Karl Clayton Leebrick papers

Finding Aid

Prepared by Barbara Bass, April 10, 2002; Revised by Katy L. Watts, December 5, 2005; Updated March 2017

Inclusive Dates:  1938-1982
Bulk Dates: 1938-1945
Extent: 1 document case, .33 cubic foot
Physical Location: 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

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 II.

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, undated
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, undated
37. Other Documents Containing Information about Karl Clayton Leebrick, undated
38. Oversized Folder: Newsclippings: Inauguration, 1938