Paul R. Beall Papers
1965-1966
MS 7

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Beall, Paul Rensselaer
Title: Paul R. Beall Papers
Dates: 1965-1966
Abstract: This collection contains papers that relate to the administration of Paul Beall as President of Oglethorpe University.

Quantity: 0.25 cubic feet

Administrative History

Paul Rensselaer Beall was President of Oglethorpe University from 1965-1967. These papers were collected in the course of his administration as President and retained by Oglethorpe University.

Biography

Paul Rensselaer Beall, who succeeded Donald Charles Agnew (1958-1964) and the acting presidency of George Seward (1964-1965), was the eleventh President of Oglethorpe University. Beall was born on August 28, 1909 in Des Moines, Iowa. Beall graduated in 1932 from Grinnell College with an economics degree whilst later spending one year at Harvard Law School. He would then enter the University of Michigan, graduating in 1940 by earning a M.A. Beall then earned a doctorate in 1948 through Pennsylvania State University with a concentration in the language of the legal profession. Shortly after completing his doctorate, Beall was employed by the United States Government, chiefly as an advisor in defense. Along with other academics, the United States Air Force Academy would be established. During the midst of the Oglethorpe presidential search, Beall was a consultant for many companies in the aerospace industry before taking the position.

Beall had developed a unique strategy to expand Oglethorpe. Some of his plans included a forecasted increase in students with fiscal efforts through raising capital and support from both the public and private sectors. Beall would see the largest freshman class out of any Oglethorpe president. In lieu of a hopeful deficit shrinking effect, it subsequently expanded the budgetary crisis due to Beall’s vanity. Paul Kenneth Vonk was brought in to aid Beall with the management of the Oglethorpe budget. The Oglethorpe administration advocated for a dual presidency. Beall declined any such offer. In 1967, Vonk was hired as a consultant of internal affairs and then later promoted to an officer of the University. Beall was asked to be an “outside co-administrator”, but he refused and later resigned on Mach 20th, 1967. Paul Vonk would undertake the presidency starting on June 1.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by record type.

Description

This collection consists of papers relative to Paul Beall’s administration as President of Oglethorpe University from 1965-1967. The items include inauguration materials, administrative papers, and press clippings.

Restrictions

None.

Subject Headings

Beall, Paul Rensselaer

Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA) — Presidents

Folder List

Box 1

Folder 1. Inauguration Materials

Folder 2. Administrative Papers

Folder 3. Press Clippings
Administrative Information

Preferred Citation:
Please cite Paul R. Beall Papers, MS 7, Archives, Philip Weltner Library, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia. Permission to publish from this collection must be approved in writing by the Director of the Library, Oglethorpe University.