Harold B. Lee Library

Wayne B. Hales 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. Wayne B. Hales was a faculty member at Brigham Young University for over forty years, joining the faculty in 1930 after accepting the assignment to teach all of the physics courses. He would eventually teach courses on meteorology, astronomy, photography, and mathematics. He eventually served as chair of the Department of Physics, as the first dean of the General College, as chairman of the university’s Athletic Council in the late 1960s, and as chairman of the university’s diamond jubilee celebrations in 1950. Dr. Hales was also very interested in photography; he offered the university’s first photography courses in 1932 and in 1935 helped establish the BYU Photo Studio.  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 Wayne B. Hales’ 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 Hales, Wayne B.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Hales, Wayne B.)

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with Wayne B. Hales: A sample of the materials that contain information about Wayne B. Hales 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.
  • BX 8670.1 .H137 My Life Story Recorded for his children and grandchildren, this autobiography describes his childhood, family, years at BYU as an undergraduate student, marriage, time at various universities as teacher and administrator, church callings, etc.  Considered to be unique because nearly 250 photographs are included.
  • MSS 3304 Wayne B. Hales classroom photographs, 1930-1971 This collection contains books, negatives (restricted access), plates, a photograph of BYU campus, Kodak materials, and classroom related photographs.
  • MSS 2199 Brigham Young University photographs, [ca. 1926]-1940 Six photograph albums, accompanied by ten boxes of photograph negatives, which document Brigham Young University faculty, students, buildings, and events, including dramatic and musical productions. The images, collected by Hales, were taken by himself, Walter Cottam, and others. Originals restricted due to fragile condition. Consult Photo Archivist.
  • BX 8648 .H137t 1973 Thought journal of Wayne B. Hales: began January 1, 1967 Includes quotes from his favorite literature, quotes by people he respected, and his own original thoughts regarding a wide variety of topics such as the gospel, gratitude, commitment, family, etc.
  • UA OH 30 Wayne B. Hales oral history interview, May 25, 1978 An interview by Edwin R. Kimball with Wayne B. Hales, concerning his experiences as a BYU student, and as a member of the BYU Athletic Council, his family and his experiences with other faculty and administrators at BYU.
  • BX 8647 .H137s Selected addresses, short conference talks and tributes A compilation of formal and informal addresses given by Wayne B. Hales at BYU and church meetings.  Also includes tributes given and received during his lifetime.

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