Table of Contents
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Archives and Special Collections Finding Aids
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Collection Overview
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| Creator: | Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.). Office of the President. |
| Title: | Office of the President (Ryder) records |
| Dates: |
n.d., 1955-2005 |
| Call Number: | A19 |
| Location: |
25/3-4, 26/1, 33/4, FF1/D1 |
| Volume: |
41.15 cubic ft. (99 boxes) |
| Scope and Content Abstract: | The records of Kenneth Gilmore Ryder's (KGR) tenure as Northeastern University president (1975-1989) span 1955-1996. Records document KGR's leadership; the activities of NU's colleges, departments, and other research and administrative units; NU's involvement in community affairs, particularly the desegregation of Boston Public Schools; KGR's speaking engagements beyond NU; and KGR's participation in higher education associations in Massachusetts and United States. Records include annual reports, appointment books, campus planning and development records, correspondence and memoranda, reports, meeting agenda and minutes, audio and visual recordings, brochures, pamphlets, handbooks, newsletters, newspaper clippings, statistical information, notes, cards, lists, posters, proposals, surveys, writings, and artwork. |
| Historical Abstract: | Kenneth Gilmore Ryder (KGR), the fourth president of Northeastern University (NU) from 1975 to 1989, began his career at NU in 1949 as an instructor of history and government. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1953 and to associate professor in 1956. In 1957, KGR gave up his teaching responsibilities to assume a succession of administrative positions: Dean of Administration (1958-1966), Vice President of University Administration (1967-1970), and Executive Vice President (1971-1975). In 1975, KGR succeeded Asa Smallidge Knowles as president of NU. Under KGR's leadership, NU's academic programs were upgraded and expanded, the quality of instruction was improved, research programs increased, and modern computer equipment was installed. Co-op placements expanded in number and variety, and national and international assignments became more available for interested students. Student and faculty exchange programs were increased, and enrollment of international students at NU rose. Development activities also escalated during KGR's tenure; in 1980, NU launched the Century Fund campaign, a capital fund-raising project. After 40 years of service to NU, KGR resigned. He became Chancellor in 1989 when John A. Curry was appointed as his successor. |
| Arrangement: |
Organized into 4 series: 1. Appointments, Correspondence, and Memoranda; 2. Colleges, Departments, and Other Units; 3. Committees, Councils, and Organizations; and 4. Subject Files. |
| Subjects and Contributors: |
- Ryder, Kenneth G., b. 1924.
- Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.). Office of the President.
- Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.)--Accreditation.
- Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.)--Administration.
- Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.)--Presidents.
- Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.)--Buildings.
- Citywide Coordinating Council.
- Madison Park High School (Boston, Mass.).
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
- National Commission on Student Financial Assistance.
- Universities and colleges--Public services.
- College presidents--Inauguration.
- School integration--Massachusetts--Boston.
- Community development, Urban--Massachusetts--Boston.
- College presidents--Massachusetts--Boston.
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| Restrictions: | Records are closed for 25 years from the date of their creation, unless researchers have written permission from the creating office. |
| Processor: |
Finding aid prepared by Archives Staff, 1997; updated, 2010; updated by Abigail Cramer, November 2012. |
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