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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 62 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on Church School System, 1896-1968

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 11 Sub-Series 6
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos between President Wilkinson, Church general authorities, and BYU faculty on the topics of Church schools, proposed Church schools, and curriculum within these schools. Dated 1896-1968.

Dates: 1896-1968

Office of the President records on civil defense, 1956-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 11
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memorandums concerning the civil defense programs in Utah and at Ricks College, dated 1956 to 1958.

Dates: 1956-1958

Office of the President records on colleges, 1972-1980

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1085 Series 9
Scope and Contents

Contains materials related to the colleges and their respective departments at Brigham Young University. Topics cover a variety of situations, such as lack of physical space for growing class sizes, changing course requirements, and reports about the faculty. Correspondence, memos, and reports between President Oaks and college representatives make up the materials. Specialty programs that are included are the AFROTC and Indian Program for Native Americans. Dates range from 1972 to 1980.

Dates: 1972-1980

Office of the President records on colleges and departments, 1972

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 15 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University. Includes memos, correspondence, programs, and brochures on colleges and departments at Brigham Young University. Includes material on various colleges such as business, fine arts, and religion. Dated 1972.

Dates: 1972

Office of the President records on Congress, 1957-1960

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 15
Scope and Contents

Contains booklets, memos and reports concerning national standards for education. Dated 1957 to 1960.

Dates: 1957-1960

Office of the President records on contributions, 1953-1960

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 16
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memorandums and reports from various donors and foundations regarding scholarship donations. Dated 1953 to 1960.

Dates: 1953-1960

Office of the President records on dedicatory services, 1954-1957

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 18
Scope and Contents

Contains memos planning dedication of campus buildings as well as brochures and reports telling the history of campus buildings. Dated 1954 to 1957.

Dates: 1954-1957

Office of the President records on finances, 1957-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 26
Scope and Contents

Contains memos, correspondence and reports on BYU finances and audits. Dated 1957 to 1958.

Dates: 1957-1958

Office of the President records on organizations, 1973

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 16 Sub-Series 4
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University. Includes correspondence and Legislative Committee materials related to te Chamber of Commerce. Dated 1973.

Dates: 1973

Office of the President records on Physical Plant, 1968

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 11 Sub-Series 9
Scope and Contents

Contians letters and memos between President Wilkinson and others about the BYU phsycial facilities including campus buildings, safety, and Proo infrastructure. Also contains reports on the construction of new buildings as well as the upkeep of old ones. Dated 1968.

Dates: 1968