Robert B. Stevens presidential papers

The papers of Robert Bocking Stevens, ca. 1978 to June 1987, are the files maintained and transferred by his office staff during his Haverford presidency. The files include a wide range of materials, but primarily memoranda and correspondence with faculty, administrators, students, alumni, and colleagues, with reports and studies on a variety of issues. The files were kept alphabetically within chronological spans, and that organization represents the four main series: Pre- 1984, from the 1970's to 1984, with reference materials from the previous administration; 1984-1985, from the 1970's to June 1985, representing primarily the academic year but with earlier reference and file items included; 1985-1986, from July 1985 to June 1986, during which from January to June 1986 Stevens was on sabbatical and Ronald Thiemann served as Acting President; 1986-1987, from July 1986 to June 1987. Some additional files represent four other smaller series: Chronological, November 1985 to June 1987; Speeches, September 1978 to June 1987; Budget, March 1985-June 1987; Miscellaneous calendars, phone logs, travel expenses, and files relating to his move to Santa Cruz. Stevens' files appear to be less complete for his earliest years, perhaps a reflection of Stevens' later observation that "My first two years were absolutely ghastly. It was quite unpleasant. There was a great deal of talk of Quakerism and a very lack of Quaker behavior." After much controversy, Haverford admitted women in 1980 under Stevens' administration, but there is little documenting the transition to coeducation nor is there much evidence of the work to provide a sounder financial footing. There is more evidence of many of Stevens' other accomplishments, including the effort toward greater diversity among students, faculty, and staff, and curriculum. The reports of the many visiting committees that evaluated academic departments were one strategy in working "to shore up the college's academic reputation." Developing increased cooperation with Bryn Mawr College is also a subject covered in the files. Other issues are fund raising, divestment of South African holdings, maintaining Quaker values in the Haverford experience, broadening the character of the governing bodies, and improvements to buildings and grounds.