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Henry King Stanford papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Henry King Stanford papers | |
| Creator: Stanford, Henry King, 1916-2009 | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1983-1991 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 11 Linear Feet (11 boxes) | |
| Collection Number: UA97-102 | |
| Repository: University of Georgia Archives | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Henry King Stanford served as Interim President of the University of Georgia from 1986 through 1987, coming to the University's assistance in an hour of need as it sought a new permanent President.
Dr. Stanford was born on April 22, 1916, in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his B.A. from Emory University in 1936, and a later M.A. from the same institution, as well as an M.S. from the University of Denver and his PhD from New York University.
Stanford taught at the Emory campus in Valdosta for a couple of years and went to Georgia Southwestern College in Americus in 1948 to serve as President. In 1950, Stanford was named director of the University Center in Georgia, and in 1953, he became President of the Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville. Stanford moved to Alabama in 1957 to become President of Birmingham-Southern College and had a run-in with "Bull" Connor over the integration question before he left to accept the President's post at the University of Miami (Florida). He served there as President until his retirement in 1981 when he returned to Americus. When the Regents asked if he would serve the University of Georgia in its hour of need, the 70-year old dynamo affirmed that he would, and he served for a year as interim President at UGA. In the 20+ years following leaving that post, he remained busy with numerous speaking engagements, prolific writing, consulting and advisory work, and the odd trip to the Nepalese Himalaya to climb on the lower reaches of Mt. Everest.
Henry King Stanford, after a long, productive, and adventurous life, died on January 1, 2009.
Dr. Stanford agreed to helm the University until a permanent president could be chosen. He was chiefly responsible for stabilizing the image of the University with a restless public and with ensuring that state and private fiscal support did not erode during the period when the University was seeking a permanent President and a new direction. The Butts-Mehre Athletic Heritage Hall was completed during his tenure as President, in 1987.
Scope and Content
This collection represents the scope of the duties for Interim President Stanford during his tenure at the University of Georgia. Topics include: the UGA President's role as Chair of the UGA Athletic Association; the selection and inauguration of Stanford's successor and the search for a new Dean for the University's School of Law; correspondence with University Vice Presidents; and the interactions between UGA and the State University System.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Henry King Stanford papers, UA97-102, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.