Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140
RS 13/13/18
James Thomas Emmerson
Papers, 1974-2013, undated
Descriptive summary
| creator: | Emmerson, James Thomas |
| title: | Papers |
| dates: | 1974-2013, undated |
| extent: | 3.57 linear feet (8 document boxes and 1 half-document box) |
| collection number: | RS 13/13/18 |
| repository: | University Archives, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library. |
Administrative information
| access: | Open for research |
| publication rights: | Consult Head, Special Collections Department |
| preferred citation: | James Thomas Emmerson Papers, RS 13/13/18, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library. |
Biographical note
James Thomas "Tom" Emmerson earned a B.S. (1960) and an M.S. (1964) in journalism from Iowa State University, and a Ph.D. (1973) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He became an Associate Professor (1974-1981) of Journalism and Mass Communications at Iowa State University and was promoted to Professor (1981-2004). Dr. Emmerson also served as the Chair (1986-1993) of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. During that time, he faced several challenges, including the duplication study by Peat, Marwick, and Main Consultants, which recommended the elimination of the journalism program at Iowa State, as well as the sale of the WOI-TV station. Dr. Emmerson took a leading role in working against these measures by writing articles, editorials, and newsletters. He also garnered considerable student and alumni support, and worked closely with university administrators, the Board of Regents, and state legislators. He retired from Iowa State in 2004. In 1991, Dr. Emmerson became active with the organization, Iowans for WOI-TV. This organization was formed for the purpose of keeping WOI-TV a university-owned operation, and in 1992 its members filed a law suit challenging the Board of Regents' right to sell the station. Though a district court found in favor of Iowans for WOI-TV, the decision was subsequently appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court, which overruled the decision in 1993. (For more information regarding Iowans for WOI-TV, please see the Iowans for WOI-TV Records, MS 584, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.) |
Collection description
This collection (1974-2013, undated) includes records regarding Dr. Emmerson's tenure as Chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, the proposed elimination of the Journalism Program, and the sale of WOI-TV. The papers consist of correspondence with faculty, alumni, administrators, and media professionals, as well as memoranda, news clippings, reports, and cassette tapes of radio broadcasts. |
Organization
This collection is arranged into three series: |
Description of series
| Series 1 | Department of Journalism and Mass Communications |
1974-2013 |
| extent: | 1.05 linear feet (2 document boxes and 1 half-document box) |
|
| description: | This series consists of materials pertaining to Emmerson's tenure in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, including his years as Chair of the department. Materials include departmental evaluations, reports, faculty meeting minutes, news clippings, and memoranda. Also included in this series are article materials, some historical files on the journalism department and a few other humorous quotes and stories. |
|
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
7 |
14 |
1st Amendment Quotes: free speech |
1990-2003, undated |
1 |
1 |
Accreditation evaluation |
1992 |
7 |
12 |
Address to introduce Wayne P. Davis as recipient of James W. Schwartz Award |
2005 |
7 |
11 |
Address: "100 Years of ISU Journalism in 18.5 Minutes" |
2005 |
1 |
2 |
Annual report |
1988-1989 |
7 |
15 |
Bomb entries: humorous |
1905 |
7 |
16 |
Bomb yearbook quotes: 1905-1930 |
2005 |
7 |
17 |
Correspondence: 1970s Alison Engel's first amendment sign |
2005 |
7 |
18 |
Cuthbert Gleep: fake student |
1938-1992 |
7 |
13 |
Distinguished Retired Faculty (Exhausted Roosters) : computer fund drive |
1986 |
7 |
19 |
Don Muhm's dead horse story |
1949 circa |
7 |
20 |
Ed Blinn: Daily and JLMC reflections |
1998 |
1 |
3 |
Faculty meeting minutes (1 of 2) |
1988-1989 |
1 |
4 |
Faculty meeting minutes (2 of 2) |
1988-1989 |
8 |
30 |
Green Gander commentaries on student life |
1955-1959 |
7 |
21 |
Iowa State College Student early issues |
1893-1894 |
8 |
28 |
