The Ronan Pioneer

Presents Resignation to Education Board to Take Effect at Close of Fiscal Year.

Dr. M. A. Brannon, for ten years chancellor of the Greater University, resigned Friday, asking to be relieved at the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1933.

Taking cognizance of action of the senate in passing a measure abolishing the office of chancellor and of a house committee amendment to the bill stating its object to be abolishment of the office, and providing that the board might appoint executive officers for terms not to exceed two years.

Dr. Brannon, who was given a five-year contract by the state board of education last year was the target at which senate debate on the measure was aimed. Supporters of the bill asserted that the board of education was "dominated" by the chancellor and objection was registered to the salary paid. The senate was told that Dr. Brannon last year relinquished $1,000 of his salary when a 10 per cent reduction was made in operating costs for the University group and had indicated an intention to give up another $3,000 a year after the appropriation committee of the house had determined to reduce appropriations for the group about one-third as compared with those of two years ago.

Dr. Brannon, in comment, said he "hoped the state would retain the chancellorship system," expressing the view that its abolishment would be a "definite retreat for higher education in Montana."

Dr. Brannon organized the school of medicine at the University of North Dakota and was dean from 1905 to 1911 and was dean of the college of liberal arts at the same institution from 1911 to 1914. He became president of the University of Idaho in 1914 and of Beloit college in 1917, holding the latter position until he came here.

He was graduated from Wabash college, received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Chicago and of Doctor of Laws from Whitman college, Walla Walla, Washington.

Under the Montana system, the chancellor is an executive officer of the State Board of Education and supervises the outlining of courses at the various units of the University so as to avoid unnecessary duplication wherever possible.

He also, with the aid of the presidents, deans and directors of the units, set up a budget for each activity for presentation to the Board of Education. It is in this field that Dr. Brannon contends the chancellor system makes for "cooperation" and lessens "competition."

Another of the chancellor's duties is to provide a list of qualified administrators and instructors from which vacancies may be filled. Thus, he has the power to make recommendations regarding the personnel of the staffs of the units.

Helena, Feb. 7—The Montana House of Representatives today recommended for passage a bill to abolish the office of chancellor of the Greater University of Montana and permit the Board of Education to hire a business manager at a limited salary.