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William Tight Presidential Papers

 Collection
Identifier: UNMA-003

Scope and Content Note

The collection is organized alphabetically by subject and contains primarily correspondence from Tight’s time as president of UNM. Some of the major topics covered in the collection include the saline lands controversy, building issues, Tight’s dismissal and his obituary. There are also several photographs of buildings on campus and the faculty members.

Dates

  • 1901-1910

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Note

William George Tight became the third president of the University of New Mexico in 1901 and was the originator of the Pueblo style architecture for many of the campus buildings. Tight received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Denison University and his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago in 1901. He was a Professor of Geology at Denison University for fourteen years prior to his arrival at UNM. During his tenure, many progressive strides were taken such as providing for a sabbatical leave of absence for faculty members. The first professional librarian in the territory was also employed during his tenure.

Tight decided to adopt Pueblo style architecture for future buildings. The first building constructed under the new style was the central heating plant built in 1905. Tight visited many pueblos and photographed various details to ensure authenticity.

Tight was dismissed from the University for misconduct in April 1909, and died shortly thereafter in January 1910.

Extent

1 Box (0.3 cu. ft.)

Abstract

William George Tight became the third president of the University of New Mexico in 1901 and was the originator of the Pueblo style architecture for many of the campus buildings. The collection consists mostly of correspondence with faculty members during Tight’s tenure as UNM president.

Separated Materials

The early records of the University were previously processed into one large collection, but in 2018 were split into separate collections based on provenance. The newly formed collections are:

Elias Stover papers, UNMA 001, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Clarence Herrick papers, UNMA 002, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

William Tight papers, UNMA 003, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Edward Gray papers, UNMA 004, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

David Boyd papers, UNMA 005, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

David Hill papers, UNMA 099, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Processing Information

Processed by Shelby Magee, May 2018
Title
Finding Aid of the William Tight Presidential Papers, 1901-1910
Status
Completed
Author
Shelby Magee
Date
© 2018
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451