Skip to main content

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 898 Collections and/or Records:

George H. Brimhall letter to Arthur L. Beeley, 1915 February 10

 Series — Box 12: Series 13; Series 14, Folder: 2
Identifier: UA 1092 Series 14 File 1 Series 84
Scope and Contents

Feb. 10, 1915 To: Arthur L. Beesley, Liverpool, England.

Dates: 1915 February 10
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1092, George H. Brimhall papers / George H. Brimhall correspondence / George H. Brimhall correspondence, A-B

George H. Brimhall papers on seminary, 1863-1931

 Series
Identifier: UA 1092 Series 21
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, applications, and examinations from Brimhall related to the seminary program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Materials date from between 1863 and 1931.

Dates: 1863-1931
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1092, George H. Brimhall papers

Jeffrey R. Holland personal correspondence, 1974-1989

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1030 Series 21 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains President Holland's personal confidential correspondence from 1974 to 1989 to students and various other individuals. Contains thank you letters and letters of encouragement, in addition to copies of card front covers. Also includes his letter of appointment in 1976.

Dates: 1974-1989
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1030, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 2003-2010

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 5514 Series 1 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains the administrative correspondence of Cecil O. Samuelson. Correspondence is with the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vice presidents, deans of university colleges, and the presidents of BYU-Idaho and BYU-Hawaii. Materials date from between 2003 and 2010.

Dates: 2003-2010
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 5514, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 1991-1993

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 925 Series 1 Sub-Series 4 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to university committees, employment, and other matters. Materials date from between 1991 and 1993.

Dates: 1991-1993
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 925, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 1993-1994

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 925 Series 1 Sub-Series 5 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to university committees, employment, and other matters. Materials date from between 1993 and 1994.

Dates: 1993-1994
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 925, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 1994-1995

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 925 Series 1 Sub-Series 6 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to university committees, employment, and other matters. Materials date from between 1994 and 1995.

Dates: 1994-1995
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 925, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 1996

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1073 Series 2 Sub-Series 1 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to university committees, employment, and other matters. Materials date from 1996.

Dates: 1996
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1073, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 1981-1989

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 925 Series 1 Sub-Series 1 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to university committees, employment, and other matters. Materials date from between 1981 and 1989.

Dates: 1981-1989
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 925, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence / Office of the President correspondence

Office of the President administrative correspondence, 1989-1991

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 925 Series 1 Sub-Series 2 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to university committees, employment, and other matters. Materials date from between 1989 and 1991.

Dates: 1989-1991
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 925, Office of the President records / Office of the President correspondence / Office of the President correspondence

Staff Interface | Send Feedback or Report a Problem

More information about Special Collections including Hours, Services, Events, and Exhibits can be found at lib.byu.edu/special-collections.

The BYU Library aims to create descriptions of collections that are inclusive and support an “environment of belonging.” If you encounter language in finding aids, catalog records, or collection descriptions that you find offensive or believe to be harmful, we invite your feedback at librarydescription@byu.edu.