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Personal Papers of George W. Woodyard

 Collection
Call Number: PP 216

Overview

Woodyard taught in the Department of Spanish and Portugese at the University of Kansas beginning in 1966. This collection consists of a manuscript, Bibliography of Latin American Theatre Criticism, 1940-1974, as well as numerous other publications written by Woodyard. Also included are papers relating to classes he taught, including information on various Latin American authors whose work he taught, as well as papers relating to the construction of the Rotary Arboretum and George Woodyard memorial site in Lawrence, Kan., various awards given to him, notes from his time as a professor and as an administrator, maps and papers regarding his travels.

Dates

  • Creation: 1921 - 2010

Creator

Language of Materials

English, Spanish, German

Conditions Governing Access

These materials are stored in the KU Annex off-site storage area.

All researchers interested in reviewing this material must consult Spencer Research Library Public Services staff (785-864-4334 or ksrlref@ku.edu, 9-5 M-F CST) no less than three days in advance of a planned visit. Be advised that drop-in requests for this material cannot be accommodated.

Conditions Governing Use

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

Biography of George W. Woodyard

George William Woodyard was born on November 18, 1934 in Charleston, Illinois, the son of Lincoln and Iva Hanna Woodyard. He was the youngest of 9 children.

He received his bachelors of science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1954, his masters in Spanish from New Mexico State University in 1955, and his Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Illinois in 1966. He joined the faculty of the University of Kansas that same year, reaching full Professor status at KU in 1977. In the years between receiving his masters and doctorate, Woodyard taught in Illinois high schools and served in the U.S. Army as an English instructor.

Woodyard held a variety of administrative positions while working at KU. He served as both assistant chairman and chairman of the Spanish and Portuguese Department, the Associate Dean of the Graduate School, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the first Dean of International Studies. He taught several Summer Language Institute courses in Guadaljara, Barcelona, and Santiago de Campostela. Woodyard retired in 2005.

George Woodyard was involved in the Lawrence, Kansas community in several ways. He was a member of the Lawrence Noon Rotary Club, Immanuel Lutheran Church, and served as President of the Board of Directors of the Lawrence Community Theatre. He organized for the creation of the Rotary Centennial Arboretum and helped develop the first Sister Cities Commmittee for Eutin, Germany and Hiratsuka, Japan.

Woodyard's research interests focused on Latin American theatre; he served as editor of the journal Latin American Theatre Review for 40 years after founding the journal. He won several prizes for his work in Latin American theatre. He and his wife also endowed the Woodyard International Educator Award, recognizing KU faculty members who have provided outstanding leadership in international education at the university.

George W. Woodyard married Eleanor Tendick in 1960. They had four children: Shana, Lance, Devon, and Kenda. George Woodyard passed away on November 7, 2010 in Lawrence, Kansas.

Extent

21.75 Linear Feet (25 boxes + 2 oversizes box, 2 card file boxes, 1 oversize folder)

Physical Location

PP 216

Physical Location

Annex (Contact Spencer Library Public Services)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, George Woodyard, 2010; transfer, Spanish and Portuguese Department, 2013.

Related Materials

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

Subject

Title
Guide to the George W. Woodyard Collection
Subtitle
Personal Papers of George W. Woodyard
Author
Finding aid prepared by ad, 2005. Finding aid encoded by ad, 2005. Finding aid revised by cc, 2011, eear, 2016, tmw, 2016; mwh, 2019, 2020.
Date
2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid written in English.
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/6211604136
Preferred citation
George W. Woodyard Collection, PP 216, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas Libraries.

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