Harold B. Lee Library

Rex E. Lee and Brigham Young University

Rex E. Lee

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. Rex E. Lee served as the seventh president of the Brigham Young University. He also served as the founding dean of Brigham Young University’s law school. President Lee spoke frequently about the need to learn by study and by faith. 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 Rex E Lee’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 with Information on Rex E. Lee
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes) Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975 (see the index for Lee, Rex E.)
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see the index for Lee, Rex E.)
  • Biography of Rex E. Lee
    • Lee, Rex and Janet, with Jim Bell. Marathon of Faith Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book Co., 1996

  • Primary Sources

    • Sample materials dealing with Rex E. Lee: A sample of the materials that contain information about Rex E. Lee 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 SC 64 Special Convocation, March 5, 1996. A special convocation was held March 5, 1996 to honor Margaret Thatcher and Rex E. Lee. Both received honorary degrees.
      • UA SC 19 BYU Inaugural Speeches and Responses Collection contains the inaugural speeches and responses by presidents Harris, McDonald, Wilkinson, Oaks, Holland, and Lee.
      • UA 946 Presidential photographs, 1875-2003. Contains photographs of the presidents of Brigham Young University including Rex E. Lee.
      • MSS 2017 Rex E. Lee Personal papers, 1910-1996. The Rex E. Lee personal papers document the varied aspects of Lee’s life. They include materials from his work with the Jennings, Strouss, & Salmon law firm, the establishment of Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark School of Law, Lee’s service as assistant United States Attorney General, his service as United States Solicitor General, and his tenure as president of Brigham Young University.
      • UA 1000 Ernest L. Wilkinson Personal papers, 1917-1978. Boxes 268-270 of the Wilkinson papers deal with the founding of the BYU Law School and contain information about Rex E. Lee.
      • MSS 2185 Carl S. Hawkins J. Reuben Clark Law School history files, 1974-1998. Information compiled in preparing Hawkins book, “The Founding of the J. Reuben Clark Law School,” published in 1999. Includes memoranda, letters, speeches, news articles, brief history essays, and magazines such as “The Clark Memorandum” and “Brigham Young Magazine.” Also includes a videocassette and an audiocassette.
      • BX 8647 .B76 1995-1996 no. 7 Hinckley, Gordon B. To a man who has done what this church expects of each of us. A devotional address given on Oct. 17, 1995 honoring President Lee.
      • LD 571 .B673 1973 Lee, Rex E. By study and also by faith Provo, UT: Brigham Young University, 1973.

    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 homepage (http://sc.lib.byu.edu), select “Search Manuscript Descriptions” and enter the term “Rex E. Lee.”