Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

The records of Robert L. Williams (11.5 linear ft.), who served as administrative dean in the Office of Academic Affairs from 1962 to 1974, consist of one subseries: Topical Files, 1950-1974. Prior to becoming administrative dean, Williams was assistant dean of faculties from 1951 until 1962, assistant to the provost from 1945 to 1951, and assistant registrar from 1936 to 1945. The files include materials from Williams's tenure as administrative dean as well as from his tenure as assistant dean of faculties. The records also contain information on the early years of the Office of Academic Affairs and its predecessor offices. As administrative dean, Williams assisted in formulating academic plans and policies and oversaw special studies.

The majority of Williams's records reflect his involvement with committees and organizations dedicated to communication and cooperation among institutions of higher education both within the state of Michigan and among the universities comprising the Big Ten. In addition, Williams's files contain a large amount of material regarding the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) on campus in the 1960s and 1970s. For further information regarding Robert Williams's career, researchers should see a small collection of his papers that is cataloged separately.