Thomas G. Kessinger presidential papers

The records for Tom G. Kessinger's presidency were maintained by his office staff. The main series of memoranda, correspondence, and other material is organized in three periods, 1988-1989, 1989-1990, and 1990-1995, and alphabetically within each period. Other series include Chronological, Travel, Budget, and Extramural files. There are some large gaps of missing records: there are no alphabetical files after "Parents" for 1989-1990; the 1990-1995 series does not include much material on the 1994-1995 academic year; and there are no alphabetical files for the academic year 1995-1996. There are no significant subjects that stand out in Kessinger's papers. His tenure was marked by the renovation and expansion of some of the older buildings, the construction of the Whitehead Campus Center, and technological advances. While there is evidence to be found on these accomplishments, there is no major source of information on them. Perhaps some of the most telling files are those on Foundations, where funding applications and reports indicate some of the programs being pursued. At the time he was appointed it was anticipated that Kessinger's international experience might bring a broader perspective to campus (Haverford, Winter 1988, p. 2), and some of the records reflect this aspect of his administration. There is almost nothing on the successful $80 million capital campaign. Perhaps the somewhat moderate nature of the material can be explained by what a student characterized as Kessinger's "quiet, stoic leadership" (Bi-College News, February 3, 1996, p. 11).