Iowa State Daily clippings |
1960 |
7 |
22 |
Iowa State Daily editors and advisors |
1890-1999 |
7 |
23 |
Iowa State Daily editors in chief |
1890-2004 |
7 |
24 |
Iowa State Daily: streaker story |
1974 |
7 |
25 |
Iowa State Magazines/Bomb: chronological lists of editors |
1991 circa |
1 |
5 |
Iowa State University summer high school workshops |
1989 |
7 |
26 |
ISU pranks stories |
1939, undated |
7 |
27 |
JLMC 100 Years: influenza epidemic, 1918 |
2005 |
7 |
28 |
JLMC 75th birthday party: James W. Schwartz Award to Robert L. Bartley (1 cassette tape) |
1980 |
7 |
29 |
JLMC at ISU: 1905-1930 |
1919-2005 |
8 |
1 |
JLMC at ISU: 1931-1955 |
1931-2005, undated |
8 |
2 |
JLMC at ISU: 1956-1980 |
2005 |
8 |
3 |
JLMC at ISU: 1981-2005 |
2005 |
8 |
4 |
JLMC history: 1946-1985 |
1987 |
8 |
5 |
JLMC songs |
1950-1965 |
8 |
6 |
John Henry Faulk: "To Secure the Blessings of Liberty" February 15, 1984 |
1984 |
8 |
7 |
Journalism and Mass Communication historical file |
1986-1993 |
8 |
8 |
Journalism program: chronological lists and dates: enrollments, leaders and significant events |
1905-2005 |
8 |
9 |
Kunerth's Bill of Rights for Instructors |
1976 circa |
8 |
10 |
Lecture: JLMC's 100 Years |
2005 |
8 |
11 |
Lecture: unused work-product 1905-1955 |
1930-2005 |
8 |
12 |
Lecture: unused work-product 1956-2005 |
2005 |
8 |
13 |
Lecture: unused work-product Journalism and Mass Communication's 100 Years |
1941-2005, undated |
1 |
6 |
Memoranda |
1986-1989 |
1 |
7 |
News clippings and biographical information |
1989-2008 |
8 |
14 |
Paper: "An Insider's Look at JLMC 201: Introduction to Reporting and Writing" by Nicole Paseka |
2004 |
8 |
15 |
Presentation: Journalism and Mass Communication 100 Years |
2005 |
| 8 | 31 | Reminiscences of Pammel Court by Pat and Vic Klopfenstein and Arlo and JoAnn Ledet (1 CD; 6 slides) | 1962, 2013 |
1 |
8 |
Report: "Affirmation and Expectation for Iowa’s Land Grant University" |
1988 |
1 |
10 |
Report: "Suggested Goals for Departmental Committees" |
1986 |
1 |
9 |
Report: "The Land Grant Universities Student Credit Hour Comparisons: Comments and Observations about Journalism and Mass Communications" |
1987 |
8 |
16 |
Robert L. Bartley becomes 3rd recipient of James W. Schwartz Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism at ISU |
1980 |
8 |
17 |
Schwartz Award recipients |
1978-1992 |
8 |
18 |
Scoop Cheltenham: draft story and oral histories |
2010, undated |
8 |
19 |
Scoop Cheltenham: original problems |
1964, undated |
8 |
29 |
Sigma Delta Chi/Society of Professional Journalists history and reunion presentation |
2005 |
8 |
20 |
Story: Don Smith, GSB President (briefly) |
1967, undated |
| 9 | 1 | Story: The Day Art Gilkey Died on Savage Mountain | 2013 |
8 |
21 |
Technical Journalism newsletter materials |
1940-1955 |
8 |
22 |
Technical Journalism newsletter materials |
1956-1980 |
8 |
23 |
Vietnam: Daily news material |
1967-1974 |
8 |
24 |
William "Bill" Kunerth: Daily and JLMC reflections |
2005 |
8 |
25 |
William "Bill" Kunerth: ISU history |
2007-2008 |
8 |
26 |
World War II: Rod Fox "A Soldier's Story" materials |
1942-1992 |
8 |
27 |
WOI: Harry and Ed |
1961-1993, undated |
Description of series
| Series 2 | Proposed Elimination of the Journalism Program |
1989 |
| extent: | 1.68 linear feet (4 document boxes) |
|
| description: | This series consists of materials regarding the controversy that occurred following the duplication study by Peat, Marwick, and Main Consultants. The duplication study recommended the elimination of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Iowa State. The measure was defeated. This series includes correspondence with alumni, university administrators, media professionals, state legislators, and students, as well as news clippings, reports, and notes by Dr. Emmerson. |
|
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
1 |
11 |
Alumni Mailings |
1989 |
1 |
12 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (1 of 9) |
1989 |
1 |
13 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (2 of 9) |
1989 |
2 |
1 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (3 of 9) |
1989 |
2 |
2 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (4 of 9) |
1989 |
2 |
3 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (5 of 9) |
1989 |
2 |
4 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (6 of 9) |
1989 |
2 |
5 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (7 of 9) |
1989 |
2 |
