Williams, John E., Records of the Dean of the College Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams, 1920-1940 RG.11.02

Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams, 1920-1940 RG.11.02


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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

Miles Abernethy, Student Worker

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
RG.11.02
Title
Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams 1920-1940
Quantity
8.4 Cubic Feet, 6 boxes
Creator
Williams, John Edward, 1867-1943
Creator
Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. Office of the Dean of the College (1919-1944)
Language
The materials in this collection are in English.
Abstract
This collection contains several series of documents related to Professor John E. Williams's (1867-1943) service as Dean of the College for Virginia Tech between 1924 and 1943. They include correspondence with businesses, governmental organizations, parents, alumni, and other administration members of Virginia Tech. Also included are lists of statistics on enrollment, student organization and university finances, scholarships, as well as reports on the honor and "rat" system. Williams was appointed as professor of mathematics at Virginia Tech in 1903 and served as Dean of the College between 1924 and 1943, when he died.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information:[identification of item], [box], [folder], Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams, RG 11/2, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams were transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in March 1973.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams was completed in August 2021.


Biographical Note

John Edward Williams (1867-1943) was a Virginia Tech mathematics professor and Dean of the College. He was born in Charlotte County, Virginia on September 17, 1867, to Albert H. and Matilda Berkeley Williams. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1892, before serving as principal of Boydton High School for two years. From 1894 to 1895, Williams served as assistant principal of Roanoke's Commerce Street School, then returned to Boydton as a private instructor for Col. Thomas F. Goode.

Williams next entered a special course in pure mathematics at the University of Virginia in 1896, obtaining his master's degree in 1899 and doctoral degree in 1902. He served as a mathematics instructor at the university from 1899 until 1903, when he was appointed to the mathematics department at Virginia Tech.

In 1924, Williams was named Virginia Tech's Dean of the College, a position he held until his death. Williams also served on the State Board of Education and on the Hampden-Sydney Board of Trustees and was a member of several mathematics- and science-related societies. In 1925, Hampden-Sydney conferred upon him an honorary doctorate of laws.

Williams married Sallie Taylor Patton, daughter of Col. William M. Patton, in 1905. The couple had three children. Williams died in Blacksburg on April 19, 1943.

Scope and Content

The collection primarily consists of correspondence, dealing with such subjects as absences, athletics, budget, the Civilian Student Union, complaints, Corps of Cadets, curricula changes, diplomas, English requirements, Honor System, influenza epidemic, insurance, job applications (student jobs, faculty positions, and placement of recent graduates), letters of recommendation, loans and scholarships, Mess Hall investigation (1928), rat system, Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, student activities and organizations, student publications, transfers, and the Virginia General Assembly. There is also a sizable amount of correspondence between Williams and President Burruss.

The collection also contains annual reports of the Academic-Science Division, 1929-1932, which includes separate annual reports for the following departments: Business Administration (1929-1931), Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (1929-1932, 1937-1938), English and Foreign Languages (1929-1932), Geology (1929-1931), Mathematics (1929-1931), Military (1931-1932), Metallurgy and Metallography (1929-1930), Physical Education (1929-1930), Physics (1929-1932), Zoology and Animal Pathology (1931-1932).

There are lists of statistical information for various years, including enrollment, number of students passing various subjects, civilian students, waiterships, non-Virginia students, transfers, resignations, accredited high schools in Virginia, loan recipients, Catholic students, German Club members, and students eligible for Phi Kappa Phi. The collection also has departmental budget sheets, notices and memoranda concerning the Administrative Council, Executive Bulletins (1923-1929), "Report of the President to the Board of Visitors" (April 16, 1924), and requisitions and orders.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into six series, and each series is arranged alphabetically. The collection remains in original order as received.

Series Series I: VPI Correspondence, 1929-1937, includes letters and notes to college administration members, professors, and other staff. Series II: Non-VPI Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1926-1927, 1929-1937, contains correspondence with non-college individuals, such as government officials, business leaders, and private citizens. Series III: Subject Files, 1920-1925, contains multiple subjects regarding university administration, arranged alphabetically. Series IV: Subject Files, 1925-1930, contains multiple subjects regarding university administration, arranged alphabetically. Series V: Subject Files, 1930-1935, contains multiple subjects regarding university administration, arranged alphabetically. Series VI: Subject Files, 1935-1936, contains multiple subjects regarding university administration, arranged alphabetically.

