Carroll Newsom Papers
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Creator
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Language of Materials
Abstract
Carroll Newsom was a businessman and scholar who was President of NYU from 1956-1962. The papers include Newsom's addresses, especially those given while at NYU and during the 1960's in general, publications by Newsom in journals and periodicals from 1940-1973, publications about Newsom relating to his role on advisory committes (e.g., curriculum survey of the New York State University system), programs which document the various functions he attended, miscellaneous materials (correspondence, reviews of Newsom's books, and diplomas), and newspapers and newspaper clippings relating to important events in his career.
Biographical Note
Carroll Newsom (1904-1990) graduated from the College of Emporia, Kansas in 1924, receiving his A.B. degree in mathematics. Newsom became an instructor of mathematics at the University of Michigan in 1927, the institution from which he received his M.A. in 1927 and PhD. in 1931. Reworking the traditional mathematics curriculum of the university, Newsom had become a full professor and department chairman in five years.
During World War II, Newsom took a position as Chairman of the Science Division at Oberlin College. Newsom had already written about both the positive and negative potential of atomic energy in "An American Philosophy of Education." During one meeting with President Truman, Newsom advised the new President to continue with the Manhattan Project.
At the war's end, Newsom and two other American doctors helped to reorganize medical education in France, for which Newsom was later awarded the French Legion of Honor. Taking leave of Oberlin in 1948, Newsom moved on to New York, where he took the post of Assistant Commissioner of Higher Education in 1948. As Associate Commissioner from 1950 to 1955, Newsom contributed to the development of the state university system.
Newsom's last stop on the educational trail was at New York University, first as Executive Vice President from 1955 to 1956, then as President from 1956 to 1962 (his resignation took effect on January 1, 1962). During his tenure as President, NYU's assets "increased from $111 million to $178 million."
Newsom moved on to the Senior Vice President slot at Prentice-Hall, becoming president and director of the publishing firm in 1964. Newsom left the presidency of the firm in 1965, only one year after having taken the position. His resignation was partially prompted by the failure of RCA (of which Newsom was a Director) in its attempt to merge with Prentice-Hall. For the next three years (1966 to 1969), Newsom held the post of vice-president for education at RCA, a position which permitted further work in the field of educational television.
One of Newsom's foremost concerns was the educational potential of television, which Newsom glimpsed at the very germination of the new medium in the early 1950's. His ideas were set forth "A Television Policy for Education" (1952). Newsom's other interests included religious history and mathematics. Throughout his career, Newsom authored 9 books and was awarded 24 honorary degrees. He died February 3, 1990 in Dublin.
Arrangement
The materials have been divided into print and non-print materials, contained in eleven manuscript boxes. Folders are arranged chronologically within each series.
The collection is divided into five series:
Series
- Series I: Addresses
- Series II: Publications
- Series III: Programs
- Series IV: Miscellaneous Materials
- Series V: Newspapers and Newspaper Clippings.
Scope and Content Note
The materials contained in this collection are strong in highlighting the ideas, ideals, and philosophy of Newsom as expressed in his many academic and corporate roles, but offer little original information with regard to his tenure as President of New York University. The collection is divided into five main series, as well as a supplementary photo collection which is located in the greater photo collection(see Cross-Reference sheet for further information regarding the Newsom photos.)
This collection contains no administrative records of Dr. Newsom, either while President of New York University or in any of his subsequent positions. The inclusive dates of the collection are 1924 to 1986.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
Places
Access Restrictions
Open to researchers.
Use Restrictions
There may be some restrictions on the use of the collection. Appointments are necessary for use of manuscript and archival materials. For more information, contact: New York University Archives, Elmer Holmes Bobst Library, 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012. Phone: (212) 998-2646. Fax: (212) 995-4070. Email: university-archives@nyu.edu
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form: Identification of item, date (if known); Carroll Newsom Papers; MC 122; box number; folder number; New York University Archives, New York University Libraries.
Location of Materials
Provenance
The University Archives acquired the six linear feet of material contained in this collection in April 1991. The documents were sent by Dr. Newsom's son, Walter Newsom, and accepted by Theresa Taylor, at the time acting head of the University Archives.
Separated Material
Photos were removed and place in the University Archives photo collection.
About this Guide
Revisions to this Guide
Edition of this Guide
Repository
Series I. Addresses.
Scope and Contents note
Series I consists of addresses given by Dr. Newsom at various functions, meetings, and conferences, many of which correlate with the conference programs found in Series III. These addresses span Newsom's entire early career, but are particularly abundant during his tenure at NYU and during the 1960's in general. The address topics are diverse, but primarily concern pedagogy(including educational television) and mathematics.
