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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 6 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President invitations, 1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 48
Scope and Contents

Contians letters and memos from members of the community inviting President Wilkinson to various events. Also contains his responses either accepting or rejecting invitations. Dated 1963.

Dates: 1963

Office of the President records on assemblies, 1951-1957

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 7
Scope and Contents

Correspondence about devotionals and assemblies discussing attendance, speakers, preparations and results. Agendas and attendance reports included. Dated 1951 to 1957.

Dates: Record Keeping: 1951-1957

Office of the President records on assemblies, 1959

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 5 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos within BYU planning speakers and events. Dated 1959.

Dates: 1959

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 scheduling, 1951-1956

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 57
Scope and Contents

Contains memorandums and letters scheduling the use of campus buildings for university events as well as non-university events such as receptions, dated between 1951 to 1956.

Dates: 1951-1956

Office of the President speeches, 1951-1955

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 51
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence and memos concerning speaking engagements of President Wilkinson and other BYU faculty as well as radio presentations between 1945 to 1956. Date of record keeping 1951 to 1955.

Dates: Record Keeping: 1951-1955