Related Material

See also the John Edward Williams Papers, Ms1956-005 at Virginia Tech Special Collections and University Archives.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Faculty
  • University Archives
  • University History
  • Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (1896-1944)
  • Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. Office of the Dean of the College (1919-1944)
  • Williams, John Edward, 1867-1943

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Records of the Dean of the College, John E. Williams by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your- work/public-domain/cc0/).

Container List

Series I: VPI Correspondence
1929-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 1
    A - Miscellaneous
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 1 folder: 2
    B - Miscellaneous
    1931-1933
  • box-folder 1 folder: 3
    B - Miscellaneous
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 1 folder: 4
    B - Miscellaneous
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 5
    B - Miscellaneous
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 6
    Burruss, Dr. J. A. - Miscellaneous
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 1 folder: 7
    Burruss, Dr. J. A. - Elective Bulletins
    1929, 1931-1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 8
    Burruss, Dr. J.A. - Miscellaneous
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 1 folder: 9
    C - Miscellaneous
    1931-1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 10
    C - Miscellaneous
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 11
    D - Miscellaneous
    1930-1934, 1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 12
    F - Miscellaneous
    1931-1932, 1935-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 13
    G - Miscellaneous
    1931-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 14
    H - Miscellaneous
    1930-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 15
    J - Miscellaneous
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 16
    K - Miscellaneous
    1929-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 17
    L - Miscellaneous
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 1 folder: 18
    M - Miscellaneous
    1929-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 19
    N - Miscellaneous
    1930, 1932-1934, 1936-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 20
    O - Miscellaneous
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 21
    P - Miscellaneous
    1933-1935
  • box-folder 1 folder: 22
    R - Miscellaneous
    1931-1934, 1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 23
    S - Miscellaneous
    1931-1932, 1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 24
    T - Miscellaneous
    1935-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 25
    W - Miscellaneous
    1930-1935
  • box-folder 1 folder: 26
    W - Miscellaneous
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 27
    X, Y - Miscellaneous
    1934, 1936-1937
Series II: Non-VPI Miscellaneous Correspondence
1926-1927, 1929-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 28
    A - Miscellaneous
    1926-1927, 1929-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 29
    B - Miscellaneous
    1926, 1928-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 30
    C - Miscellaneous
    1926-1933, 1935-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 31
    D - Miscellaneous
    1928, 1931-1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 32
    E - Miscellaneous
    1927-1937
  • box-folder 1 folder: 33
    F - Miscellaneous
    1926-1927, 1931-1934, 1936
  • box-folder 1 folder: 34
    G - Miscellaneous
    1927-1929, 1932, 1934, 1936
  • box-folder 2 folder: 1
    H - Miscellaneous
    1926-1928
  • box-folder 2 folder: 2
    H - Miscellaneous
    1927, 1931-1932
  • box-folder 2 folder: 3
    H - Miscellaneous
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 2 folder: 4
    H - Miscellaneous
    1933-1935
  • box-folder 2 folder: 5
    H - Miscellaneous
    1935-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 6
    I - Miscellaneous
    1928-1929, 1932, 1934
  • box-folder 2 folder: 7
    J - Miscellaneous
    1926-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 8
    K - Miscellaneous
    1927-1932, 1935-1936
  • box-folder 2 folder: 9
    L - Miscellaneous
    1926-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 10
    M - Miscellaneous
    1927-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 11
    N - Miscellaneous
    1926-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 12
    O - Miscellaneous
    1931-1932, 1934-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 13
    P - Miscellaneous
    1927-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 14
    R - Miscellaneous
    1927-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 15
    S - Miscellaneous
    1926-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 16
    State Board of Education
    1926-1929
  • box-folder 2 folder: 17
    T - Miscellaneous
    1927-1928, 1932, 1935-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 18
    V - Miscellaneous
    1926-1929, 1932, 1934-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 19
    W - Miscellaneous
    1926-1937
