Harold B. Lee Library

Merrill J. Bateman 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. Merrill J. Bateman served as Brigham Young University’s eleventh president from 1996 to 2003.  With his guidance, Brigham Young University adopted four institutional objectives: to educate the minds and spirits of students, advance truth and knowledge, extend the blessings of learning, and develop friends for the university and the Church. 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 Merrill J. Bateman’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 Merrill J. Bateman: A sample of the materials that contain information about Merrill J. Bateman 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.
• Harold B. Lee Library Special Collections (1130 HBLL)
  • AC 901 .A1a no.4459 Addresses delivered at the inauguration of President Merrill J. Bateman and the one hundred and twenty-first spring commencement exercises : Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, April 25, 1996 Addresses given at the inauguration of Merrill J. Bateman, including his own inauguration speech and remarks by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
  • UA 804 Merrill J. Bateman inauguration files, 1996 Includes congratulatory certificates and letters, lists of invitations, correspondence regarding the inauguration, the Brigham Young University Magazine announcing Merrill Bateman’s acceptance of the position, sample invitations and tickets sent to guests, programs of the inauguration service, and a videocassette recording of the service.
  • UA 1073 Office of the President records The collection includes correspondence with university vice presidents and deans of colleges, 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, admissions and records, athletics, the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, the honor and dress codes, and other related issues. Also includes minutes to Board of Trustees meetings. Presidential Records of Merrill J. Bateman 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.
    • UA 1073 Series I Materials about Merrill J. Bateman’s Presidency This series contains newspaper articles and reports summarizing Bateman’s presidency.
    • UA 1073 Series II Office of the President administrative correspondance This series documents Merrill J. Bateman’s activities as president of Brigham Young University. This series includes correspondence between Bateman and university vice presidents, General Authorities, General Counsel, the University Provost, Deans, and Department Chairs. Subjects covered include assemblies/devotionals/forums on campus, athletics, admissions and records, student life, faculty, colleges and departments, university relations, fund raising, as well as professional associations that Bateman belonged to.
    • UA 1073 Series III Merrill J. Bateman speeches This series documents the numerous speeches and talks given by Merrill J. and Marilyn S. Bateman. The majority of the speeches and talks were given on the Brigham Young University campus.
• UA 1233 Series I Subseries VIII box 113 folder 7 Merrill J. Bateman correspondance Letters and memorandums from President Bateman to various professors and university employees regarding campus projects, committees, programs, etc. 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.
• UA 1044 Merrill J. Bateman scrapbook collection, 2004 This collection consists of the photographs, correspondence, and news clippings used to create a scrapbook presented to Merrill J. Bateman after his release as President of Brigham Young University. The clippings document Bateman’s administration from 1995 to 2003.

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