Rutgers University Vice Provost and Dean of the University (Albert E. Meder)

The Vice Provost and Dean of the University was a new position when Albert E. Meder assumed the title in July 1958. This position was one of several created in the anticipation that the next decade would bring an increase in the number of students attending Rutgers. The position evolved out of Meder's previous position of Dean of Administration and his status as a Vice Provost.

According to a job description of the postion, the Vice Provost and Dean of the University was responsible for "developing and formulating educational plans and programs for the future development of the University." (1) His primary duty was described as implementing the policy of forming the university departments into sections or faculties. This meant that he would be working to reduce a duplication in operation by departments for the same discipline at different colleges. For example, members of the English departments at the various colleges would be part of a larger universitywide "section." Many of his other job duties related to the operations of the sections and faculties. He was also expected to be aware of the activities of other universities and developments in the academic world, make recommendations regarding academic jurisdicional disputes. It was also expected that his office be a "clearinghouse for studies of the educational and research needs of Rutgers University and the State of New Jersey." (2) The position of Vice Provost and Dean of the University ceased to exist after Meder's retirement in 1968. Although many of the papers in this collection predate Meder's tenure as Vice Provost and Dean of the University, the diversity of topics and people reflected in Meder's papers from that time display the many responsibilities and obligations of this position.

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