Office of University Administration records

Collection

Identifier: A034

Overview

Northeastern University (NU) President Asa S. Knowles created the Office of University Administration in 1960 by merging the Office of Academic Affairs and Dean of Administration in order to manage the growth NU experienced throughout the 1950s. Kenneth G. Ryder, whom Knowles had appointed Dean of Administration two years earlier, headed the new office. University Administration managed academic and administrative support services, including research, admissions, the registrar, and libraries. Academic deans also reported to the dean of university administration. Authority for personnel was added during Rudolph M. Morris' tenure. University Administration originally reported to the provost, but after 1967 reported directly to the president. In 1991, University Administration was dissolved, and its responsibilities were divided between the president and provost.

Dates

Creation: 1951-1989

Creator

Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.). Office of University Administration (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access:

Records are closed for 25 years from the date of their creation, unless researchers have written permission from the creating office.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use:

Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the University Archivist.

Historical Note

President Asa S. Knowles created the Office of University Administration in 1960 by merging the Offices of Academic Affairs and Dean of Administration in order to manage the growth that Northeastern University had experienced throughout the 1950s. Kenneth G. Ryder, whom Knowles had appointed Dean of Administration two years earlier, headed the new office. Ryder managed academic-administrative support services, including research, admissions, the Registrar's office, and the University Libraries. Academic deans reported to Ryder as well. Authority for Personnel was added during Rudolph M. Morris' tenure. The Office originally reported to the Office of the Provost, but after 1967 University Administration reported directly to the President of the University.

Over the next 30 years, the head of University Administration's title was changed several times, though he retained much the same responsibilities. By 1979 University Administration added the Office of Affirmative Action (a new office) and the Urban Schools Collaborative (formerly part of the Phase II desegregation program, now a permanent University office) to its list of responsibilities. In 1980 Executive Vice President Curry named Patricia Schaen and Christopher Kennedy Deans of Administration. They oversaw admissions, the Registrar's office, and the Libraries, while Curry retained direct responsibility for all other aspects of the Office, including Personnel, Affirmative Action, and the Urban Schools Collaborative. In 1991 the Office of University Administration was dissolved and its responsibilities were divided between the offices of the President and the Provost.