Robert D. Neill papers
Collection
Identifier: 1978_077-UA
The Robert Neill Papers encompass his career at the University of Louisville from 1964 to 1979. The bulk covers the years 1965 to 1975. The majority of the collection centers on Neill's tenure as an administrator and director of various academic programs at U of L. With the exception of the 1969 Summer Institute for the Humanities, there is no documentation about Neill's career as a professor nor is there mention of his course work or classroom load. This collection contains no details on Dr. Neill's personal life. The papers are divided into four series and contained in 20 boxes, eight of which are restricted.
Series I, "Writings and Television Work," (1966-1975) consists of Neill's various writings and television projects. The majority of his writings are in finished form. The Selected Poetry of Hortense Flexner King is well documented. Information concerning the Dramatic Enrichment Program Report is located in the "Academic Programs" subseries of series II. Dr. Neill was involved in producing educational television programs. This collection, however, only has diagrams from his "Better Chess Series."
Series II, "Teaching Career," (1965-1972) is divided into subseries: "Academic Programs," "Administrative Duties," and "U of L Miscellaneous." "Academic Programs" examines Neill's involvement in the Summer Institute for the Humanities and the Dramatic Enrichment Program. The Summer Institute papers consist of course materials, outlines and correspondence. One box of student files is restricted. The Dramatic Enrichment Program papers contain statistical data, background and research materials. One box of participant tests is restricted. "Administrative Duties" details Neill's work as Associate Dean of the Graduate School. It consists of general information pertaining to the Graduate School as well as information concerning fellowships and grants. Four boxes of student files are restricted. Finally series II has a miscellaneous section dealing with U of L.
Series III, "Jefferson County Public Schools," (1966-1971) consists of information about Jefferson County high school graduates, pupil drop-outs and statistical data.
Series IV, "Personal Interests," (1839-1935) contains various articles of interest to Neill. It also consists of photocopies of the Henderson and "Anna" letters (1839-1935). Both of these boxes are restricted at the request of Dr. Neill.
The copyright interests in the Robert D. Neill Papers have not been transferred to the University of Louisville.
33.75 linear feet
University of Louisville Professor of Education Dr. Robert Dudley Neill, was born September 14, 1924 in Russellville, Kentucky and died in Louisville April 19, 1979. He was married to the former Nita Truitt and had two children: Charles Dudley and Marguerite. His hobbies included gardening, music, travel, silver smithing and design, collecting American art pottery and cataloging for museums.
Prior to his academic career, Neill was a musician, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was an apprentice in gold and silver smithing. He earned his Bachelor of Art's degree as well as his Master of Art's degree from the University of Kentucky in 1949 and 1951 respectively. Neill was awarded his Doctorate in Education from the Teacher's College of Columbia University in 1966.
Before joining the faculty at U of L, Dr. Neill taught school in Kenton and Jefferson counties in Kentucky from 1949 to 1955. At this time he was named principal of St. Matthews Elementary School. In 1957 he became a Supervisor with the Jefferson County Board of Education and oversaw the general high school and advanced programs.
Robert Neill's career at U of L began in 1964 and ended with his death in 1979. Starting as a part-time Assistant Professor of Education, Dr. Neill rose to full Professor in 1972. During his career, he served as Coordinator of the Arts and Sciences Program and assistant to the Dean, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Academic Planning Officer.
Robert Neill served on various committees at U of L including the Media Board, the Senate Library Committee and the Archives Committee. He was a Board Member of the Belknap Theatre and Liaison Officer with the Speed Museum. He chaired the University Computer Curriculum Committee, the Graduate School Curriculum Committee and the Graduate School MAT Committee. He was Coordinator of the Southeastern Institute for Black Affairs and Executive Director of the Summer Institute for Humanities.
As an author his work included A Comparison of Mathematics Programs for Able Junior High School Students and The Selected Poetry of Hortense Flexner King. He published articles concerning the Head Start program and U of L's Dramatic Enrichment program.
Neill was also involved in producing television programs. He worked on the "Better Chess Series," "An Evening with Jesse Stuart," "Modern Mathematics for Parents," and "Management Information Sustems Parts I and II."
For more detailed information concerning Dr. Robert Neill refer to his biography file in the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections.
Part of the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections Repository