Karl Clayton Leebrick, Papers, 1938-1982, [Bulk 1938-1945]

Finding Aid

Prepared by Barbara Bass, April 10, 2002; Revised by Katy L. Watts, December 5, 2005; Updated March 23, 2006
1 document case, .33 cubic ft., 11th floor

Biographical Note

Karl Clayton Leebrick came to serve as Kent State's fourth president in 1938. During Leebrick's presidency, he transformed the curriculum and departmental structure of the university similar to that of a liberal arts school setting. The Schools of Journalism, Music, Art, and Speech were created during this time. Also, the Agriculture and Library Science programs were cut from the curriculum. Leebrick's most significant accomplishment in office was ending the feud between state universities in Ohio by creating the Inter-University Council in 1939. Due to his rapid changes and strained personal relations, Leebrick was dismissed in 1943; Raymond M. Clark replaced him in office and served as Acting President until George Bowman was charged to lead the University in 1944.

Note: More information on Karl Clayton Leebrick can be found in the book, The Years of Youth: Kent State University, 1910-1960, which is catalogued in KentLINK .


Scope and Content

Very few papers of the early presidents of Kent State survive today. The papers in this collection were found in the George A. Bowman, Papers, 1901-1976 and removed for better access to Leebrick's materials. This collection consists of interdepartmental correspondence between Leebrick and other university figures. Notable documents in this collection are correspondence with the United States War Department to establish correspondence courses for soldiers nearing the end of World War Two in 1944-1945; these papers might have been directed to Raymond M. Clark or George Bowman during their times in presidential office following Leebrick's dismissal.

Box 1

Folder -- Contents

  1. Correspondence: American Association of Teachers Colleges: 1939-1940
  2. Correspondence: American Association of University Professors (AAUP): 1940
  3. Correspondence: Architects: 1942
  4. Correspondence: Association of American Universities: 1938-1942
  5. Correspondence: Biennial Audit: Sept. 30, 1943
  6. Correspondence: Board of Trustees Actions and Resolutions: 1941
  7. Correspondence: Cadet Program, Canton Center: Jan 28, 1943
  8. Correspondence: College of Business Administration: 1942
  9. Correspondence: Committees, University: 1942-1943
  10. Correspondence: Director of Residence: 1943
  11. Correspondence: Health Center: 1938
  12. Corespondence: Inauguration, 1938
  13. Correspondence: Inter-University Council: 1940-1941
  14. Correspondence: Religious Courses: 1941-1945
  15. Correspondence: Retirement: 1939
  16. Correspondence: War: 1944-1945
  17. Inauguration: Program, October 21, 1938
  18. Inauguration: Luncheon and Banquet Tickets, October 21, 1938
  19. Inauguration: Information and Directions, October 21, 1938
  20. Inauguration: Biographies of Notable Figures at Ceremony, [no date]
  21. Inauguration: Invitiation, 1938
  22. Inauguration: Address by Dr. Karl C. Leebrick, October 21, 1938
  23. Inauguration: Address by Dr. A. H. Upham, October 21, 1938
  24. Inauguration: List of Notable Figures, 1938
  25. Inauguration: Karl Leebrick and Kent State Members Invitation List, 1938
  26. Inauguration: Attendance List, 1938
  27. Inauguration: Who's Who on America Biographies of Men at Inaugural Program, 1938
  28. Inauguration: Other Biographies, 1938
  29. Inauguration: Faculty Members Participating in Academic Procession, 1938
  30. McGilvrey Hall Dedication, July 1940
  31. Program, Maunaolu College, 1960
  32. Newsclippings: Inauguration, 1938
  33. Newsclippings: Leebrick Performing Presidential Duties, 1938
  34. Newsclippings: Leebrick Dismissed As President, 1943
  35. Newsclippings: Obituary, June 1982
  36. Newsclippings: Photographs, [no date]
  37. Other Documents Containing Information about Karl Clayton Leebrick, [no date]
  38. Oversized Folder: Newsclippings: Inauguration, 1938