Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the David O. McKay School of Education

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 Education began as the Church Teachers College, which then became the School of Education. In 1921, newly appointed President Harris created the College of Education from the School of Education. The College of Education became the David O. McKay School of Education in 1998. 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 David O. McKay School of Education.

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 David O. McKay School of Education: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s School of Education. 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 93 Records, 1930-1959 Collection includes examinations given to students from 1930 to 1959, including accounting, agricultural economics, chemistry, economics, English, educational psychology, speech, and history classes.
  • UA 700 Dean’s files, 1938-1983 This collection includes awards, research notes, conference minutes, financial records, correspondence and bulletins.
  • UA 385 Papers, 1953 A study of the college concerning its administration including faculty and students, correspondence concerning the study, and preliminary report on the college’s physical plant.
  • UA 822 College of Education records, 1960-1983 This collection contains information on secondary education, educational administration, special education, student teaching, and educational psychology as well as annual reports from the College of Education. Open to the public after consultation with the University Archivist.
  • UA 733 Institutional report of basic programs Volume 1: College of Education basic programs — Volume 2: Secondary education — Volume 3: College of Education advanced programs — Volume 4: Faculty exhibits.
• The following items are restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to these collections.
  • UA 559 Records, 1942-1992 Includes correspondence, minutes, reports, comparative graphic charts, booklets, manuals, studies, catalogues, student publications, policy statements, memoranda, bulletins, news clippings, and payroll schedules. Restricted access; permission required from the University Archivist.
  • UA 1245 Teacher Education Records, 1973-1995 This collection contains correspondence and information about the restructuring of the elementary program. 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 School of Education:
  • UA 454 Papers, 1946-1959 Papers of A. Reed Morrill, a professor of Educational Administration. Includes personal, committee, and research correspondence; department minutes, agendas, reports, studies and contracts. Also includes contracts, correspondence and reports of the Point IV Program in Iran.
  • UA 180 Papers, 1955-1957 Papers of Arthur Browne, an Associate Professor of Psychology, 1952-1957 and Professor of Higher Education, 1956-1957, at Brigham Young University. Collection includes correspondence; questionnaires; self-evaluation reports; reports concerning deans, auxiliary services, and registrar’s records; descriptions of job positions; minutes of faculty, Dean’s Council, and College of Education meetings; and individual college statistics.
  • UA 805 Papers, 1970-1988 Papers of Curtis Van Alfen, a faculty member in the College of Education. He also served as dean of the College of Education. Correspondence, reports, research files, and other materials documenting his career as a faculty member.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the history of the Brigham Young University David O. McKay School of Education. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.