Duke University. Office of the University Registrar.

In 1953, a University Registrar was appointed at Duke University in an effort to centralize the records-keeping processes of the different schools. Broadly stated, the office of the University Registrar had three major responsibilities: admissions, registration, and student records.

From the description of Office of the University Registrar records, 1853-2000. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 71152868

The Registrar's position originated in 1899 with Dallas W. Newsom's appointment as Registrar and Recording Secretary to the Board of Trustees. The original position seems to have been largely concerned with financial matters, with the Registrar in charge of the collection of all bills due the College. He shall rent rooms to students, keep the books of the College, and see that all the laws of the Board governing bills due the College should be duly enforced (1903 Bylaws). In fact, Newsom was often listed in the Trinity Catalogues as Registrar and Treasurer. He served in this capacity until 1920.

Apparently, the position was not filled from 1921 to 1953. Though included in the Bylaws of 1936, the office remained vacant. As the University expanded, individual schools had their own registrars or recorders. In 1953, Richard L. Tuthill was appointed University Registrar in an effort to centralize the records-keeping processes of the different schools. Unlike the earlier position, the new registrar coordinated admissions to the University as well. Broadly stated, the office of the University Registrar had three major responsibilities: 1) admissions, 2) registration, and 3) student records, and it concerned itself with the policies, procedures, and decisions relating to each. By 1958, the office of the University Registrar consisted of the Central Records Office and the office of Undergraduate Admissions. The University Registrar oversaw both offices.

Following Tuthill's resignation in 1969, Clark Cahow was appointed Registrar and held the position through 1986. Albert Eldridge (1987-1995) and Bruce Cunningham (1996-) have since served as Registrar.

From the guide to the Office of the University Registrar Records, ., 1853 - 2000, (University Archives, Duke University)