  • box-folder 2 folder: 20
    X, Y, Z - Miscellaneous
    1926
Series III: Subject Files
1920-1925
  • box-folder 5 folder: 18
    A - Miscellaneous
    1923-1924
  • box-folder 5 folder: 19
    Applications and Appointments
    1924-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 20
    B-C - Miscellaneous
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 5 folder: 21
    Budget
    1924-1925
  • box-folder 5 folder: 22
    Burruss, Dr. J. A.
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 6 folder: 1
    C-D - Miscellaneous
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 6 folder: 2
    Dean of College - Duties
    1920, 1923, 1925
  • box-folder 6 folder: 3
    E-F-G - Miscellaneous
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 6 folder: 4
    Executive Bulletins
    1923-1929
  • box-folder 6 folder: 5
    H-K-J - Miscellaneous
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 6 folder: 6
    L-Ms-M-N - Miscellaneous
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 6 folder: 7
    Miscellaneous Lists
    1924-1930
  • box-folder 6 folder: 8
    O - Miscellaneous
    1923-1928
  • box-folder 6 folder: 9
    Probational Lists
    1924-1927
  • box-folder 6 folder: 10
    Report of the President to the Board of Visitors
    1924-04-16
  • box-folder 6 folder: 11
    Requisitions and Orders
    1924-1930
  • box-folder 6 folder: 12
    Solid Geometry
    1924-1925, 1928-1929
  • box-folder 6 folder: 13
    State Scholarships
    1924-1926
  • box-folder 6 folder: 14
    Statistics
    1924-1925
  • box-folder 6 folder: 15
    Veteran's Bureau
    1924-1925
Series IV: Subject Files
1925-1930
  • box-folder 4 folder: 27
    Absences, Unexcused
  • box-folder 4 folder: 28
    Budget
    1927-1928
  • box-folder 4 folder: 29
    Commencement and Diplomas
    1925-1926
  • box-folder 4 folder: 30
    Complaints
    1925-1928
  • box-folder 4 folder: 31
    Complaints
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 4 folder: 32
    Corps of Cadets, Constitution and Bylaws
    1927-1928
  • box-folder 4 folder: 33
    Curricula Changes
    1928
  • box-folder 4 folder: 34
    DuPont File
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 4 folder: 35
    Exams, Deferred
    1925-1930
  • box-folder 4 folder: 36
    Foreign Students
    1926-1927
  • box-folder 5 folder: 1
    General Assembly
    1928, undated
  • box-folder 5 folder: 2
    Graduate Work
    1928
  • box-folder 5 folder: 3
    Honor System
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 4
    Influenza Epidemic
    1928-1929
  • box-folder 5 folder: 5
    In Loco Parentis
    1929-1931
  • box-folder 5 folder: 6
    Letters of Recommendation
    1925-1927
  • box-folder 5 folder: 7
    Letters of Recommendation
    1927-1929
  • box-folder 5 folder: 8
    Letters of Recommendation
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 9
    Mess Hall Investigation
    1928
  • box-folder 5 folder: 10
    Openings for Graduates
    1926-1927
  • box-folder 5 folder: 11
    Phi Kappa Phi
    1926
  • box-folder 5 folder: 12
    Prohibitional Lists
    1927-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 13
    Student Activities
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 14
    Student Publications
    1929-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 15
    Statistics
    1928-1930
  • box-folder 5 folder: 16
    Statistical Papers
    1925-1927
  • box-folder 5 folder: 17
    Statistical Papers
    1927-1928
  • box-folder 5 folder: 18
    Southern Association of Universities
    1926-1928
  • box-folder 5 folder: 19
    Westmoreland Davis Agriculture Scholarship
    1928-1929
Series V: Subject Files
1930-1935
  • box-folder 2 folder: 21
    Absences - Unexcused
    1930-1931, 1934-1935
  • box-folder 2 folder: 22
    Academic Science Division
    1930, 1932
  • box-folder 2 folder: 23
    Administrative Council
    1930, undated
  • box-folder 2 folder: 24
    Administrative Council
    1930-1932
  • box-folder 2 folder: 25
    Annual Report, Academic-Science Division
    1930-1932
  • box-folder 2 folder: 26
    Applications and Appointments - Students
    1930-1931, 1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 1
    Applications for Jobs (Not Students)
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 2
    Applications for Jobs (Recent Graduates)
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 3
    Athletics
    1931-1932
  • box-folder 3 folder: 4
    Budget of Staff Estimates
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 5
    Class of 1933
    1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 6
    Complaints
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 7
    Complaints
    1931-1932
  • box-folder 3 folder: 8
    Complaints
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 9
    Complaints
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 10
    Curricula Changes
    1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 11
    Equipment
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 12
    Gary-Moffett Bill
    1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 13
    Honor System
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 14
    Insurance
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 15
    Letters of Recommendation
