History of the University File, 1914-1991

History of the University File maintained by the President's Office includes copies of correspondence, reports, and news announcements, and publications concerning significant individuals, events, and buildings in University of Illinois history including Thomas J. Burrill, Leo Koch, George Miller, Allan Nevins, Carl Sandburg, University Presidents, Land-Grant Centennial, University of Illinois Centennial, athletics controversies, College of Education controversies (1944-46), University songs and yells, correspondence, newspaper clippings, event programs, statements, press releases, relating to four versions of the general history of the university (two anonymous versions, one version from A. J. Janata's files, and another version by Winton Solberg (1941-96)); history of the Galesburg branch of the University (1950-67); master plan for higher education in Illinois, staff recommendations for (1964); master plan phase II (1966-67); master plan phase III (1964-72); programs from the installations of Presidents Stoddard (1947) and Henry (1965); building dedications programs (1941-63); Krebiozen controversy (1953-67); Rehabilitation Education Services (1963-69), Dentistry history; Graduate College (1914-71); coat of arms-U of I (University Club, Chicago) and University colors (1959-73); student unrest, newspaper clippings regarding Project 500 incident at the Illini Union (1968-69); Athletic Association-Dave Wilson litigation (1980-83), correspondence (1981), President's Office organizational chart (1981), newspaper clippings (1980-81), statements, findings, press releases (1975-81).

The President is the principal administrative officer of the University and a member of the faculty of each college, school, institute and division.¹ The original charter designated the chief executive officer of the university as regent but this title was changed to President in 1894.² The President is elected by the Board of Trustees and is responsible to them for the operation of the university.³ The President prepares budgets for presentation to the board, recommends persons to the Board for appointment to University positions, and is responsible for the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the University.⁴ On recommendation of the appropriate Senate and by authority of the Trustees, the President issues diplomas conferring degrees.⁵

This unit covers:

2/0 Reports of the President

2/1 John M. Gregory, April 1, 1867 - June 9, 1880 (Effective September 1,1880)

2/2 Selim H. Peabody, July 27, 1880 (Pro tempore) March 9, 1881 - June 10, 1891 (Effective September 1, 1891)

2/3 Thomas J. Burrill, August 7, 1891 - 1894 (Acting) April 1, 1904 - August 26, 1904 (Acting)

2/4 Andrew S. Draper, April 13, 1894 (Took office August 1, 1894) - April 1, 1904

2/5 Edmund J. James, August 26, 1904 - March 3, 1920 (Effective September 1, 1920)

2/6 David Kinley, September 1, 1920 - July 1, 1930

2/7 Harry W. Chase, July 5, 1930 - January 25, 1933 (Effective July 10, 1933)

2/8 Arthur H. Daniels, July 11, 1933 - June 30, 1934 (Acting)

2/9 Arthur C. Willard, July 1, 1934 - June 30, 1946

2/10 George D. Stoddard, July 1, 1946 - August 31, 1953

2/11 Lloyd Morey, September 1, 1953 (Acting) February 1, 1954 - August 31, 1955

2/12 David D. Henry, September 1, 1955 - August 31, 1971

2/13 John E. Corbally, Jr., September 1, 1971 - August 31, 1979

2/14 Stanley O. Ikenberry, September 1, 1979 ?

1. University of Illinois Statutes, July 18, 1979, Section 2, p. 3.

2. Board of Trustees Transactions, 17th Report, August 1, 1894, p. 269.

3. University of Illinois Statutes, July 18, 1979, Section 2, p. 3.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid., p. 3-4

History of the University File, 1914-1991

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Biographical Note

Administrative Information