Harold B. Lee Library

Howard S. McDonald 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. Howard S. McDonald served as Brigham Young University’s sixth president from 1945 to 1949.  Though he only presided for a comparatively short period, he saw the university through the difficult but pivotal post-war years. President McDonald was a man of action in every aspect of his administration and was fearless in his efforts to realize his objectives. 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 Howard S. McDonald’s 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 McDonald, Howard S.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for McDonald, Howard S.)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Howard S. McDonald: A sample of the materials that contain information about Howard S. McDonald 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.
  • MSS SC 1316 Howard S. McDonald letters, 1914-1944 Forty-four handwritten and typed letters by Howard S. McDonald mostly addressed to his mother. The letters primarily deal with personal and family matters including McDonald’s experiences as a Mormon missionary in Pennsylvania and as a part of the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War One.]
  • UA 1087 Brigham Young University president’s records, 1945-1949 The presidential papers of Howard S. McDonald consist of correspondence and personnel files documenting the administration of the University.
  • UA 183 Records, 1946-1960 Collections includes correspondence, minutes, memoranda, pamphlets, reports, publications, and agendas concerning admissions and credits, assemblies, athletics and the athletic council, discontinuance of students, orientation, attendance and scholarship, budget, buildings and grounds, counseling services, food service, foreign students, health services, Honor code, housing, Indian students, personnel services, public relations, scheduling, scholarships, security, registration, statistics, veterans affairs, and “Y” day.
  • UA 90 Letter, 1953 Collection includes a letter from McDonald to LaVieve H. Earl, concerning accomplishments during McDonald’s administration as president of Brigham Young University 1945 to 1949, dated April 22, 1953.
  • BX 8670.1 .M144b 1969 Brief autobiography Includes descriptions of his childhood world, high school years, time on a mission, marriage, experience as a teacher and administrator at various schools and universities, time in the government, work as president of the Salt Lake Temple, the death of his wife and his eventual retirement.
  • MSS 2961 Interview, 1972 Typescript of an interview conducted by Richard Bennet, Harvard Heath, and James R. Clark on 7 Aug. 1972 for the Brigham Young University Centennial History Committee Meeting. The persons interviewed include Karl Miller, Kiefer B. Sauls, President Howard S. McDonald, Leland Perry, and G. Thomson. The men discuss many issues related to the history of Brigham Young University including: restructuring of the administration, the GI Bill of Rights and its impact on the university, new buildings, organization of student wards, President Joseph Fielding Smith saving the university, budgets, degree programs, education week, and heating systems. Much of the materials deal with Howard S. McDonald’s experiences as president of the university.
  • MSS OH 1926 Interview, 1972 Typescript of an interview conducted by James R. Clark on 7 Aug. 1972 with Howard S. McDonald as well as another interview in 1979. Kiefer B. Sauls, Karl Miller, Richard Bennett, and Harvard Heath also participated in the interview. Also included is the cassette tape from which the typescript was made. McDonald responded to questions about his work as president of Brigham Young University and the many decisions he made in that position.

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