University of Arkansas Commencement Address, 1947

13 cooperating with them as fully as possible in regional development. This region is rich in human and natural resources. Arkansas is only at the beginning of a potential industrial development. We can learn from other more developed regions, but we don't have to repeat all their mistakes. We ought to build an economy which makes for a stable, prosperous and satisfying life for our citizens; and a culture which has more richness and meaning than can be achieved by exclusive re- liance on the standards of Hollywood and the soap operas. If we keep our eye on the ball, and try to make the most of our own resources, developing them in the light of sound human values, we shall do our part in solving the universal problems of contemporary civilization. It is indeed out of this realistic, often pedestrian concern with practical issues that educational movements of greet scope and significance are most likely to come. I do not propose here to outline a detailed plan for the Uni- versity of Arkansas, but rather to express a faith and an attitude. At the opening of the autumn semester, I shall call on all of the faculties of the University to join with me in formulating a compre- hensive program for the future development of the University. We must chart a course for the future which will command the loyalty and enthusiasm of both faculty and students and place the University of Arkansas at the forefront of educational progress in this country. This program must be a practical plan which calls for action, not merely a paper plan or rigid blue-print. I distrust blue-prints in human affairs. Most of thern ignore the complexities of the situation, and leave too little room for the constructive participation of many minds, which is the strength of the democratic process. Moreover, makers of blue-prints are often reluctant to re-examine experience with the necessarily critical eye, so that changes can be made in the light of successes and failures. I believe that the Universit