6 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (8 of 9) |
1989 |
3 |
1 |
Correspondence from alumni to Governor Branstad and the Board of Regents (9 of 9) |
1989 |
3 |
2 |
Correspondence from alumni to Tom Emmerson (1 of 4) |
1989 |
3 |
3 |
Correspondence from alumni to Tom Emmerson (2 of 4) |
1989 |
3 |
4 |
Correspondence from alumni to Tom Emmerson (3 of 4) |
1989 |
3 |
5 |
Correspondence from alumni to Tom Emmerson (4 of 4) |
1989 |
4 |
1 |
Correspondence with the Board of Regents |
1989 |
4 |
2 |
Correspondence with Governor Branstad and State of Iowa Legislators |
1989 |
4 |
3 |
Correspondence with newspaper editors, television journalists, and news media organizations |
1989 |
4 |
4 |
Correspondence regarding Peat, Marwick, and Main Consultants |
1989 |
4 |
5 |
Correspondence with President of Iowa State University |
1989 |
4 |
6 |
Correspondence with University administrators |
1989 |
4 |
7 |
Double major proposal |
1989 |
4 |
8 |
Duplication Study by Peat, Marwick, and Main Consultants (sections pertaining to journalism and mass communications programs) |
1989 |
4 |
9 |
Editorials regarding the proposed elimination of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication |
1989 |
4 |
10 |
Essays regarding the proposed elimination of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication |
1989 |
4 |
11 |
Faculty briefings regarding the proposed elimination of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication |
1989 |
4 |
12 |
"Fat Regent Controversy" - concerning the results of a mention in the Des Moines Register that someone in Hamilton Hall was overheard saying that "it ain't over 'til the fat regent sings" |
1989 |
5 |
1 |
General correspondence |
1989 |
5 |
2 |
Governor Branstad's press conference (1 cassette tape) |
1989 |
5 |
3 |
Humorous correspondence and news clippings |
1989 |
5 |
4 |
"Iowa Board of Regents Duplication Study" by visiting consultants Mary Ann Yodelis Smith and Dwight L. Teeter |
1989 |
5 |
5 |
Letters to concerned students |
1989 |
5 |
6 |
Letters to the editor and thank you letters from Dr. Emmerson |
1989 |
5 |
7 |
Long Range Strategic Plan for the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication |
1989 |
5 |
8 |
Memoranda regarding the proposed elimination of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication |
1989 |
5 |
9 |
Merger of Telecommunicative Arts and Journalism Programs |
1989 |
6 |
1 |
Minutes and notes from Board of Regents meetings |
1989 |
6 |
2 |
News clippings |
1989 |
6 |
3 |
Reactions to the Peat, Marwick Duplication Study |
1989 |
6 |
4 |
Recommendations from the Board of Regents |
1989 |
6 |
5 |
Specialized journalism majors |
1989 |
Description of series
| Series 3 | Sale of WOI-TV |
1991-1993, undated |
| extent: | 0.84 linear feet (2 document boxes) |
|
| description: | This series contains materials pertaining to the sale of WOI-TV and to the organization Iowans for WOI-TV. These include correspondence with state legislators, the Board of Regents, university administrators, students, and alumni, as well as memoranda, news clippings, reports, and notes made by Dr. Emmerson. |
|
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
6 |
6 |
Correspondence: WOI-TV |
1991-1993 |
6 |
7 |
"Excerpts from the Decision Regarding the Sale of WOI-TV" by District Court Judge Ronald H. Schechtman |
1992 |
6 |
8 |
Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee to Study the Proposed Sale of WOI-TV |
1992 |
6 |
9 |
"Jischke on WOI-TV No Sale," comments on a Department of Journalism and Mass Communications Program (1 cassette) |
1992-1993 |
6 |
10 |
Iowans for WOI-TV: meeting minutes |
1992-1993 |
6 |
11 |
Iowans for WOI-TV: organizational materials |
1992-1993 |
6 |
12 |
Iowans for WOI-TV vs. Iowa State Board of Regents |
1992 |
7 |
1 |
Memoranda concerning WOI |
1992-1993 |
7 |
2 |
News clippings: WOI-TV (folder 1 of 2) |
1992-1993 |
7 |
3 |
News clippings: WOI-TV (folder 2 of 2) |
1992-1993 |
7 |
4 |
Newsletter: "WOI-TV Update" |
1992 |
7 |
5 |
Notes on WOI-TV and journalism |
1992-1993 |
7 |
6 |
Pamphlet: "The Student and 5-TV" |
undated |
7 |
7 |
Proposed asset purchase agreement between Iowa State University and Capital Communications Company |
1992 |
7 |
8 |
Report: "Iowa State University Broadcasting Review and Reassessment" |
1992 |
7 |
9 |
Report: "Statement to the Board of Regents Regarding Proposed Sale of WOI-TV" |
1992 |
7 |
10 |
Votes of legislature and Board of Regents on WOI-TV |
1992 |