Donald V. Miller Papers, 1937-1998, bulk 1955-1958

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Summary

Abstract:
The materials in this collection are photocopies of original correspondence, reports, and other items collected by Donald V. Miller, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Pepperdine College, related to administrative changes at Pepperdine in 1957 and 1958.
Extent:
0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
English and Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Box/folder# or item name], Donald V. Miller papers, Collection no. 0046, Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Pepperdine University.

Background

Scope and content:

The materials in this collection are photocopies of original correspondence, reports, and other items collected by Donald V. Miller, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Pepperdine College. The items are related to the change in administration in 1957 and 1958 at Pepperdine with the resignation of President Hugh M. Tiner, Dean of Students Earl V. Pullias, and other professors, and the hiring of new President M. Norvel Young.

The documents include letters of resignation; correspondence about the changes in campus administration and Pepperdine's relationship to the Churches of Christ; recommendations, memos, and reports from the Board of Trustees about the situation; newspaper clippings; and other items. The materials range from 1955 to 1998, but the bulk of the items date from 1957 and 1958.

Biographical / historical:

Donald V. Miller was born on August 20, 1906, in Los Angeles. His parents were William Edgar and Emma Miller, and Donald was the third of four children (his siblings were Ada, Everett, and Haven). He received a business degree from the University of Washington and eventually was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pepperdine University. He lived in and around Pasadena during the 1930s and held various bank jobs including being a teller and eventually the Vice President of United California Bank/First Interstate Bank until his retirement in 1971. He was an original member of the Board of Trustees at Pepperdine College, beginning in 1937. Donald was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pepperdine College from 1956 to 1976. He continued serving as a member of the Board of Trustees until his death, and was also made a Life Regent of Pepperdine. Donald was involved in other organizations including being the past president of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and a member and once-director of the Tournament of Roses Association.

Donald married Louise Arnett (July 30, 1908-August 20, 1991), and they had two children, Marilyn Joyce (born on March 13, 1928) and Donna Louise (born on July 11, 1941). He died in Exeter, California, on February 23, 2004.

Acquisition information:
The materials were collected by Donald V. Miller, and photocopies were given to Howard A. White in 1988. A note describing the context of the records was prepared by Howard White, and he turned the collection over to Harold Holland on August 16, 1988. Dr. David Baird later acquired the papers, with the addition of a 1998 explanation of events, and gave the materials to the University Archives.
Processing information:

The collection was arranged and described by Jamie Henricks in April 2012. Some collection information was taken from Howard A. White's 1988 description of the collection. The finding aid was updated by Katie Richardson in July, 2013.

Arrangement:

Materials are arranged by topic, and all correspondence is arranged chronologically within each folder.

Physical location:
Pepperdine University. Special Collections and University Archives.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Advance notice required for access.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

[Box/folder# or item name], Donald V. Miller papers, Collection no. 0046, Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Pepperdine University.

Location of this collection:
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4786, US
Contact:
(310) 506-4323
specialcollections@pepperdine.edu
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