The papers of long-time Dean of the University William L. Machmer chronicle the fitful development of UMass Amherst from the presidency of Kenyon Butterfield just after the turn of the twentieth century until the time of the GI Bill. During his tenure, Machmer helped the university weather the effects of two World Wars and the Great Depression, and to navigate the changes as it evolved first into Massachusetts State College and then into the University of Massachusetts. Throughout, he was a humane and effective voice for high academic standards and for the life of the student.

Machmer's papers contain information on student academic achievement, educational expectations and challenges, and the efforts of the university to take part in regional and national organizations. As such, the collection offers a perspective on the evolution of thinking at the University during the transition from a narrowly defined mission as an agricultural college into a more broadly conceived liberal arts curriculum. Of particular interest is the relatively large quantity of material relating to the adjustments at the university during and after World War II and the efforts to meet the demand of returning veterans. The collection includes substantial information on the organization of courses at Fort Devens and Westover Air Force Base; statistics, letters, and other documents relating to returning veterans; and (especially in Series 2) information on the adaptation of the individual academic units at the university.