Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University was established in 1903 in a renaming of Brigham Young Academy. Past and present Brigham Young University presidents include George H. Brimhall (1903-1921), Franklin S. Harris (1921-1945), Howard S. McDonald (1945-1949), (acting president) Christian Jensen (1949-1951), Ernest L. Wilkinson (1951-1971), Dallin H. Oaks (1971-1980), Jeffrey R. Holland (1980-1989), Rex E. Lee (1989-1995), Merrill J. Bateman (1996-2003), and Cecil O. Samuelson (2003- ).

Variant names

BYU

B.Y.U.

Description

Established: 1903

Location: Provo, Utah (1903-)

Functions

The mission of Brigham Young University--founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued. All instruction, programs, and services at BYU, including a wide variety of extracurricular experiences, should make their own contribution toward the balanced development of the total person. Such a broadly prepared individual will not only be capable of meeting personal challenge and change but will also bring strength to others in the tasks of home and family life, social relationships, civic duty, and service to mankind.

The institutional objectives of the university are to educate the minds and spirits of students within a learning environment that increases faith in God and the Restored Gospel, is intellectually enlarging, is character building, and leads to a life of learning and service; advance truth and knowledge in order to enhance the education of students, enrich the quality of life and contribute to a resolution of world problems; extend the blessings of learning to members of the Church in all parts of the world; and develop friends for the University and the Church.

Assets and Administrative Structure

Brigham Young University is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as part of the Church Educational System (CES). The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, which, since 1939, has consisted of the First Presidency of the Church as well as other General Authorities or general officers of the Church appointed by the First Presidency. The Board of Trustees provides general direction and oversees the formulation of broad policies as well as the approval of all executive leadership and faculty appointments at the university. The Board of Trustees delegates to the University President the responsibility to conduct the operations of the institution and administer the policies enacted by the board. The President serves as the chief executive officer and general manager of the University. Since 1996, the President of the university has also been a General Authority of the Church.

Throughout the history of Brigham Young University, a series of councils have assisted the President in implementing and administering board-approved policies at the University. At the highest level, these have included the Presidency of the University (1904-1920), an Administrative Council (1920-1921), an informal presidency (1950s), another Administrative Council (1958-1971), and the President's Council (circa 1980- ). Various other councils and standing committees have likewise existed throughout the university's history to help advise and give recommendations to the University President. Among these was the University Council (1906-1960) which acted as the legislative body of the faculty within the jurisdiction set by the Board of Trustees. Among the numerous councils and standing committees which currently function in the university are the following: the Student Advisory Council, the Faculty Advisory Council, the Administrative Advisory Council and the Deans' Council.

Changes in university policies and programs may be suggested by individuals as well as any of these or other councils and committees. These suggestions are advanced through the various councils to the President's Council. After considering these changes, the President's Council takes their proposals to the Church Commissioner of Education. From there the policies are reviewed by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees who then makes the final recommendation to the full Board of Trustees.

Associated Units

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Board of Trustees (1903- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Collegiate Dept. (1903-1904)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College (1904-1909)

Subordinate unit: Church Teachers College (1909-1920)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Normal School (1903-1913)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Commercial School (1903-1909)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Arts and Industries (1904-1906)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Arts and Trades (1906-1909)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Agriculture (1906-1909)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young High School (Provo, Utah) (1903-1968)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Missionary Dept. (1903-1904)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Music (1903-1909) (1903-1909)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Preparatory School (1904-1909)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Elementary Training School (1919-1920)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Education (1920-1921)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Education (1921-1997)

Subordinate unit: David O. McKay School of Education (1997- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Arts and Sciences (1920-1921)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Arts and Sciences (1921-1954)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Commerce and Business Administration (1921-1929)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Commerce (1929-1959)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Business (1959-1979)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Graduate School of Management (1976-1979)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Management (1979-1989)

Subordinate unit: Marriott School of Management (1989- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Applied Science (1922-1954)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Biological and Agricultural Sciences (1954-1983)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Biology and Agriculture (1983-2007)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Life Sciences (2007- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Physical and Engineering Sciences (1954-1973)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (1973- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Engineering Sciences and Technology (1973-1984)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Engineering and Technology (1984-2004)

Subordinate unit: Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology (2004- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Fine Arts (1925-1964)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Fine Arts and Communications (1964- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Family Living (1954-1981)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences (1981- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (1954-1965)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Humanities (1965- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Social Sciences (1965-1981)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Recreation, Physical and Health Education, and Athletics (1955-1960)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Physical Education (1960-1998)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Health and Human Performance (1998-2009)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. General College (1958-1973)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of General Studies (1973-1979)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Nonmajor Programs (1979-1992)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Student Development (1992-1993)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Student Life (1993- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Industrial and Technical Education (1966-1973)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Nursing (1952-1959)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Nursing (1959- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Dept. of Extension Work (1913-1914)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Extension Dept. (1914-1920)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Extension Division (1921-1957)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Adult Education and Extension Services (1957-1964)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Division of Continuing Education (1964- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Graduate Division (1922-1929)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Graduate School (1929-1986)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Graduate Studies (1986- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. School of Library and Information Sciences (1977-1982)

