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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 131 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on associations, 1972

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 15 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents From the Collection:

Contains the presidential papers of Ernest L. Wilkinson span the years 1949 to 1975. They cover his pre-appointment period to the presidency, his presidential administration and his post-presidential activities. The collection documents University activities, programs, policies and procedures, and public relations with other universities, national, state and local organizations. It contains correspondence, memos, reports, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, and related materials.

Dates: 1972

Office of the President records on Auxiliary Services and academic aids, 1971

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 14 Sub-Series 3
Scope and Contents From the Collection:

Contains the presidential papers of Ernest L. Wilkinson span the years 1949 to 1975. They cover his pre-appointment period to the presidency, his presidential administration and his post-presidential activities. The collection documents University activities, programs, policies and procedures, and public relations with other universities, national, state and local organizations. It contains correspondence, memos, reports, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, and related materials.

Dates: 1971

Office of the President records on Auxiliary Services and academics, 1967-1970

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 13 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents

Conatains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of Brigham Young University. Includes memos, correspondence, policy and procedures, reports, and newsclippings regarding auxilary services and academics at Brigham Young University, such as university housing, the Campus Planning Committee, university publications, university buildings, safety, and campus security. Dated 1970.

Dates: 1967-1970

Office of the President records on Brigham Young High School, 1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 14
Scope and Contents

Contains memos from President Wilkinson on Brigham Young High School's graduation. Also contains a news clipping on awards won by students. Dated 1963.

Dates: 1963

Office of the President records on Catholic Church, 1951

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 10
Scope and Contents

Correspondence regarding obtaining a copy of the Pope's address on the topic of birth control, as well as the article. Also includes correspondence regarding Catholic student's requirements. Dated 1951.

Dates: 1951

Office of the President records on Catholic Church, 1959-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 13
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memos and clippings discussing the growth of the Catholic church and ex-catholic priests. Dated 1959 to 1962.

Dates: 1959-1962

Office of the President records on Church Educational System, 1971

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 14 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University. Includes memos and correspondence on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints school system. Includes material on topics such as Rick's College, Chruch College of Hawaii, and correspondence with Neal Maxwell. Dated 1971.

Dates: 1971

Office of the President records on Church organizations, 1949-1957

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 11
Scope and Contents

Correspondence between Ernest L. Wilkinson and local and general authority Church leaders concerning seminaries, institutes, student wards, events, etc. Dated 1949 to 1957.

Dates: 1949-1957

Office of the President records on Church organizations, 1970

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 13 Sub-Series 6
Scope and Contents

Conatains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson, of Brigham Young University. Includes memos, correspondence, policy and procedures, reports, and newsclippings regarding Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaders and organizations at at Brigham Young University, such as memebers of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the First Presidency, Geneological Society, bishops, stakes, and missions. Dated 1970.

Dates: 1970

Office of the President records on church organizations, 1971

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 14 Sub-Series 4
Scope and Contents

Contains materials pertaining to the office of President Ernest L. Wilkinson of Brigham Young University. Includes memos and correspondence on Church organizations at Brigham Young University. Includes material on topics such as Geneaology, General Conference, members of the Quorum of the Twelve, and individual correspondence with Church authorities. Dated 1971.

Dates: 1971