Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University and the Department of Chemical Engineering

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. 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 Department of Chemical Engineering.

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 Department of Chemical Engineering: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU’s Department of Chemical Engineering. 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.
  • LD 571 .B6765 C49 2002 A half century of progress: the history of chemical engineering at BYU, 1952-2002 A history of the study of chemical engineering at Brigham Young University beginning in 1952 and ending in 2002. Includes an examination of the development of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
  • UA 375 Records, 1953-1991 Includes correspondence and memorandum from the chairman’s office, minutes of meetings, building floor plans, and information concerning policies and activities of the department.
  • UA 965 Annual reports, 1967-1983 This collection contains the annual reports documenting the activities of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1967 to 1983. It also includes some accreditation reports and grant proposals.
• The following item is restricted.  Please contact the University Archivist for more information regarding access to this collection.
  • UA 964 Faculty meeting minutes, 1964-1986 The Chemical Engineering Department was organized within the Chemistry Department in the fall of 1954. At the same time Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Departments were also formed but as separate departments, each with its own department chairman. All four departments offered a five-year degree in bachelor of engineering science. The departments were organized within the existing college of physical sciences and the college name was changed to the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. The Department of Chemical Engineering was removed from under the control of the Department of Chemistry and became a separate department in the fall of 1958. In 1972 the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences was divided and the engineering programs became a part of the new College of Engineering Sciences and Technology. Public use of this collection is restricted; see the University Archivist for details.
• Sample materials related to the Department of Chemical Engineering:
  • MSS 4020 James J. Christensen papers, 1930-1987 In 1958, Christensen joined the chemical engineering department at Brigham Young University, serving as department chairman from 1959 to 1961. The collection consists of Dr. Christensen’s professional and academic files and documents his dealings with students (class lecture notes and handouts, exams and homework solutions, letters of recommendation, etc.) and colleagues in the field of thermochemistry, with emphasis on calorimetry. It includes materials (maps, schedules, articles, proceedings reports, etc.) from the numerous scientific conferences and other symposia in which Christensen participated, as well as those documenting addresses given and awards received by Christensen.

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