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Brigham Young University. Office of the President

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1903-

Administrative History

The Office of the President (est. 1903) is the central administrative body at Brigham Young University, and is the direction of the university president.

Brigham Young University has had a president since Brigham Young Academy was changed to Brigham Young University in 1903. While the school was still called Brigham Young Academy the head officer was titled principal.

The Board of Trustees delegates to the university president the responsibility to conduct the operations of the institution and administer the policies enacted by the board. Since 1996, the president of the university has also been a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Past and present Brigham Young University presidents include George H. Brimhall (1903-1921), Franklin S. Harris (1921-1945), Howard S. McDonald (1945-1949), (acting president) Christian Jensen (1949-1951), Ernest L. Wilkinson (1951-1971), Dallin H. Oaks (1971-1980), Jeffrey R. Holland (1980-1989), Rex E. Lee (1989-1995), Merrill J. Bateman (1996-2003), Cecil O. Samuelson (2003-2014), Kevin J. Worthen (2014-2023), and C. Shane Reese (2023- ).

Citation:
Office of the President essays, circa 1985-1986

Brigham Young University, L. Tom Perry Special Collections worksheet, Feb. 4, 2010 (Office of the President; administrative office associated with the president of Brigham Young University)

Brigham Young University Web site, Feb. 4, 2010 (Office of the President; President's Office)

BYU Organizational History, Brigham Young University, Feb. 19, 2013 (BYU chief executive/general manager; University President 1903; BYA to BYU; Board of Trustees delegate responsibilities to University President; 1996 General Authority; past/present presidents George H. Brimhall (1903-1921), Franklin S. Harris (1921-1945), Howard S. McDonald (1945-1949), (acting president) Christian Jensen (1949-1951), Ernest L. Wilkinson (1951-1971), Dallin H. Oaks (1971-1980), Jeffrey R. Holland (1980-1989), Rex E. Lee (1989-1995), Merrill J. Bateman (1996-2003), and Cecil O. Samuelson (2003- ))

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President general records, 1945-1949

 Series
Identifier: UA 1087 Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains general files regarding McDonald's inauguration, the Board of Trustees, PTA, and a building proposal. Also includes files regarding faculty, including faculty applications and work samples, faculty members report, and appointment recommendations, 1945-1949.

Dates: 1945-1949

Office of the President records on history and celebrations, 1948-1960

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 23
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, memos and programs pertaining to celebrations and events between 1948 to 1960. The programs are for inaugurations of various university presidents, including Ernest L. Wilkinson.

Dates: 1948-1960

Office of the President records on inauguration, 1980

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1030 Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains records of President Holland's inauguration as the university president in 1980. Includes procedures, programs, and invitations for the inauguration and its related events. Also contains related speeches and congratulatory correspondence.

Dates: 1980

Office of the President records on inauguration of Rex E. Lee

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 812
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, recordings, and programs relating to the inauguration of Rex E. Lee as president of Brigham Young University. Dated 1989.

Dates: 1989

Office of the President reports and other material, 1971-1980

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1085 Series 13
Scope and Contents

Contains materials that are reports for specific events or congratulatory items sent to President Oaks on his being appointed president of Brigham Young University. Much of these materials are correspondence. Materials related to Title IX and the athletic programs are also included. These reports include correspondence to athletic program officials and also includes clipping and reports from Title IX proceedings across the country. Dates range from 1971 to 1980.

Dates: 1971-1980