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Personal papers of James K. Hitt

 Collection
Call Number: PP 532

Overview

James K. Hitt was a graduate of the University of Kansas in 1934 and 1936, where he held several positions after graduation, including registrar and director of admissions. This collection contains papers related to his academic years, career, and military service during World War II.

Dates

  • Creation: 1906 - 2003

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Spencer Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.

Biography of James K. Hitt

James Kohland Hitt was born February 14, 1914 in Everest, Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Hitt. He graduated from Hamlin Rural High School in 1930 and went on to earn two Mathematics degrees, a Bachelor's and Master's, at KU in 1934 and 1936, respectively. While a student at KU, Hitt was a Summerfield Scholar, ROTC member, and member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Sigma. He then taught math at both Dodge City Junior College and Wichita University before returning to KU in 1940 as Assistant Registrar.

Hitt took military leave from his position at KU in 1942 to serve in the army as a Second Lieutenant in the Philippines before returning in 1946. Upon his return, Hitt served many positions at KU: University Registrar, Director of Admissions, Director of the Office of Admission and Records, Associate Director of Institutional Research and Planning, and Special Assistant to the Chancellor. He retired from the university in 1977. Upon retirement, Hitt earned the title University Registrar Emeritus. Hitt is credited for beginning the transition of university records to a computerized system at KU, a precursor of the online enrollment system used today. He also served as president of the university registrar's professional organization, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, in 1965.

James Hitt married Bernadine Berkley (d. 1998), and their union produced two children, Alan B. Hitt and Nancy Hitt Clark (m. David Clark). Hitt died on January 14, 2011 at the age of 96.

Extent

1.75 Linear Feet (4 boxes, 1 oversize box, 1 oversize folder)

Language of Materials

English

Scope and Contents

The Personal Papers of James K. Hitt date from 1906-2003 and are arranged in three series: Academics, Career, and Military Service. Folder arrangement within each series is generally alphabetical by topic, with chronological arrangement of items within each folder. Items included are correspondence, programs, events, photos, clippings, and maps. The collection also includes scrapbooks, certificates, newspaper clippings, and some photographs.

Physical Location

PP 532

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, Nancy H. Clark, 2012.

Related Materials

Consult library staff regarding the availability of related photographs, biographical files, and scrapbooks.

Source

Title
Guide to the James K. Hitt Collection
Subtitle
Personal papers of James K. Hitt
Author
Finding aid prepared by sda. Finding aid encoded by sda. Revised by eear, 2015.
Date
2015
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid written in English.
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/1467576811
Preferred citation
James K. Hitt Collection, PP 532, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Kansas. Kenneth Spencer Research Library Repository

Contact:
1450 Poplar Lane
Lawrence KS 66045-7616 United States
785-864-4334