Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the College of Life Sciences

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The College of Biology and Agriculture was formed by President Wilkinson in 1954. During that time, President Wilkinson announced that Clarence Cottam would be the first dean of the college. Dean Cottam resigned a year later and was replaced by the appointment of Rudger Walker. Dean Walker improved the conditions of the College and under his guidance it took a significant position in the University’s growth. In 2010, the College of Biology and Agriculture was combined with the College of Health and Human Performance to create the new College of Life Sciences.  Today the College of Life Sciences houses seven departments and still holds a significant position in the growth of the University.  Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s College of Life Sciences.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University College of Life Sciences: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s College of Life Sciences. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 823 Photographs, ca. 1891-1969 All dates in the following description are approximate. Includes views of Brigham Young Academy (BYA) faculty; Alpine summer school botany classes, 1922-1924; Alpine summer school faculty, 1928-1930 and 1941; landscape architecture group, 1935; David Starr Jordan Biology Club, 1929-1931; BYU faculty, 1928; Thomas L. Martin; Brimhall Botany Lab, 1936; etc.
• The following items are restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to these collections.
  • UA 702 Records and correspondence of the College of Biology and Agriculture, 1917-1986 1950-1975 Contains records, minutes, publications, etc. of the College of Biology and Agriculture, the Benson Institute, and the departments of the College. Restricted; Permission required from the University archivist.
  • UA 729 box 1 College of Biology and Agriculture annual reports, 1982-1994 Includes annual reports 1982-1990; special report of 1988; reports on scholarly/research productivity 1990-1994. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist.
  • UA 1337 Dean’s Office records, 1989-2000 The collection contains information about the College of Biology and Agriculture Dean’s Office. The collection is divided into three series. I. Curriculum Papers (1996-2000). II. Self-Study Documents (1994-1998). III. Files and Reports (1989-1998). The curriculum papers series contains department correspondence concerning curriculum requests and changes. The self-study documents series contains departments’ information about the self-study program. The files and reports series contains Professional Developmental Committee and National Advisory Board materials, annual reports, and academic statistics from different departments. Restricted for 25 years after the creation of the records and thereafter open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist and in accordance with the General Restriction Statement of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections.
• Materials related to the College of Life Sciences:
  • MSS 1942 Clarence Cottam papers, 1924-1974 Correspondence, reports, articles, notes, minutes, essays, certificates, and miscellaneous items. The materials relate to Cottam’s numerous professional activities while working im many capacities for the United States government and for Brigham Young University. The items largely deal with Cottam’s work as an ecologist and as a conservationist.
  • UA OH 34 Oral history interview, Oct. 13, 1978 Interview by Mark K. Allen with Rudger H. Walker, agronomist, educator, and BYU dean, concerning his childhood experiences in Idaho, school experiences at Ricks College, BYU, and Iowa State. Also speaks of his teaching and research experiences at Colorado, Iowa, and Utah State Universities, and at BYU. Comments on his work assignments in Iran, Siam and Lebanon.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the Brigham Young University College of Life Sciences. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.