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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 291 Collections and/or Records:

Office of the President records on federal aid to education, 1961-1962

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 2 Sub-Series 4
Scope and Contents

This subseries largely consists of letters and memos between university officials and with government officials. They discuss the government, governmental finances, and include quotes/exerpts from speeches. Dated 1961 to 1962.

Dates: 1961-1962

Office of the President records on federal aid to education, 1955-1958

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 3 Sub-Series 25
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, memorandums, and records of hearings on the subject of federal aid to higher education. Dated 1955 to 1958.

Dates: 1955-1958

Office of the President records on finances, 1948-1961

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 22
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence and reports about budgets and university costs between 1948 to 1961. Specifically concerning federal aid, travel expenses, general budgets, etc.

Dates: 1948-1961

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 finances, 1962-1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 39
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, reports and memos about BYU finances. Topics include investments, staff salaries, and other expenses. Dated 1962 to 1963.

Dates: 1962-1963

Office of the President records on finances, 1950-1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 2 Sub-Series 5
Scope and Contents

Contains financial records, reports, and budgets of the university. Dated 1950 to 1963.

Dates: 1950-1963

Office of the President records on Franklin S. Harris, 1959-1961

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 4 Sub-Series 37
Scope and Contents

Contains letters, articles and reports about Franklin S. Harris, as well as eulogies and other materials from his memorial service. Dated 1959-1961.

Dates: 1959-1961

Office of the President records on Freedoms Foundation, 1963

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 6 Sub-Series 40
Scope and Contents

Contains memos from the Freedom Foundation discussing proceedings of their meetings as well as brochures and lists. Dated 1963.

Dates: 1963

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

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