By Charles Hay
Title: President's Office Records - Powell, 1938-1986
Creator: Powell, Julius Cherry (1926-1988)
Extent: 80.3 Cubic Feet
Date Acquired: 05/21/2002
Languages: English [eng]
Julius Cherry Powell served as Eastern Kentucky University's seventh president from 1976-1984. These 183 boxes reflect Powell's influence on the historical development of the institution during a period of declining enrollment and diminished state appropriations. This set of records also include the last few years of the administration of Robert R. Martin and thus make up the official records of the office of the president.
The papers are divided into four series: Council on Higher Education, General, Personnel, and Subject. The Council on Higher Education Series documents official actions taken by the Council and Eastern's involvement with the state agency. The General Series bridges the gap between official and personal correspondence, especially invitations received by presidents Martin and Powell. The Personnel Series, due to provisions of both federal and state laws regarding privacy, remains closed to researchers. The Subject Series divides into a general Subject-Sub Series and seven additional sub-series--Academic Affairs, Administrative Affairs, Business Affairs, Committees, President's Office, Student Affairs, and University Relations and Development--which correspond basically to the University's organizational structure and documents the official policies and decisions emanating from the president's office.
This collection of records should be used in conjunction with several other record groups. Specifically, the photographic collection from the Office of Public Information has numerous negative and some prints on the Powell administration. A series of oral history interviews with Dr. Powell, regarding a variety of subjects, and with faculty and alumni can provide useful supplementary material to the papers. The Board of Regents minutes offer an invaluable source of information about Powell and his presidency. Unless otherwise stated the records are open for research.