The Stellar Seventies
The need for growth in the 1960s was ever more present in the 1970s as the University required further development to withstand the broadening interest in the school. By early 1970, some faculty were required to share offices and there was far too little space per student. The residences were already accomodating 400 students and a building proposal for twenty six million dollars over five years was a necessary proposal to accommodate the anticipated University population. This expedited expansion of the last six years soon became unsustainable and the University was experiencing difficulty. Brock University soon found itself in a tug of war between space requirements and budget constraints. Eventually, the University had to slow down the development plan to maintain the current offerings.
Brock University Campus, January 1970
University Affairs Committee Meeting, 25 November 1971
Although the 70s began with intense budgetary pressures, the University continued outreach efforts in the community. This included continued recruitment, but also collaboration with all levels of education in the region. Local elementary schools were encouraged to join in with departments like the Geological Sciences to participate in class projects.
The enrollment issues became a substantial focus during this decade and a "task force" was established to pinpoint changes/adaptations that could be instituted to sustain the University. Near the end of the decade, the University was encountering competition from other schools and the "new" way of reaching potential students was increasingly challenging. In an article from 3 December 1976, the article reads "In the past, Brock University's recruitment efforts have been low-key, involving little more than a limited direct mail program, unsophisticated slide shows and a three month high school tour by a liaison officer. Recently the university has become more aggressive...The trend is clear: The merchandising of individual colleges and universities is now vigorous..."
Department of Geological Sciences, 2 December 1971
Canadian Education Showplace, January 1970
Senate Task Force Proposal, 4 January 1973
Brock Information Booths in Malls, February 1976
Throughout this decade, there were several significant changes in administration coinciding with the ten year anniversary of the University. In 1973, Dr. James A. Gibson announced his retirement as President of Brock University. In the interim, Dr. Alan Earp fulfilled the role as acting President until the Summer of 1974 when it was announced that he was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor for a five-year term.
In addition to the role change of President, there was the replacement of Chancellor in 1974 as the term of Dr. Charles A. Sankey ended. Dr. Cecil Shaver, the Superintendant of the Niagara Peninsula Sanatoriam, became the third Chancellor of Brock University and remained in the position until 1981.
Dr. Alan Earp, President of Brock University 1974-1987
Brock President Appointed, April 1974
Dr. Cecil Shaver, Brock University Chancellor 1974-1981