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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 898 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on students, 1955-1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 71
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memos and reports to and from President Wilkinson. Topics included individual students and their needs, student government and student health. Dated 1955 to 1963.

Dates: 1955-1963

Office of the President records on students, 1972-1980

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1085 Series 16
Scope and Contents

Contains materials related to the general student body at Brigham Young University during President Oaks administration. These materials cover a broad spectrum of topics such as dress and grooming standards, clubs and events, and health concerns. Much of the materials are correspondence or reports from students, the Associated Students of Brigham Young University (ASBYU), and the Dean of Student Life. Dates range from 1972 to 1980.

Dates: 1972-1980

Office of the President records on Study Abroad, 1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 16
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos among BYU faculty about study abroad programs. Dated 1963.

Dates: 1963

Office of the President records on Summer School, 1951-1955

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 61
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memorandums and informational and promotional brochures concerning scheduling and details for BYU Summer School. Dated 1951 to 1955.

Dates: 1951-1955

Office of the President records on Summer School, 1959-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 72
Scope and Contents

Contains memos, letters, surveys and reports about BYU summer school. Dated 1959 to 1962.

Dates: 1959-1962

Office of the President records on sympathy, 1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 74
Scope and Contents

Contains sympathetic letters and memos written by President Wilkinson. Dated 1962.

Dates: 1962

Office of the President records on tax exemptions, 1951-1954

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 62
Scope and Contents

Contains a copy of the summary of educational benefits of public law 591 concerning federal taxes. Also contains several copies of letters and memorandums concerning tax exemptions. Dated 1951 to 1954.

Dates: 1951-1954

Office of the President records on taxes, 1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 75
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos from President Wilkinson about a tax reform bill. Dated 1962.

Dates: 1962

Office of the President records on telephones, 1951-1956

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 63
Scope and Contents

Contains President E.L. Wilkinson's personal call logs as well as memorandums and correspondence concerning campus phone services. Dated 1951 to 1956.

Dates: 1951-1956

Office of the President records on telephones, 1960-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 76
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memos, and proposals about the new telephone system at BYU. Dated 1960 to 1962.

Dates: 1960-1962