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 16
    Letters of Recommendation
    1931-1932
  • box-folder 3 folder: 17
    Letters of Recommendation
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 18
    Letters of Recommendation
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 19
    Letters of Recommendation
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 20
    Loan Fund
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 21
    Miscellaneous Lists
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 22
    Out of Military Students Regulations
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 23
    Rat System
    1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 24
    Statistics
    1931-1932
  • box-folder 3 folder: 25
    Statistics
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 26
    Statistics
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 27
    Statistics
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 28
    Student Activities
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 29
    Student Activities
    1931-1932
  • box-folder 3 folder: 30
    Student Activities
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 31
    Student Activities
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 32
    Student Activities
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 33
    Student Organization Finances
    1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 34
    Student Publications
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 35
    Student Welfare Committee
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 36
    Tennessee Valley Authority
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 37
    Transfers
    1933-1934
  • box-folder 3 folder: 38
    Tuition and Scholarships
    1932-1933
  • box-folder 3 folder: 39
    Unit System
    undated
  • box-folder 3 folder: 40
    Virginia Mechanics Institute
    1931-1932
  • box-folder 3 folder: 41
    Waiterships; F. E. R. A., etc.
    1930-1931, 1934-1935
  • box-folder 3 folder: 42
    Westmoreland Davis Scholarship
    1930-1931
  • box-folder 3 folder: 43
    Wine Scholarship
    1930-1931
Series VI: Subject Files
1935-1940
  • box-folder 3 folder: 43
    Absences, Unexcused
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 3 folder: 44
    Administrative Council
    1935-1938
  • box-folder 3 folder: 45
    Applications and Appointments
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 3 folder: 46
    Athletic Association
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 3 folder: 47
    Chemistry Department (Dr. Watson's Annual Report)
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 3 folder: 48
    Civilian Students Union
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 3 folder: 49
    Complaints
    1938-1939
  • box-folder 3 folder: 50
    Diplomas
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 3 folder: 51
    English Requirements - H. W. Sanders, Chairman of Committee
    1936-1938
  • box-folder 3 folder: 52
    Finances
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 3 folder: 53
    Financial Aid Committee
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 3 folder: 54
    Finances - Miscellaneous
    1938-1939
  • box-folder 3 folder: 55
    Financial Aid Applications
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 1
    General Assembly
    1936
  • box-folder 4 folder: 2
    Graham Plan
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 3
    Jobs - Students Placed
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 4
    Letters of Recommendation
    1935-1936, 1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 5
    Loan Fund
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 6
    Loan Fund Applications
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 4 folder: 7
    Loan Fund Applications
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 8
    Loan Fund Applications
    1938-1939
  • box-folder 4 folder: 9
    Loan Fund List
    1935-1937
  • box-folder 4 folder: 10
    Military - Applications to be Excused From (New Students)
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 11
    Miscellaneous Lists
    1935-1936, 1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 12
    Opening for Graduates
    1936-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 13
    Requisition and Orders
    1935-1936, 1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 14
    Southern Association Report
    1935-1939
  • box-folder 4 folder: 15
    Statistics
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 4 folder: 16
    Statistics
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 4 folder: 17
    Statistics
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 18
    Statistics
    1938-1939
  • box-folder 4 folder: 19
    Statistics
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 20
    Statistics
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 21
    Student Activities
    1935-1936
  • box-folder 4 folder: 22
    Student Activities
    1936-1937
  • box-folder 4 folder: 23
    Student Activities
    1937-1938
  • box-folder 4 folder: 24
    Student Activities
    1938-1939
  • box-folder 4 folder: 25
    Student Activities
    1939-1940
  • box-folder 4 folder: 26
    Waiterships
    1935-1936