The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-12
FINDS FUNDS ARE1 AMPLE IN ARKANSAS.
pr. Gray Declares AgricuI- tural Extension Work In
 Alabama HamStrunq

AUBURN, Ala. Nov. 11.-(Spe- cial )-Lack of sufficient funds with which to carry on agricultural teach and assurance of ample funds to go ahead without halt in Arkansas, are the chief reasons assigned by Prof. Dan T. Gray for resigning his posi- ton as director of the Alabama eX- pertinent station and dean of the agricultural college here to become dean of the college. of agriculture of the University of Argansas and di- rector of the Arkansas experiment station and extension service.
 Failure of the last legislature to provide for the educational needs Of the institutions of higher learning, particularly those having to do with agricultural teaching and research affairs, was given as cause for doubt in the mind of Dean Gray as to the "deep-seated interest of the people of Alabama in agricultural education and research" He ex- presses hts high appreciation of President Dowell, saying: Under your wise and sympathetic guidance I have very greatly enjoyed planning and executing the work Of the Agrl- cultural college"
 In accepting his resignation, Presi- dent Dowell speaks briefly of the return of Dean Gray from North Carolina to the position which he IS Tesigning, makes mention of the pleasant relationships which they have had as co-workers, and adds: "As eeply as l regret to see you go, it may be that tie shock which VIII come from your removal will crystal lize sentiment to such a degree that when the legislature meets agaln, IL will place Auburn in position or relative equality with like insttu- tions in sister states"
 Prof. NJ. J. Funchess, vice dean Of the agricultural college, was nameo acting dean and director for the re- mainder of the present scholastic year, which ends June 30, 1924.
 Dean Gray's resignation follows: President Spright Dowell, Auburn
 Alabama.
 Dear MT Dowell: As you know, the authorities of the University or Arkansas recently offered me the position of dean of the agricultural college and director of the experi- ment station and extension servlce or that university.
 After thorough study of the opportunities presented by the AT kansas institution, 1 came to the conclusion that that institution or fers greater opportunities for service than does this one. wish, tnereIore' that you would accept my resigna. tion, effective January 1, 1924, II that date harmonizes with instrtu- tional efficiency.
 q cannot fittingly express to you my regret in making this change. came back to Auburn something over two years ago thinking that l Woulo remain here throughout the rest oI my educational career. NO other thought entered my mind. If supse- uuent developments had been in keep ing with what the friends of Auburn anticipated and had right to ex- pect, nothing would have gwen me more pleasure than to have remained here and assisted you in developing your magnificent educational pro- gram The failure of the legislature, however, to provide for the educa- tional needs of our institutions of higher learning, particularly those phases having to do With agrleul- tural teaching and research atfalrs raises very great Goubt in my mlno as to the dee pzSeated7 interest of our people in agricultural education ano research. When I look about l sec that our neighboring states are all going ahead with the agricultural type of industrial education. At the same time, we are standing stlll' And I am afraid that l am not the type of worker who can undergo d four-year educational hibernatlng period and come out at the end from under it's deadening influences. The position at the University of Arkan- sas affords me an opportunity to go ahead without a halt. In justice to myself, and to my family, l conse- quently feel that I must make the change.
 'l cannot close this letter without expressing appreciation of you ana Nour leadership. As far as the small funds available would permit you nave supported me and the agrlcui- turaI organization in every possible way. Under your wise and sympa- thetic guidance l very greatly en- joyed planning and executing the work of the agricultural college From an organization standpoint, the agricultural college and experiment station are in satisfactory condition "a condition for which the members of the organization deserve chief credit, especially Professor Funchess the vice dean, to whom l always turned for good sound advice and council, and upon whom l leaned heavily and continuously.
 MCIAI QoO mn ODD