Administrative files, 1931-1967

The Administrative files series consists of materials related to Benjamin E. Mays’s role as president of Morehouse College (1940-1967). The materials document Mays’s professional relationships with educational institutions, faculty, students, and external organizations, as well as matters related to institutional operations and fundraising activities.

The series primarily includes correspondence received by Mays from a wide range of individuals and organizations associated with his professional work and affiliations. Notable correspondents include Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Martin Luther King, Jr., Martin Luther King, Sr., Duke Ellington, Paul Robeson, Ivan Allen, Jr., Lyndon B. Johnson, and W. E. B. Du Bois.

The series is divided into eight subseries: General, A–Z; Atlanta University Center; Faculty; High Schools; Other Institutions; Products and Services; Student Activities; and United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

The General, A–Z sub-series includes general administrative correspondence and related materials that do not fall into other subseries and is arranged alphabetically by subject or correspondent.

The Atlanta University Center sub-series includes correspondence from individuals affiliated with member institutions of the Atlanta University Center consortium, including Atlanta University, Clark College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College.

The Faculty sub-series includes correspondence between Mays and faculty members of Morehouse College.

The High Schools sub-series consists of correspondence from high school teachers, principals, and counselors, often related to student preparation and college admissions.

The Other Institutions sub-series contains correspondence from individuals associated with colleges and universities outside of the Atlanta University Center.

The Products and Services sub-series documents inquiries and communications from companies interested in providing goods or services to Morehouse College.

The Student Activities sub-series includes correspondence related to student-sponsored endeavors at Morehouse College, including student government, athletic events, concerts, and fraternities.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) sub-series consists of correspondence between Mays and officials of the organization, reflecting fundraising, governance, and collaborative initiatives.