The new President, when elected, was the editor of the Richmond _Christian Advocate_, of which he had been the proprietor, wholly or in part, for ten years. He was a leading man in the Virginia Conference, and largely acquainted with the ministers and people of the church in Virginia and elsewhere, having been a member of the General Conference for a number of sessions. He was in the full vigor of manhood. His education had been secured at the University of Virginia. Having been an active member of the Board for years, and frequently on important committees of the Board, and having lived in Ashland for a number of years, he was thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the College. He felt and appreciated the great purposes of its establishment and the capabilities which it might be endowed with by the action of the church. He also knew what a burden he was about to take up and carry--a burden which had taxed the energies and heart of his predecessor; but, hopeful and sanguine, he probably did not appreciate the full weight of the burden which was to test his heart and energies, in turn, to their utmost strain. It was well that he was hopeful and trustful. Dr. Bennett commenced his duties with the following colleagues in the Faculty December 1, 1877: Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., Professor of English and Modern Languages; Harry Estill, A. M., Professor of Mathematics; William A. Shepard, A. M., Professor of Chemistry; Charles Morriss, M. A., Professor of Greek and Latin. At a meeting of the Board, held in Baltimore, March, 1878, the Faculty was increased by the election of William Waugh Smith, A. M., to the chair of Moral and Mental Philosophy. Some time afterward he entered upon his duties as professor, and his connection, in some capacity, has continued to this day. Of his connection with the College more will be recorded further on in this narrative. [Illustration: GRAY CARROLL, _Sutherlin Medalist, 1878; District Solicitor, Little Rock, Ark._] At this meeting it was proposed to have published a memorial volume of the late President Duncan. That it was not done promptly, and in a manner worthy of him, is, and always will be, a source of regret to those who knew and loved him. This affords another instance and example of how little has been done to let the lives and labors of Virginia's gifted men speak after they are dead. Surely he was worthy of a fitting biography. [Illustration: RICHARD B. DAVIS, A. B., 1862., _Member Board of Trustees._] At the annual meeting, June, 1878, the President, in his annual report, gave the number of students in attendance as 141, from twelve different States. He reported a revival of religion as having occurred, with twenty converts among the students. [Illustration: FRANK NOLAND, _First "Pace" Medalist, 1878; Assistant Editor "Landmark."_]