Joanne V. Creighton Records, 1980-present: Scope & Contents of the Collection

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Joanne V. Creighton Records span the years 1980 to the present. These materials document activities, events and issues during Creighton's administration as president of Mount Holyoke College (1996-present) and also include materials dating from the tenure of her immediate predecessor, Elizabeth T. Kennan (President, 1978-1994). Published Writings and Biographical Information (1996-present) includes Creighton's open letters and memoranda addressed to members of the Mount Holyoke community, her speeches delivered at Convocation ceremonies at the College, and articles in which she discusses issues such as affirmative action in education, the future of women's colleges, and Mount Holyoke's decision to make Scholastic Aptitute Test (SAT) scores an optional requirement for admission. Biographical information about her chiefly consists of articles and press releases. Inauguration Records (1995-1995) contain reports, correspondence, financial records, invitations, and audio and video recordings concerning Creighton's installation as Mount Holyoke's President. Minutes, reports and correspondence of the Presidential Search Committee (1993-1995) reflect activities of the group formed to recommend candidates for the position of President of Mount Holyoke after Kennan decided to retire in 1994. This material includes an interview in which Kennan discusses her reasons for leaving office and a video recording prepared by the College's Office of Communications to announce Creighton's selection as President. Operational Policy Committee Records (1995-1997) consist of minutes, agenda, correspondence, reports and surveys. Topics discussed by the President and other members of this admiinstrative committee include methods of evaluating staff, changes in the dining system, January internships, the organization of the College's web site, the academic year calendar, cultural space allocations, and a student protest in 1997 that focused on issues relating to admissions policies and diversity. Form letters signed by students who objected to the methods used by leaders of that protest are in Student Protest Records (1997). Correspondence and Senior Staff Records (1994-1999) includes "chronological files" of letters that Creighton or Kennan sent to alumnae, students, parents, faculty, colleages, and donors as well as minutes, agenda and reports generated by an administrative group of which the President was a member. Topics addressed by the Correspondence and Senior Staff Records include Mount Holyoke's Plan for 2003, need-blind admissions, faculty searches, renovations to science, music and art facilities, financial planning, and the creation of cultural spaces. Alumnae Association Reorganization Records (2000-2002) contain minutes, agenda, correspondence, reports, agreements, and financial records concerning a conflict between the College and the Association over control of alumnae contributions to the Annual Fund. Materials relating to Mount Holyoke history professor Joseph J. Ellis consist of correspondence, articles, and records of meetings relating to his claim that he served in the United States military during the Vietnam War. Subject Files (1980-2002) contain minutes, agenda, correspondence, reports, surveys, grant applications, financial records and publications. These records concern topics such as religious life at the College, admissions policies, regulations governing smoking by students, a campus-wide boycott of Coca-Cola products, the 1997 student protest, and coeducation. Some of these files reflect financial support of programs at the College on the part of foundations. Records for academic departments and committees in the Subject Files include documents relating to curricular revisions, new positions, tenure decisions, and the expansion and renovation of the Art Museum, Blanchard Student Center, Carr and Cleveland Laboratories, Kendall Sports Complex, Pratt Memorial Music Hall and Williston Memorial Library. Other Subject Files reflect Mount Holyoke's association with the Women's College Coalition and Five Colleges. Inc.