Skip to main content

Brigham Young University

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1903-

Administrative History

Brigham Young University (1903- ) is a university sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Provo, Utah.

Brigham Young University was established in 1903 in a renaming of Brigham Young Academy. 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- ).

Brigham Young University is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of the Church Educational System (CES). The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, which, since 1939, has consisted of the First Presidency of the Church as well as other General Authorities or general officers of the Church appointed by the First Presidency. The Board of Trustees provides general direction and oversees the formulation of broad policies as well as the approval of all executive leadership and faculty appointments at the university. 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. The President serves as the chief executive officer and general manager of the University. Between 1996 and 2014, the President of the university was also been a General Authority of the Church.

Brigham Young University has grown from a small academy to one of the world's largest private universities. Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU offers a unique educational environment that promotes learning by study and also by faith.

Citation:
Its Annual catalog, 1907/08.

BYU--national champions, 1985: intro. (Brigham Young University)

The Journal of pedagogy, Feb. 1895: t.p. (Brigham Young Academy)

History of BYU (within Brigham Young University website), via WWW, 4 November 2010 (Brigham Young Academy established October 16, 1875 in Provo, Utah. Name changed to Brigham Young University in 1903. Sponsored by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, associated with BYU-Hawaii in Laie, Hawaii; BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho; and LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah)

Brigham Young University Organizational History website, via WWW, Mar. 2, 2011 (Brigham Young University; est. 1903; name change from Brigham Young Academy; 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), Cecil O. Samuelson (2003-2014), and Kevin J. Worthen (2014- ); owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; governed by a board of trustees)

Brigham Young University website, via WWW, June 22, 2023 (C. Shane Reese; appointed president of Brigham Young University, May 1, 2023)

Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:

Paul R. Cheesman papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2049
Scope and Contents Contains manuscripts (personal and professional papers), publisher's gallery prints, color transparencies (including 35 mm slides), negatives, color separations, photographs, personal literary materials, research and reference files, audio and visual materials, and historical books, covering over 30 years of research in the ancient Americas, other ancient civilizations, and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A vast majority of the materials in this collection involve...
Dates: approximately 1945-1991

Samuel Frederick Curtis papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 9035
Scope and Contents Materials include journals, letters, notebooks, photographs, negatives, and audiocassettes of Samuel Frederick "Fred" Curtis and his wife Emmeline Curtis. Topics of materials include Fred's mission in Germany and the mission Samuel and Emmeline later served in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, both for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their family of six children, and Fred's work at and donations to Brigham Young University. Some photographs depict military camps and activities aboard...
Dates: approximately 1930-2017

Harrison Davis papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2023
Scope and Contents Professional papers documenting Davis' academic career at Brigham Young University. Diaries, research notes, photographs, reel-to-reel sound tapes, cassette tapes, maps, correspondence, and postcards. The collection relates to the teaching of humanities, geography, and anthropology. The items also deal with Harrison's studies in numerology; dowsing; "synchronicity"; "coincidence studies"; Mormon history and cities; Massachusetts; Cache Valley, Utah; Wales; and Rexburg, Idaho. The...
Dates: 1950-1996

Chad J. Flake papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1059
Scope and Contents Contains Flake's family history research, personal collection of quotes, personal papers, a suitcase, a typewriter, and scriptural research. Also contains copies of news articles pertaining to Flake's terms as an officer in historical societies and the Utah Library Association, and pertaining to donations, acquisitions, and feature articles on the Special Collections section of the Harold B. Lee Library. There are several certificates recognizing Flake's awards and honors. Also contains...
Dates: approximately 1940-2003

Rachel N. Nutter papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 7946
Scope and Contents Contains Nutter's personal papers, including letters from friends and family, journals, and typed transcripts of a few journals, documenting health concerns and day-to-day life events; photographs of family, friends, and trips; videocassette recordings of television programs; family history materials; travel pamphlets and brochures; and newspaper clippings about topics such as China; September 11, 2001; President Gordon B. Hinckley and other issues regarding Mormonism; and other historic...
Dates: 1930-2011

Office of the President records

 Collection
Identifier: UA 925
Scope and Contents Contains correspondence, speeches, and other materials from Lee's service as university president. The materials document campus administration, including planning for devotionals and forums, athletics, and other activities. Major subjects include university relations, admissions and records, athletics, the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, the honor and dress codes, and other related issues. Also includes minutes to Board of Trustees meetings.Materials date from between 1989 and...
Dates: 1989-1996

Office of the President records

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1030
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, memoranda, and reports between Jeffrey R. Holland and various university and church leadership and other personnel. Major subjects include university relations, university development, admissions and records, the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, and the role of religious education at Brigham Young University. Materials date from 1974-1989.

Dates: 1972-1989

Publications and Graphics photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: UA 763
Scope and Contents Photographs used by Brigham Young University's Publications and Graphics Department, many of which are copies made from other sources. Includes photographs of Brigham Young University buildings, Brigham Young Academy, portraits of students, athletes, and faculty members, athletic and performing arts events, the Howard W. Hunter Law Library expansion, and other campus events. Includes photographs taken by George Edward Anderson. Collection contains both black and white and color photographs,...
Dates: approximately 1832-1980s

University Communications records

 Collection
Identifier: UA 5395
Scope and Contents

Contains newspaper clippings, news releases, photographs, and other materials created and compiled by University Communications at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Includes information on student life, personnel, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon culture, university units, and local and regional events. The collection spans from 1921 to 2009.

Dates: 1921-2009