McKay Finds Lack of Spirit At University

The Amherst student takes his work more seriously that does his Harvard counterpart, Donald C. McKay, former professor of History, claimed, as he gave reasons for abandoning his professorship here for a similar position at Amherst.

McKay cited "smaller classes in which the students take their work more seriously, and more freedom for research" as primary reasons for his acceptance of the Anson D. Morse Professorship at Amherst.

Amherst students are equal in ability to undergraduates here, McKay stated, but the Amherst men, "generally seem to take their work more seriously. In a smaller institution of this type, there is closer student-faculty contact and cooperation, resulting in a greater interest in the work."

Also, with a smaller amount of administrative duties and a lighter academic schedule than he had here, McKay said that he will have more time for his research programs than he did while at the University.

A Visiting Professor at Amherst this year, McKay said in an interview with the Amherst "Student" that his preference for small groups stemmed from his many years of tutorial and graduate advisory work at the University. He had taught at the University for 29 years.

In addition to the above reasons, McKay expressed great "delight" with the social and physical setting at Amherst.