumni board, in a statement of its position, declared:

"The alumni association, as represented by the board, called on Dr. Shepperd to discuss the long continued rumors that a change in the presidency is contemplated. If there is to be a change, the board is anxious that the matter be given open consideration immediately and that whoever succeeds Dr. Shepperd is a man eminently qualified and desirous to carry on the work of the institution on the high plane on which it has always functioned.

"The alumni board stressed the point that qualifications and ability of the highest order would be the tests it would apply to any candidate if and in the event its advice were sought."

July 1 marks the close of the term on the board of administration of R. M. Rishworth, whose re-appointment by Gov. William Langer is not expected. With the advent of a new administration appointee, the complexion of the board becomes completely pro-administration and upon organization of the board after July 1 it has been anticipated that several changes in institutional management might be effected, among them that at the agricultural college.

Openly gossiped for some weeks has been the name of Seed Commissioner E. M. Gillig to succeed Dr. Shepperd.

What effect his announcement may have on the proposition of Gillig succeeding to the office is not at once clear. The possibility that the board, as now composed, may take advantage of Dr. Shepperd's proposal to retire voluntarily at any time and name a successor before July 1 was the angle which threw the situation into an uncertain light.