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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 377 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on university relations, 1971-1980

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1085 Series 18
Scope and Contents

Contains materials associated with the aspect of university relations. Materials cover topics such as recruiting, publicity, and visits to the Brigham Young University campus. General public relations are also discussed through newspaper articles and interviews with President Oaks. The correspondence with off-campus performances by the performing arts and their international tours are also included. Dates range from 1971 to 1980.

Dates: 1971-1980

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

Office of the President speeches, 1972

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 15 Sub-Series 7
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University. Includes memos, correspondence, and preparatory materials on speeches given by Ernest L. Wilkinson. Includes material prepared for speeches at miscellaneous groups and conventions. Dated 1972.

Dates: 1972

Office of the President speeches, 1973

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 16 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University. Includes memos, correspondence, and other materials on the speaking engagements of Ernest L. Wilkinson. Dated 1973.

Dates: 1973

Office of the President travel records, 1996-2007

 Series — Carton 8: Series 2 [Barcode: 31197232585239]
Identifier: UA 5514 Series 2
Scope and Contents

Contains the travel files of the Office of the President for Merrill J. Bateman and Cecil O. Samuelson.

Dates: 1996-2007

Performance Management, 1993-1994

 Sub-Series — Box 44: Series 1 [Barcode: 31197230206580], Folder: 14
Identifier: UA 925 Series 1 Sub-Series 5 Sub-Series 7
Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series:

Contains correspondence on university outreach programs. Materials date from between 1993 and 1994.

Dates: 1993-1994

Smith, Robert memos, 1968

 Series — Box 454: Series 11 [Barcode: 31197239261206], Folder: 5
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 11 Sub-Series 2 Series 16
Scope and Contents From the Sub-Series:

Contains letters and memos between President Wilkinson and other members of BYU administration as well as reports on BYU activity. Also contains sections on administrative councils and budgets for BYU departments. Dated 1968.

Dates: 1968