Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-19-2020

Inclusive Dates--Span

1942-1974

Inclusive Dates--Bulk

1942-1974

Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of correspondence and topical files generated, compiled, and utilized by Don Heath Morris in the course of his duties as President of Abilene Christian College.

Biographical Note

Dr. Don H. Morris earned his education degree at Abilene Christian College. As a student, he served as president of his class; edited the school yearbook, the Prickly Pear; and participated in intercollegiate debate, never losing a decision. After graduation, he taught and coached debate at Abilene High School. He returned to Abilene Christian in 1928 as a speech teacher. In four years, he rose to the vice presidency. From 1932-1940, he was vice president and head of the Department of Speech. Morris was the first former student to become president of Abilene Christian College. He served 29 years, and in 1969 ranked as the dean of college and university presidents in Texas, having served the longest in the chief executive’s position. He received three honorary doctorates from other Christian colleges before his retirement in 1969. After retirement, Morris was appointed the first Chancellor and remained active in campus life. He died suddenly on January 9, 1974, suffering a heart attack while walking from Moody Coliseum back to his office in Brown Library. His Presidential papers remained as he left them, and we transferred into the University Archives shortly after his death. [Adapted from https://www.acu.edu/about/past-present-future/leadership.html. Accessed 19 August 2020]

Donor Note

Office of the Chancellor

Arrangement

Morris arranged his correspondence files mainly by the last name of the correspondent. He grouped materials in ascending alphabetical order, periodically beginning new series each year. The circumstances of his sudden death resulted in the files being transferred into the archives just as they were when he was actively using them. Therefore the folder arrangement, sequencing, and description were not changed.

Content List

See attached PDF for full inventory.

Subjects

Churches of Christ -- History -- 20th century Churches of Christ -- Texas – Abilene Manuscripts Education, Higher -- Texas – Abilene Education, Higher -- Texas -- History Universities and colleges -- Texas -- History Universities and colleges -- Texas.

Language

English

Extent of Collection

80 linear feet (190 boxes)

Manuscript Number

University Archives

Physical Location

University Archives

Use Restrictions

Materials are housed in the Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library, Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and are non-circulating. Access is available during normal business hours; prior appointments are preferred.

Processing Status

Processed

Finding Aid created by

McGarvey Ice

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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