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 240 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on history and celebrations, 1948-1960

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 23
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, memos and programs pertaining to celebrations and events between 1948 to 1960. The programs are for inaugurations of various university presidents, including Ernest L. Wilkinson.

Dates: 1948-1960
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Honor Council, 1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 44
Scope and Contents

Contains a letter from Joseph C. Bentley requesting information about the Honor Code from President Wilkinson. Dated 1963.

Dates: 1963
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Indian program, 1964

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 7 Sub-Series 13
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memos and reports regarding the BYU Indian Program. Also contains letters about a man in Brazil with a collection of Indian artifacts. Dated 1964.

Dates: 1964
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Indian program, 1965

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 8 Sub-Series 11
Scope and Contents

Contains letters between President Wilkinson and heads of the Indian Program discussing operations of the program as well as coordinating visits to Indian schools. Also contains a directory of Indian students. Dated 1965.

Dates: 1965
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Indian Program, 1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 46
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, memos, reports, article and clippings about Native Americans at BYU and in the Indian Program. Dated 1963.

Dates: 1963
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Indian program, 1957-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 30
Scope and Contents

Contains the annual report for the Indian program as well as memos and letters about improving the program. Dated 1957 to 1958.

Dates: 1957-1958
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Indian Program, 1959

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 5 Sub-Series 21
Scope and Contents

Contains letters and memos about students in the BYU Indian Program as well as the events and proceedings of the program. Dated 1959.

Dates: 1959
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on Indian program, 1967

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 10 Sub-Series 10
Scope and Contents

Cotains letters and memos about students in BYU's Indian Program, scholarships, and education. Also contians a program for A Dawn in the Forest. Dated 1967.

Dates: 1967
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on information for college facts charts, 1965

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 8 Sub-Series 12
Scope and Contents

Contains a memo from President Wilkinson as well as a letter from John W. Harris about an enclosed questionnaire for the National Beta Club's college facts chart. Dated 1965.

Dates: 1965
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

Office of the President records on inquiries, 1952-1956

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 26
Scope and Contents

Contains letters regarding inquiries to the Office of the President. Dated 1952 to 1956.

Dates: 1952-1956
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections. University Archives / UA 1086, Office of the President records / Office of the President records

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.