Harold B. Lee Library

Jeffrey R. Holland 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. Jeffrey R. Holland served as Brigham Young University’s ninth president from 1980 to 1989.  When he took the responsibility for the university and its students, he did so with two principal goals in mind: increasing Brigham Young University’s academic worth and accomplishments and equally strengthening and emphasizing its unique religious nature. 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 Jeffrey R. Holland’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
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Jeffrey R. Holland: A sample of the materials that contain information about Jeffrey R. Holland 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.
  • UA 1030 Brigham Young University President’s Records, 1974-1989 The collection includes correspondence, memoranda, and reports between Jeffrey R. Holland and university vice presidents, college deans, department chairmen, faculty, General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the president of BYU-Hawaii, and others. Major subjects include university relations, university development, admissions and records, athletics, the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, standards, the role of religious education at Brigham Young University, and other related issues. Presidential Records of Jeffrey R. Holland 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.
  • BX 8608 .A1a no.3280 Inauguration: inaugural addresses 1980 Brigham Young University Addresses given at the inauguration of Jeffrey R. Holland, including an address by President Spencer W. Kimball, as well as his own inauguration speech.
  • BX 8608 .A1 no.2019 The first 100 days: President Jeffrey R. Holland. November 11, 1980 A statement given by President Holland reflecting upon his first days at BYU and inviting students to join in the mission of the university. 
  • BX 8608 .A1a no. 5316 A School in Zion: Thoughts on the Mission and Purpose of Brigham Young University Two Brigham Young University addresses given by President Jeffrey R. Holland in 1987 and 1988 detailing his thoughts on the mission and purpose of the University.

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