Edmund G. Williamson papers
Scope and Content
This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Edmund Griffith Williamson. The correspondence files (Boxes 1 and 2), were originally organized in both chronological and alphabetical order. Correspondence regarding Williamson's job situation is especially interesting because some insight can be gleaned as to the politics at the University during the 1930s and 1940s. These files also reflect Williamson's personal and professional dissatisfaction at the University during these years and his ultimate decision to remain here.
Williamson took many trips relating to his career (Box 3). Perhaps the most interesting was a three month trip to Germany in 1946. He describes his impressions of post World War II Germany in detail. Correspondence from his colleagues and family back home give insights into his family, personal life and the day to day routine of the Dean of Students Office. Also of note is his trip to Japan as a Fulbright Scholar in 1956. These folders contain considerable correspondence with Japanese acquaintances and colleagues that continued for years.
Williamson served on several committees, most notably the Advisory Committee on Counseling in Vocational Rehabilitation and Education of the Veterans Administration, from 1946-1969, when he retired. He also served with the American College Personnel Association from 1941-1954 and was president in 1944-1945 (Box 2).
Family and personal correspondence includes letters to and from various relatives. Folders regarding his children contain mostly childhood memorabilia and correspondence. (See also family correspondence in the Trips portion of the Collection.) Quite a bit of correspondence to and from Williamson's son Bud, can be found during his years in Japan with the Navy, while he was at Harvard Business School and after graduation. Some biographical information regarding Williamson's wife, Lorraine Fitch Williamson is contained in a scrapbook which she kept and also includes information regarding various University social activities (Box 4).
Williamson wrote several books, manuscripts of which are contained in the Collection (Boxes 7-9). He also was asked to speak at various institutions all over the world. The Papers contain both published and unpublished speeches as well as articles he wrote, which were also reprinted in various journals (Boxes 10-11). See also the bound volumes for speeches and reprints. The NAPSA Student Freedom Study by E.G. Williamson and John L. Cowan, (Boxes 12-20) was originally processed as a separate collection and was later added to the Williamson Papers.
Dates
- 1930-1978
Creator
Language of Materials
English
Use of Materials
Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Copyright
Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Requests to publish should be arranged with the University of Minnesota Archives.
Biographical Sketch of Edmund G. Williamson (1900-1979)
Edmund Griffith (E.G.) Williamson was born on August 14, 1900 in Rossville, Illinois. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Illinois in 1925 and his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1931. Dr. Williamson joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 1931 as assistant professor of psychology and director of the testing and counseling bureau (1931-1938). He became the coordinator of student personnel services in 1938 and professor of psychology and dean of students in 1941. During his time as dean, he developed the idea of "in loco parentis," which gave the University responsibility for the behavior of undergraduate students. Dr. Williamson retired from the University in 1969. He was a leader in the field of student counseling and supported the inclusion of students' ideas and opinions in the administration of the University. E.G. Williamson died on January 30, 1979.
Extent
35.45 Cubic Feet (29 boxes (28 record carton; 1 oversize))
Abstract
Collection contains the papers of Edmund G. Williamson, dean of students at the University of Minnesota.
Arrangement
Boxes 1-20 of this collection have been arranged into seven series:
- Correspondence
- Trips taken by Williamson
- Committees
- Family and Personal
- Retirement
- Manuscript, Speeches and Reprints
- NAPSA Student Freedom Study
Other Finding Aid Available
A finding aid with a contents list is available in University Archives for a portion of this collection.
Source of acquisition
The collection was deposited in University Archives in several installments from 1969-1979.
Processing Information
Boxes 1-20 of this collection have been processed and described. Boxes 21-28 have not been processed.
- College students -- United States Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Student activities Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Universities and colleges -- United States -- Administration Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- University of Minnesota
- Title
- Edmund G. Williamson papers, 1930-1978
- Author
- Karen Klinkenberg; updated by Karen Spilman
- Date
- March 1996; March 2005
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Collecting Area Details
Contact The University Archives Collecting Area