Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Presidents

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 heritage.

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
• Bergera, Gary James and Ron Priddis Brigham Young University: A House of Faith Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1985
• Waterman, Bryan and Brian Kagel The Lord’s University: Freedom and Authority at BYU Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1998
• Sample collections dealing with Brigham Young University buildings A sample of the collections that contain information on the buildings of Brigham Young University follows. This sampling is not comprehensive. Please see the entries for “photographs” in the Guide to Processed Collections in the University Archives for further information. 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.
  • Brigham Young University President’s Records (UA 1085-UA 1087, UA 1089-UA 1094, UA 1030, UA 925, UA 1073) Records document the activities of Brigham Young University Presidents from Karl G. Maeser through Merrill J. Bateman. These records are restricted according to the restriction policy. Call numbers and associated presidents follow: UA 1094—Karl G. Maeser, UA 1093—Benjamin Cluff, UA 1092—George H. Brimhall, UA 1091—Acting President Christen Jensen, UA 1090—Acting President L. John Nuttall, UA 1089—Franklin S. Harris, UA 1087—Howard S. McDonald, UA 1086—Ernest L. Wilkinson, UA 1085—Dallin H. Oaks, UA 1030 Jeffrey R. Holland, UA 925—Rex E. Lee, UA 1073—Merrill J. Bateman.
  • Annual University Conferences, 1952-1999 (UA 790) Incomplete collection of addresses, printed programs, and audiocassette and videocassette (VHS) recordings of annual university conference meetings, 1952-1999. Includes addresses by presidents of Brigham Young University and by General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Meetings generally held for university employees immediately before the start of each new school year.
  • Izatt, Jan C. Recollections of Ernest L. Wilkinson by his secretary Jan C. Izatt (UA OH 14) Interview by Hollis Scott with Jan C. Izatt, secretary to Ernest Wilkinson. Includes comments about Wilkinson’s personality and work habits, and about her experiences working for Wilkinson.
  • Office of the President. BYU inaugural speeches and responses, 1921-1989 (UA SC 19) Contains inaugural speeches and responses by presidents Harris, McDonald, Wilkinson, Oaks, Holland, and Lee. (Rex Lee, 27 October 1989; Dallin Oaks, 4 May 1971; Jeffrey Holland, 14 November 1980; Ernest Wilkinson, 8 October 1951; Howard McDonald, 14 November 1945; Franklin Harris, 17 October 1921).
  • Dept. of Archives and Manuscripts. BYU centennial flashbacks : scrapbook, [ca. 1875-1975] (UA 880) Collection of newspaper articles from the Daily Herald pertaining to events on campus since the time of its creation. Includes stories about various presidents of BYU, accomplishments of students and athletes, groups and clubs, and photographic images of Brigham Young Academy as well as significant persons in the university’s history.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives. To examine the complete collection inventory (and any other additional manuscript materials related to this topic), go to the L. Tom Perry Special Collections EAD Search page, and enter the term “BYU Presidents.”