Harold B. Lee Library

Dallin H. Oaks and Brigham Young University

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. Dallin H. Oaks served as Brigham Young University’s eighth president from 1971 to 1980.  He significantly contributed to the intellectual growth of the faculty and students, coming from a strong educational background in legal studies. Under his presidency the J. Reuben Clark Law School was founded and immediately began to thrive. President Oaks strove for perfection of performance in all areas of the University, strongly advocating academic excellence and spiritual strength. His remarkable impact on Brigham Young University 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 Dallin H. Oaks’ legacy.

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 (see index for Oaks, Dallin H.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Oaks, Dallin H.)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Dallin H. Oaks: A sample of the materials that contain information about Dallin H. Oaks follows. 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.
  • BX 8608 .A1a no.7472 Inaugural addresses Includes addresses given at the inauguration of President Oaks, including his own inauguration speech and remarks given by First Counselor Harold B. Lee.
  • BX 8647 .B76 1971-72 no.1 A new president speaks to BYU A discussion of President Oaks’ expectations of BYU students academically, spiritually, and in regard to the Honor Code.
  • UA 1085 Brigham Young University President’s Records, 1971-1980 The collection includes correspondence, memoranda and reports between Dallin H. Oaks and university vice presidents, college deans, department chairmen, faculty, General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the president of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and others. Major subjects include university relations, university development, admissions and records, athletics, standards, housing issues involving Brigham Young University, and other related issues. Presidential Records of Dallin H. Oaks may be accessed only with the permission of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators and the current sitting president of Brigham Young University.
  • MISS 2215 Brigham Young University president’s scrapbooks, 1971-1980 Loose-leaf binders containing newspaper articles, magazine articles, and photographs (some photocopied), reflecting his presidency at BYU. Compiled by Oaks’s secretary, Janet Calder.

• Sample Materials related to Dallin H. Oaks:
  • MSS 1712 Collection, 1906-1996 Stella Harris Oaks did not keep a journal, so this collection is probably the best, first-hand look one can get at her remarkable life. It consists of her research and speech notes, correspondence, and memorabilia files.
  • UA 735 Papers of Bruce C. Hafen, 1971-1977 This collection was generated by Bruce C. Hafen as he served as Assistant to the President under Dallin H. Oaks. Includes correspondence, minutes, contracts, legal case reports, speeches, Bass-Billings research papers, drafts of the Honor Code, materials for religion and law classes, and research materials for the biography of Dallin H. Oaks.
  • BX 8608 .A1a no.2720 The Oaks years, 1971-1980 Pamphlet describing the many achievements of Brigham Young University president Dallin H. Oaks during his nine year service to the university including the challenge he faced in replacing former president Ernest L. Wilkinson.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the life of Dallin H. Oaks. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.