North Carolina State University, Office of the Chancellor, Bruce Robert Poulton Records 1982-1989

The Chancellor is the chief administrative and executive officer, leader and spokesperson of North Carolina State University. The Chancellor, who has complete executive authority for the university, subject to the direction of the president and the board of trustees, defines the scope and authority of faculties, councils, committees, and officers of North Carolina State University, is a member of all faculties and other academic bodies of the university, and has the right to preside over the deliberations of the legislative bodies of the faculties of the institution. The Office of the Chancellor retains authority in faculty and EPA personnel, student matters, contracts, leases, and other agreements, and the acquisition and disposition of property. The title of the head of North Carolina State University has changed over time. First the university was led by a president (1889-1934), then a vice president of the Consolidated University (1934), then a dean of Administration (1934-1945), and finally a chancellor (1945-present).

The Chancellor is the chief administrative and executive officer, leader and spokesperson of North Carolina State University. The Chancellor, who has complete executive authority for the university, subject to the direction of the president and the board of trustees, defines the scope and authority of faculties, councils, committees, and officers of North Carolina State University, is a member of all faculties and other academic bodies of the university, and has the right to preside over the deliberations of the legislative bodies of the faculties of the institution. The Office of the Chancellor retains authority in faculty and EPA personnel, student matters, contracts, leases, and other agreements, and the acquisition and disposition of property.

The title of the head of North Carolina State University has changed over time. First the university was led by a president (1889-1934), then a vice president of the Consolidated University (1934), then a dean of Administration (1934-1945), and finally a chancellor (1945-present).

Bruce Robert Poulton served as chancellor of North Carolina State University from 1982 to 1989. During his tenure, North Carolina State University expanded with the contract for a 750-acre area of land which was named Centennial Campus. A master plan for its development, which included conservational, educational, and recreational goals was implemented.There was also a major expansion of the university’s research budget and the establishment of substantial endowments. After stepping down as chancellor, Poulton was director of the NC State University’s Literacy Systems Center.

Poulton was born at Yonkers, New York in 1928. Poulton's academic background is in dairy physiology, and he earned three degrees from Rutgers University, including a Ph.D. in Endocrinology in 1956. He was Vice President of the University of Maine from 1971 to 1975, and Chancellor of the consolidated University of New Hampshire from 1975 to 1982.

The records of Bruce Robert Poulton's administration of the Office of the Chancellor at North Carolina State University include correspondence, financial records, newspaper clippings, and other administrative papers. Topics include Centennial Campus development, the development of the Colleges at N.C. State (including the opening of the College of Veterinary Medicine), and other events and affairs of the campus during the time period of these records, 1982-1989.

These records document many significant events that occurred on campus during Poulton's administration. In 1987, the University celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding, and to correspond with this milestone, Poulton participated in the planning of Centennial Campus. Also during Poulton's administration, eight Schools were designated as degree-granting units, and became Colleges. Enrollment rose above 24,000 in the fall semester of 1986, including 9,300 women students. Changes occurred in athletic requirements, and the basketball team won the NCAA Championship in 1983.

There were great strides in the University's improvement as a research institution, including endowments for research, research equipment, and professorships. The College of Veterinary Medicine was opened, beginning its reputation as an internationally recognized institution of veterinary science.

The records of the Office of the Chancellor during Bruce Robert Poulton's administration are arranged chronologically, and then alphabetically by topic within.

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[Identification of item], North Carolina State University, Office of the Chancellor, Bruce Robert Poulton Records, UA 002.001.006, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

University Archives Photograph Collection, People Photographs, 1890-1999 (UA 023.024)

Transferred by North Carolina State University, Office of the Chancellor.

Processed by Beverly King and Laura Abraham, 2010 January; Finding aid written by Beverly King and Laura Abraham, 2010 February.