Subordinate unit: J. Reuben Clark Law School (1973- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Research Division (1921-1990)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Division of Religion (1940-1959)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. College of Religious Instruction (1959-1973)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Religious Instruction (1973-1983)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Religious Education (1983- )

Subordinate unit: Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies (1988- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Library (1925-1961)

Subordinate unit: J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Library (1961-1973)

Subordinate unit: Harold B. Lee Library (1973- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Undergraduate Education (2002- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Security/Police (1975-1983)

Subordinate unit: BYU Police Dept. (1983- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Special Services (1946-1955)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Student Personnel Services (1955-1972)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Honors Program (1960-1973, 1979-1982)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. University Honors Education (1982-1986)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. General Education and Honors (1986-2002)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Indian Education Program (1955- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Office of Research and Creative Work (1990-1994)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Office of Research and Creative Activities (1994-)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Law Enforcement Education Program (1970-1974)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Program (1974-1978)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Institute of American Indian Studies (1958- )

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Family and Demographic Research Institute (1981-1989)

Subordinate unit: Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute (1977-)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Religious Studies Center (1977-2004)

Subordinate unit: Charles Redd Center for Western Studies (1977-1994)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Elementary Laboratory School (1955-1955)

Subordinate unit: International Center for Law and Religion Studies

Subordinate unit: Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Council of the Graduate School (1946-1950)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. General Committee of the Graduate School (1950-1957)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Graduate Council (1957-)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. I.D. Center (1987)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Office of Information Technology (2001)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Family Research Center (1972-1974)

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behavior (1976-1985)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Alumni Association

Associated Archival Materials

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, 2002-2003 (UA 5541)

Brigham Young University accreditation self-study reports, 2003-2006 (UA 1262)

Incorporation of BYU, 1949 (UA 89)

"You Are Great" : Student Quality--The Hallmark Of Brigham Young University. (378.2 A1a no.46)

Sources

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, 2002-2003 (UA 5541): (President acts as the general manager and chief executive officer of the University)

Brigham Young University accreditation self-study reports, 2003-2006 (UA 1262 Box 1): (Board of Trustees provides general direction and oversees the formulation of broad policies; policies and programs can be recommended by individuals and councils; move through the councils to the President's Council, which sent their recommendation to the Church Commissioner of Education and from there to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees and the full Board; since 1996 the President of BYU has been a General Authority of the LDS Church; board approves all executive leadership and faculty appointments at the university; board delegates to the university president the responsibility to conduct the operations of the institution; President with the President's Council implements and administers board-approved policies; Board of Trustees headed by the First Presidency of the LDS Church and consists of General Authorities and general officers of the Church); (Box 2): (President assisted by the Deans' Council and the Administrative Council)

Brigham Young University Annual School Catalog, 1904-1905

Brigham Young University Annual School Catalog, 1950-1951: p. 10-11 (University Council acted as the legislative branch of the faculty under the Board of Trustees)

Brigham Young University, The First One Hundred Years, 1975: vol. 1 p. 375, p. 382-383, vol. 4 p. 521 (est. 1903, when Brigham Young Academy changed names; creation of the Presidency of the University; Christian Jensen served as acting university president from 1949-1951)

Brigham Young University, President history Web page, April 26, 2010 (Past and present Brigham Young University presidents include: George H. Brimhall (1903-1921), Franklin S. Harris (1921-1945), Howard S. McDonald (1945-1949), Ernest L. Wilkinson (1951-1971), Dallin H. Oaks (1971-1980), Jeffrey R. Holland (1980-1989), Rex E. Lee (1989-1995), Merrill J. Bateman (1996-2003), and Cecil O. Samuelson (2003-)) http://unicomm.byu.edu/president/pastpresidents.aspx

Brigham Young University, President mission Web page, April 26, 2010 (The mission of Brigham Young University--founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued. All instruction, programs, and services at BYU, including a wide variety of extracurricular experiences, should make their own contribution toward the balanced development of the total person. Such a broadly prepared individual will not only be capable of meeting personal challenge and change but will also bring strength to others in the tasks of home and family life, social relationships, civic duty, and service to mankind.) http://unicomm.byu.edu/president/missionstatement.aspx

Brigham Young University, President objectives Web page, April 26, 2010 (The institutional objectives of the university are to educate the minds and spirits of students within a learning environment that increases faith in God and the Restored Gospel, is intellectually enlarging, is character building, and leads to a life of learning and service; advance truth and knowledge in order to enhance the education of students, enrich the quality of life and contribute to a resolution of world problems; extend the blessings of learning to members of the Church in all parts of the world; and develop friends for the University and the Church) http://unicomm.byu.edu/president/objectives.aspx

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 1987-1988: p. 306 (ID Center)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog, 2001-2002: p. 419 (Office of Information Technology)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2009-00001

LCCN: n 79022921

Creator: UPB/CEP