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James Fulton Zimmerman Papers

 Collection
Identifier: UNMA-008

Scope and Content Note

The James Fulton Zimmerman Papers contain correspondence, administrative records, legislation and other documents from the New Mexico State Legislature regarding the funding of the University, other federal and state government documents, records of civic organizations, and photographs. It also contains a wooden copy of the Seal of the University and correspondence associated with it.

Among items of interest is documentation related to the acquisition of the Paul Van de Velde collection (MSS 049 BC). The documentation - including correspondence from Zimmerman, Governor John E. Miles, Dean George P. Hammond, Frederick Webb Hodge, Van de Velde and others; a copy of the NM House Bill 291 providing for the acquisition; assorted inventories and descriptions of the collection, at times citing the provenance of specific materials; UNM reimbursement vouchers and more is in Box 3, in the folder labeled "Department of Library--General Correspondence, 1938-1948."

Dates

  • 1920-1960

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

James F. Zimmerman was born in Glen Allen, Missouri, on September 11, 1887. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Vanderbilt University and his PhD at Columbia University. Coming to UNM as a professor of political science in 1926, he was named interim President by the Board of Regents in 1927, an appointment that they saw fit to make permanent. During his tenure as president, the University saw tremendous growth in academic programs, student enrollment, and the physical campus. Among the many buildings constructed on campus during the Zimmerman years are the library that now bears his name, an athletic stadium, the administration building (Scholes Hall), and the first Student Union Building (now the Anthropology Building). In 1939, he presided over the 50th anniversary of the founding of the University and in 1940, as the chair of the Coronado Cuarto Centennial Commission, he oversaw the historical pageants commemorating the four hundred year anniversary of the arrival in New Mexico of Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. Dr. Zimmerman’s term as University President, surpassed in length only by that of President Popejoy, was cut short by his death from a heart attack on October 20, 1944.

Extent

12.8 Cubic Feet (13 Boxes)

Abstract

This collection contains the papers of James F. Zimmerman, President of the University of New Mexico from 1927-1944. The papers contain correspondence, administrative records, legislation and other documents from the New Mexico State Legislature regarding the running and funding of the University.

Related Material

David Spence Hill Papers, UNMA 099, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. Coronado Cuarto Centennial Commission Collection, UNMA 007, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. Coronado Cuarto Centennial Commission Records, MSS 48 BC, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. John Philip Wernette Presidential Papers, UNMA 018, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. Thomas L. Popejoy Papers, UNMA 110, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. Paul Van de Velde Papers, MSS 49 BC, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. Richard Martin Page Papers, MSS 161 BC, Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.
Title
Finding Aid of the James Fulton Zimmerman Papers, 1920-1960
Status
Completed
Date
© 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

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