Addresses, 1943, inclusive
Addresses, 1947, inclusive
Addresses, 1950, inclusive
Addresses, 1951, inclusive
Addresses, 1952, inclusive
Addresses, 1953, inclusive
Addresses, 1954, inclusive
Addresses, 1955, inclusive
Addresses, 1956, inclusive
Addresses, 1957, inclusive
Addresses, 1958, inclusive
Addresses, 1958, inclusive
Addresses, 1959, inclusive
Addresses, 1959, inclusive
Addresses, 1960, inclusive
Addresses, 1960, inclusive
Addresses, 1961, inclusive
Addresses, 1961, inclusive
Addresses, 1962, inclusive
Addresses, 1963, inclusive
Addresses, 1964, inclusive
Addresses, 1964, inclusive
Addresses, 1965, inclusive
Addresses, 1966, inclusive
Addresses, 1967, inclusive
Addresses, 1968, inclusive
Addresses, 1968, inclusive
Addresses, 1970-1971, inclusive
Addresses-Duplicates, 1951-1958, inclusive
Addresses-Duplicates, 1958-1960, inclusive
Addresses-Duplicates, 1960, inclusive
Addresses-Duplicates, 1960-1965, inclusive
Addresses, undated, inclusive
Addresses, undated, inclusive
Addresses, undated, inclusive
Series II. Publications
Scope and Contents note
Series II consists of two major categories, publications of Newsom and publications about Newsom. The first category comprises articles published by Newsom in various journals and periodicals, spanning the years 1940 to 1973. The second category is a collection of periodicals which either contain articles about Newsom, or mention Newsom in word or image(sometimes finding these references to Newsom requires a minute search). Nonetheless, these latter materials are useful, especially in showcasing the many honors bestowed upon Newsom, such as awards, citations, and honorary degrees. At the end of Series II are publications which relate to Newsom's role on advisory committees at various periods, such as his role as Chairman of the Governor's Committee on New Jersey Higher Education in 1963(Box 6, Folder 11).
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1940, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1941, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1943, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1946, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1947, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1949, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1952, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1954, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1955, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1956, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1957, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1958, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1959, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1960, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1961, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1962, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1964, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1966, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1968, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1970, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1971, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1972, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, 1973, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom-Duplicates, undated, inclusive
Publications-Articles by Newsom, undated, inclusive
Committee Publications, 1941-1963, inclusive
Committee Publications-Duplicates, undated, inclusive
Other Publications, 1937, inclusive
Other Publications, 1953-1959, inclusive
Other Publications, 1960-1986, inclusive
NYU Publications, 1956-1959, inclusive
NYU Publications, 1959-1963, inclusive
Other Publications, undated, inclusive
Other Publications-Duplicates, undated, inclusive
Series III. Programs
Scope and Contents note
Series III consists of programs, which document the various functions at which Newsom gave many of the addresses contained in Series I. Although there is a correlation between the programs and addresses, Newsom did not speak at every function he attended, although he gave a speech at most of the functions covered by the program materials in Section III.
Programs, 1941, inclusive
Programs, 1953, inclusive
Programs, 1955-1956, inclusive
Programs, 1957, inclusive
Programs, 1958, inclusive
Programs, 1958, inclusive
Programs, 1958, inclusive
Programs, 1958, inclusive
Programs, 1959, inclusive
Programs, 1959, inclusive
Programs, 1960, inclusive
Programs, 1960, inclusive
Programs, 1961, inclusive
Programs, 1961, inclusive
Programs, 1962, inclusive
Programs, 1963, inclusive
Programs, 1964, inclusive
Programs, 1965, inclusive
Programs, 1966, inclusive
Programs, 1974 , 1977, inclusive
Programs-Duplicates, 1941-1977, inclusive
Series IV. Miscellaneous Materials
Scope and Contents note
Series IV is made up ofmiscellaneous materials, including the small amount of correspondence contained in this collection, as well as reviews of Newsom's books, and diplomas which he earned. Of especial interest is the seven-page resume of Newsom contained in Box 10, Folder 12, which lists his many positions, awards, honorary degrees, and publications.
Correspondence, 1943-1984, inclusive
Book Reviews and Promotionals, undated, inclusive
Diplomas, 1955-1965, inclusive
Resume, ca.1965, inclusive
Series V. Newspapers and Newspaper Clippings
Scope and Contents note
Series V includes newspapers and newspaper clippings which relate to important events in Newsom's career, and provided much of the biographical information contained in this section.