As the spring of 1930 approached, Manwaring received a letter from the chairman of the Ricks Board of Education. President Romney had been granted a leave of absence and they wanted Manwaring to fill the position of Acting President. Hyrum received the impression that the assignment could lead to his elevation to be President. Although he felt an obligation because he was on leave from Ricks, Manwaring agonized over the decision. His studies were going well, the family had settled in to enjoy their new home and (most importantly) he was not at all sure the college would even survive. But he finally said "yes" anyway.