Kenneth H. Thompson papers

Collection

Identifier: RG 09-9.50

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the papers of Kenneth Herman Thompson. Records and papers reflect his work both as an administrator at Berea College, as a member of numerous committees, and as an educational consultant both in the United States and abroad. The collection also contains extensive files on Thompson’s dealings with foreign visitors to Berea’s campus and several of his writings.

Dates

created: 1940-1981

Creator

Thompson, Kenneth H. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this material other than federal copyright regulations.

Biographical / Historical

Kenneth H. Thompson (February 18, 1909-December 1, 1981) served in many capacities with Berea College during his 29 year tenure from 1946 until his retirement in 1975. Thompson first came to the college as an associate professor of psychology and director of the office of Veterans Services. Most of Thompson’s career at Berea was as an administrator—serving as Dean of Men, acting Director of Admissions, Associate Dean of the College, Dean of Students, Dean of the College and Dean of Instruction.

Extent

4.00 ms_boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The papers of Kenneth Herman Thompson, Dean of Berea College, educator, and education consultant.

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged in series as follows: Series 1: Personal/Biographical; Series 2: Correspondence; Series 3: Foreign Education/Educational Programs; Series 4: Administrative and Committee Work; Series 5: Foreign Visitors; Series 6: Writings

Source of Acquisition

The papers of Kenneth H. Thompson were given to Berea College by Thompson’s wife, Verna Canfield Thompson.

Related Materials

Berea College Record Group 4.06: Dean Kenneth Thompson Papers - These are papers related to Thompson's work as Dean of Berea College.

Berea College Record Group 5.39: Buildings and Grounds - In 1959-1960, Thompson assisted in planning both the structure and use of the Alumni Memorial Building and the development of the position of Student Activities Director to coordinate not only activities within the new building but also across the campus. This record group contains information related to Thompson’s involvement with the Alumni Building and the position of Student Activities Director.

Berea College Record Group 7.0: Campus and Student Organizations - In 1961-1962 Thompson managed the Berea College Country Dancers on their Latin American tour in conjunction with the U.S. State Department and the American National Theatre Academy. Correspondence related to Thompson’s management of the American National Theatre Academy can be found in this record group.

Berea College Record Group 6.1: Academic Services/Academic Support Services - In the early 1970’s Thompson served on the Conference Committee, screening requests and making arrangements for groups using the college facilities and overseeing summer school preparations on the campus. This record group contains information on the groups considered and/or hosted by Berea from the period 1972-1974.

Because of his expertise in foreign travel and education, Thompson’s guidance was sought in Berea’s involvement in training Peace Corps Volunteers (RG 10), in helping to establish Nyatsime University in Rhodesia (RG 13), and in a Community Development Project for Vietnam that took place on the campus of Pine Mountain Settlement School (RG 10).