Charles Boynton Knapp papers, 1981-1997

Summary

Creator:
Knapp, Charles
Date:
1981-1997
Extent:
212 Linear Feet (210 boxes, 1 oversize box, and 2 rolls)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Charles B. Knapp papers, UA97-103, University Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The Charles Boynton Knapp papers are divided into six series: Inauguration, Athletics, Financial, Administrative, Performing Arts and Visual Arts Complex and Olympics. The Inauguration series consists of materials related to Charles Knapp's inauguration as the President of the University of Georgia in 1987. The Athletics series has items connected to various sports but mostly deals with the Athletic Association and the University's football team. These materials date from 1983 to 1997. The Financial series includes budgets and fundraising and development documentation. The Administrative series provides insight into the day to day workings of the University of Georgia and its administration during the years 1981 to 1997. The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Complex series mostly consists of material documenting the creation of the complex in the early to mid-1990s. The Olympics series has items relating to the University's involvement with the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Biographical / historical:

In 1987 Charles Knapp accepted the presidency of the University of Georgia in Athens, becoming the youngest president of any of the nation's major research universities. During his presidency, Knapp was a founding member of the Georgia Research Alliance and worked diligently with the Governor of the state to craft the Hope Scholarship program. He also chaired the board of directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, served on the National School-to-Work Advisory Council, and presided over the University when it took part in hosting sporting events for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Knapp remained President of the University of Georgia until 1997.

Knapp's years at UGA were a time of substantial growth in the Physical Plant. The Biological Sciences Complex (1992), Rusk Hall (1996), and a new UGA Welcome Center complex (1996) were added, as was the opening stages of a new East Campus for the University (featuring the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the Performing Arts Center, and the Georgia Museum of Art, all in 1995-1996). For his years of devoted service to the University, Knapp was named President Emeritus by the University System Board of Regents in 2004.

Upon leaving UGA, Knapp became president of the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC (1997-1999) and joined Heidrick and Struggles (beginning in 2002) as a partner in their higher education practice. He also served with the American Council on Education (on their Advisory Council since 2000) and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (as Senior Fellow). I n 2005, Knapp returned to UGA's Institute of Higher Education as a part-time Distinguished Public Service Fellow and professor of economics in The University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, and in 2013, he became interim Dean of that College. Knapp currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Arrangement:

Charles B. Knapp papers are arranged into 6 series. These are: Inauguration, Athletics, Financial, Administrative, Performing Arts and Visual Arts Complex and Olympics.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Charles B. Knapp papers, UA97-103, University Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.