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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 8 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on civil defense, 1956-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 11
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memorandums concerning the civil defense programs in Utah and at Ricks College, dated 1956 to 1958.

Dates: 1956-1958

Office of the President records on commencement, 1954-1959

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 13
Scope and Contents

Contains programs, speeches, reports, and correspondence pertaining to BYU commencement. The materials concerned undergraduate and graduate students, valedictorian speeches, and honorary degrees. Dated 1954 to 1959.

Dates: 1954-1959

Office of the President records on contributions, 1953-1960

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 16
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memorandums and reports from various donors and foundations regarding scholarship donations. Dated 1953 to 1960.

Dates: 1953-1960

Office of the President records on dedicatory services, 1954-1957

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 18
Scope and Contents

Contains memos planning dedication of campus buildings as well as brochures and reports telling the history of campus buildings. Dated 1954 to 1957.

Dates: 1954-1957

Office of the President records on department chairmen, 1954-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 19
Scope and Contents

Contains memorandums and letters from President Wilkinson appointing faculty members to the position of department chairmen, as well as discussing campus issues. Dated 1954 to 1958.

Dates: 1954-1958

Office of the President records on faculty workshops, 1953-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 24
Scope and Contents

Contains memorandums organizing BYU faculty workshops, speeches given by President Wilkinson, and programs for faculty workshops. Dated 1953 to 1958.

Dates: 1953-1958

Office of the President records on finances, 1957-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 26
Scope and Contents

Contains memos, correspondence and reports on BYU finances and audits. Dated 1957 to 1958.

Dates: 1957-1958

Office of the President records on Iran, 1956-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 32
Scope and Contents

Contains proposed contracts between BYU and the University of Tehran in Iran. Also contains memorandums and letters arranging said contracts. Dated 1956 to 1958.

Dates: 1956-1958