Brigham Young University. Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education, which today serves more than 300,000 students, owes its existence to President Franklin S. Harris, who in 1921 organized the Extension Division, out of which the Division of Continuing Education has grown. In 1946, a quarter of a century later, President Howard S. McDonald appointed Harold Glen Clark to replace Lowry Nelson as director of the Extension Division. Clark immediately saw the great potential of his new assignment and the Extension Division began to make great progress. The unusual growth of continuing education during Clark's tenure was due to several factors. There was a remarkable growth in the Church itself. The teachings of the Church create within the members a desire to continue their learning and to broaden their experience. After World War II the educational systems of the country allowed more flexibility in the extension of services to a wide audience. The cultural, economic, and social conditions of the world encouraged new forms of educational service. And, finally, the dedicated faculty was willing to serve broad educational interests. A number of years ago a California educator from a prestigious institution, who had been invited to attend one of BYU's Education Week programs, commented, "This is all very fine, and we could do the same thing except for two reasons: First, our faculty wouldn't teach, and, second, the students wouldn't come." The 300,000-member student body of Continuing Education resulted from taking willing teachers to eager students wherever they might be. When he left the University in 1971 to become president of the new Provo Temple, Harold Glen Clark turned over to new director Stanley A. Peterson a well-structured organization for disseminating educational materials and programs. Adult education had been explored, developed, and promoted on three broad fronts: evening classes, education weeks, and off-campus centers. Other projects included special workshops and seminars. Building on that foundation, Peterson has led Continuing Education through five years of spectacular growth, and the new income has at least doubled.

From the description of Propaganda, 1979-1999. (Brigham Young University). WorldCat record id: 63197860

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