Thomas L. Popejoy Papers
Collection
Identifier: UNMA-110
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains materials from the files of former UNM President Thomas L. Popejoy. It includes correspondence, materials from Popejoy’s inauguration, news clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, speeches, and one video tape.
Dates
- 1922-1975
Creator
- Popejoy, Thomas Lafayette, 1902-1975 (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR 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
Thomas Lafayette Popejoy was the tenth President of the University and held the office longer than any other before or since, serving twenty years from 1948 to 1968. Born on a ranch outside of Raton, New Mexico on December 2, 1902, he is also notable as the first native New Mexican to hold the position. Popejoy earned a BA in economics from UNM in 1925 and did some graduate work at the University of Illinois and the University of California at Berkeley before returning to UNM to complete his MA in economics in 1929. In his undergraduate years at the University, he was a star football player. Prior to being appointed to the President’s office, he served the University as an instructor of economics, as the secretary of the Alumni Association, as the comptroller, and, on several occasions, as the acting president when President Zimmerman was ill. As President, he oversaw a period of tremendous growth in both facilities and programs as the University expanded to meet the needs of a student body whose ranks were swelled by returning World War II servicemen. He considered the establishment of the UNM School of Medicine in 1964 to be one of his greatest achievements as President. His health declined after his retirement in 1968 and he died on October 24, 1975, at the age of 72.
Extent
2.5 Cubic Feet (2 Boxes plus 1 oversize folder)
Abstract
This collection contains materials from the files of former UNM President Thomas L. Popejoy. It includes correspondence, materials from Popejoy’s inauguration, news clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, speeches, and one video tape.
Creator
- Popejoy, Thomas Lafayette, 1902-1975 (Person)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Thomas L. Popejoy Papers, 1922-1975
- 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
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
cswrref@unm.edu
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
cswrref@unm.edu