A Finding Aid for the Wells D. White Papers 1930-1931

Summary Information

Repository: Ferris State University Archives and Records Management Program

Creator: White, Wells D. b. ca. 1876

Collection Title: Wells D. White Papers

Identification: UA 1.4

Dates: 1930-1931

Extent: 0.2 cubic feet; 1 box

General Physical Description: 1 box

Language: English

Abstract: Wells White was the president of Ferris Institute for the 1930-1931 school year. This collection contains brief biographical information about Wells D. White and two folders of correspondence relating to his hire and student relations. It covers the period 1930-1931.

Preferred Citation: Footnotes and bibliographic references should use the following format:
[Item], Folder, Box. Wells D. White Papers. Ferris State University Archives. Big Rapids, Michigan.

Biographical/Historical Note

Wells D. White was born ca. 1876 in Livingston County, Michigan. His education included the state normal school at Ypsilanti, and additional degree work at the Michigan Agricultural College (later called Michigan State University).

White spent his career in the educational field. His teaching experience included Michigan schools such as Ortonville and Clio. He then became a department head in the science department at Quincy, Illinois. In 1921, he returned to Hartland, Michigan to serve as the superintendent of Hartland Consolidated Schools.

The Board of Incorporators had high expectations for White, who had some experience in fundraising at Hartland. White noted in an early interview with the that the schools "is not in competition with any other college; it has a distinct mission to fill." Despite the perceived lack of competition, White was not successful in his attempts to promote and expand the institution.

At the end of the 1930-1931 school year, White was released from his contract as President of Ferris Institute and he returned to work for the Hartland Consolidated School District.

Scope and Contents Note

Wells D. White was a one year president who did not leave a lot of evidence behind of his work. This collection contains a few scraps of student correspondence, some publications used to advertise the school to students and limited biographical information, including reference letters gathering in the hiring process.

Arrangement Note

These papers are organized into a single series.

Administrative Information

Publication Information

Ferris State University Archives and Records Management Program. 11-10-2009

Conditions Governing Access Note

The Wells D. White Papers are open to all researchers in accordance with the University Archives and Records Management Program access policies. Copyright to the Wells D. White Papers is held by Ferris State University. Copyright to materials found in the collection not authored by Ferris are held by the individual and his/her heirs. Any questions regarding copyright should be directed to the University Archivist.

Conditions Governing Use Note

This collection is open for research. There are no restrictions on reproduction.

Immediate Source of Acquisition Note

This collection was donated to the University Archives at some point prior to September 2002.

Processing Information Note

The Wells D. White Papers were processed to the folder level by Melinda McMartin Isler in November 2009. A finding aid was prepared and converted to EAD 2.0 utilizing the Archivists Toolkit.. A collection level MARC-format record was prepared and placed in the library online public access catalog. Description was based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2004).

Related Materials

Related Archival Materials Note

None specified.

Separated Materials Note

None specified.

Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

• Ferris Institute. Administration. 1930-1931.

Subject(s)

• Universities and colleges- Admissions

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements Note

This collection consists of paper based materials. No specialized software or hardware is required for viewing.

Collection Inventory

Series 1. Subject Files. 1930-1931

Arrangement Note

This file is arranged alphabetically by topic.

Scope and Contents Note

This series contains subject files about Wells White and created by the Office of the President during his tenure.

Contents	Box	Folder
Biographical material. 1930-1931.	1	1
Candidate file. 1930.	1	2
Ferris Institute advertisements. 1930-1931	1	3
Student correspondence. 1930-1931.	1	4