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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 8 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President recommendations, 1959-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 60
Scope and Contents

Contains letters from BYU students and alumni requesting letters of recommendation from President Wilkinson. Also contains memos and letters on the topic of letters of recommendation. Dated 1959 to 1962.

Dates: 1959-1962

Office of the President records on Alumni Association, 1965

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 8 Sub-Series 4
Scope and Contents

Contains memos and letters about alumni associations, alumni fundraising and donations. Also contains Brigham Young Alumnus magazine. Dated 1965.

Dates: 1965

Office of the President records on Alumni Association, 1964

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 7 Sub-Series 6
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos concerning BYU alumnus. Topics include Aspen Grove, personnel and condolences. Dated 1964.

Dates: 1964

Office of the President records on Alumni Association, 1958-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos regarding alumni donations to BYU as well as materials on the 1962 senior class and Aspen Grove. Dated 1958 to 1962.

Dates: 1958-1962

Office of the President records on Alumni Association, 1960-1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to alumnus of BYU. Includes memos, letters and reports about senior projects at BYU, awards, and fundraisers. Dated 1960 to 1963.

Dates: 1960-1963

Office of the President records on Alumni Association, 1959

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 5 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contians letters and memos between President Wilkinson and BYU alumni. Dated 1959

Dates: 1959

Office of the President records on public relations, 1951-1961

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 46
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memos and reports on the subjects of BYU alumni, speakers at public events, public relations and press, and fund raising. Dated 1951 to 1961.

Dates: 1951-1961

Office of the President records on William P. Knecht, 1961-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 46
Scope and Contents

Contains memos and letters between President Wilkinson and William Knecht, an alumnus of BYU and MIT, discussing ideas for the Church School System. Dated 1961 to 1962.

Dates: 1961-1962