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Lee, Rex E., 1935-1996

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1935 - 1996

Biographical History

Rex E. Lee (1935-1996) served as solicitor general of the United States and as President of Brigham Young University.

Rex E. Lee was born in 1935 and grew up in St. John's, Arizona. He served a mission in Mexico from 1955 to 1958, then married Janet Griffin. He received a BA from Brigham Young University in 1960 and a JD from the University of Chicago in 1963. He held five honorary doctorate of law degrees. In 1963, he served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White. From 1981 to 1985, he served as solicitor general of the United States, after which he worked for the firm Sidley & Austin.

In 1989, he was named as President of Brigham Young University. During his tenure, he enacted policies that regularized procedures, contributed to timely graduation, and organized massive fundraising and construction. His long-term planning has affected university issues into the 21st century.

At the end of 1995, he stepped down as President due to health reasons. He passed away March 11, 1996.

Citation:
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on the Judiciary Nomination of Rex E. Lee to ... 1975

Wikipedia, viewed May 3, 2010 (d. Mar. 11, 1996)

Brigham Young University Office of the President website, via WWW, May 28, 2014 (Rex E. Lee; b. 1935; d. March 11, 1996; grew up in St. John's, AZ; served mission in Mexico, 1955-1958; married Janet Griffin; BA, BYU, 1960; JD, University of Chicago, 1963; law clerk to Byron R. White, 1963; solicitor general of the United States, 1981-1985; worked for Sidley & Austin; named President in 1989; policy achievements; stepped down in 1995)

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Collection on Rex E. Lee inauguration, 1989

 Series — Carton 8: Series 11; Series 12 [Barcode: 31197225547295], Folder: 10-12
Identifier: MSS 3312 Series 12
Scope and Contents

Contains brochures, notes, articles, and other material related to the inauguration of Rex E. Lee at Brigham Young University on October 27, 1989.

Dates: 1989

Rex E. Lee miscellaneous personal materials, 1962, 1988-1996

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 6 Sub-Series 7
Scope and Contents

Contains legal files, as well as personal papers such as poetry, notes, calendars, and correspondence produced by Lee. Materials date from 1962, and between 1988 and 1996.

Dates: 1962; 1988-1996

Rex E. Lee personal files, 1978-1985

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 1 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence and other materials documenting Lee's active involvement in the legal profession. Includes information on the American Bar Association, the conferences and seminars that Lee attended, his involvement with Brigham Young University, legal case files, and materials dealing with his personal life.

Dates: 1978-1985

Rex E. Lee reference files, 1978-1985

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, subject files, and other materials created or assembled by Lee. Includes information on his personal life and legal career. Materials date from between 1978 and 1985.

Dates: 1978-1985

Rex E. Lee special meeting notes, 1990

 File — Carton 27: Series 2; Series 4 [Barcode: 31197233630687], Folder: 29
Identifier: UA 5395 Series 2 Sub-Series 1

Solicitor General files, 1981-1985

 Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2017 Series 1 Sub-Series 2
Scope and Contents

Contains subject files, administrative files, and legal case files related to Lee's service as Solicitor General of the United States. Includes materials on the United States Supreme Court and the White House.

Dates: 1981-1985