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University of Connecticut, President's Office Records [John T. Casteen III, 1985-1989]

 Collection
Identifier: 1998-0189

Scope and Content

The records in this collection are the files of the President's office during John T. Casteen's administration from 1985-1990. The documents include correspondence, reports, financial and administrative records, as well as materials pertaining to his inauguration and plaques and mementos accumulated during his tenure as president.

Dates

  • 1981-1990

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

History

John T. Casteen III was inaugurated as the University of Connecticut's eleventh president on 12 October 1985. After earning his B.A., M.A. and Ph. D. degrees in English from the University of Virginia, Dr. Casteen went on to become a professor of English at that University, as well as serving as its Dean of Admissions. He also taught at the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Delaware, and at Maryland State College. He was both an adjunct professor of English at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1982-1985.

Among President Casteen's goals for the University of Connecticut was the reforming of the undergraduate program with a focus on a common core of learning and, at the same time, the expansion of the graduate program. His intention was to foster growth within the faculty and staff and build up resources and facilities equal to sound academic plans for the future.

Despite state budget cuts during his tenure, President Casteen's administration managed to prevent layoffs and keep program reduction to a minimum. The physical plant was improved with monies earned from bond authorizations, and improvements included renovations to Hall, Arjona, and Monteith buildings, as well as to the Pharmacy building. Other improvements included lab construction and renovations, a new administrative services building at the Health Center in Farmington, and construction of the Gampel Pavilion. In addition, President Casteen's administration developed new sources of financing for projects such as the telecommunications system, and increased private funding for the University as well.

In 1985 and 1986, a new curriculum was adopted, which put an emphasis on general education requirements. The international study programs were developed, with particular focus on Poland. Research and development activity nearly doubled in his five years as president. Casteen also supported the development of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, to house the Library's Archives & Special Collections, two academic centers, and a small conference center.

In addition to physical plant and academic growth, UConn saw a new, wider diversity of minority groups among the school's leadership, an achievement of Casteen's personal goal for both quality and equality within the University.

On 9 March 1990, President Casteen announced he was leaving the University of Connecticut to take the presidency at the University of Virginia, his alma mater.

Extent

42.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

John T. Casteen III was inaugurated as the University of Connecticut's eleventh president on October 12, 1985.

Arrangement

Series I: Inauguration (undated) contains materials from President Casteen's inauguration, and includes invitation lists, records regarding preparation for the ceremony, certificates and letters sent by other universities, thank you letters, and the president's inaugural address.

Series II: Memorabilia (undated) contains various certificates, plaques, and medals received by Dr. Casteen during his tenure as University President.

Series III-VII: Within each of the five chronological series, the records are arranged under the following subheadings: University Files (Red Files); State Government Files (Blue Files); Federal Government Files (Green Files); Organization Files (Black Files); and Educational Associations (Yellow Files). University Files contains University related programs and policies, financial reports, correspondence with academic departments, lawsuits and grievances, and meeting minutes, as well as files dealing with subjects such as transportation, safety, exchange programs, and racism. State Government Files contains materials pertaining to interaction with the State of Connecticut, and includes audit reports, correspondence with the Board of Governors and the Governor's office, and State University System and legislative materials. Federal Government Files includes Congressional and Senate inquiries, federal law requirements for public institutions, and federal legislative materials. Organization Files contains files on other colleges and universities, as well as on businesses such as Shell Corporation and Travelers Insurance. Education Associations includes files on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Campus Compact, and the Council of Presidents. Within each subheading, files are arranged alphabetically by folder heading.

Acquisition Information

The President's Office Records, 1985-1989, were transferred in yearly accessions from the President's Office to the University Archives.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to the University, its history, administration, faculty, staff and students. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.

Bibliography

Title
University of Connecticut, President's Office Records [John T. Casteen III, 1985-1989]
Status
Published
Author
Archives & Special Collections staff
Date
1994 April
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository

Contact:
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524