University of Arkansas Commencement Address, 1947

14 of Arkansas must maintain sufficient flexibility to serve the changing needs of the people of Arkansas, sufficient sensitivity to recognize those needs. But I also believe that the state will expect, and I am determined that it shall get, strong and decisive leadership from the university administration. Just as a democratic community expects expert leadership from the medical officers to whom it has entrusted the public health, it has a right to expect far-sighted and courageous leadership in matters concerning education from its university of- ficers. Both functions, public health and education, are delegated to the people most qualified to perform them. Both imply a rela- tionship of service, but not of servility. They must not only pro- vide for the needs of the state, but they must see further than the average citizen, and constantly raise the sights to a higher level of aspiration. It is the great value of a ceremony of this kind to remind us of these higher purposes, to give us perspective on our daily tasks. May I conclude, therefore, by repeating President Futrall's inspiring definition of university: "What is a university? A place where men and women of all ranks and conditions of society may come to partake of knowledge, in the discovery and con- servation of which the universities have for centuries had a primary part; a place for the gathering of individuals aflame with the desire to extend the boundaries of natural science, or to search deep into the humanities, as a means of furthering the happiness and well being of the race; a place chore the technique of the professions may be learned and high character developed; a place where prevail freedom of thought and the right to speak the truth. These are our ideals for the University of Arkansas.