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...