In December 1909 Samuel Avery was elected chancellor of the University. The election was met with surprise because his name had rarely been mentioned in discussion of candidates (Manley). He was simply average in appearance and attitude, took no great risks, and viewed the chancellorship as "custodial, not visionary" (Knoll). Although devoted to Nebraska, his policy for the University was unimaginative and routine and did little to help Nebraska retain its reputation as a prominent university.