William R. Fuller papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSF 137

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Materials collected by Professor of Mathematics Emeritus William Fuller. Includes some materials relating to David Ross and the XR Fund, the history of the Purdue Research Foundation, a speech by David Sarnoff on the social impact of computers (1964), Founders Day and the 100th anniversary of the founding of Purdue University in 1969, teacher evaluation, televised instruction in college freshman mathematics, and notebooks of records of the Calculus Program for Engineers (1959-1976).

Please see PDF Finding Aid for collection inventory.

Dates

1865 - 1969

Creator

Fuller, William Richard, 1920- (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Access Information

Collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Some material in this collection are in the public domain, while other material copyrights are held by Purdue University. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

Fuller was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 27, 1920. Due to fragile health, he attended the Theodore Potter Fresh Air School from 1926-1932. He entered Butler University in January 1946. He graduated from Butler in August of 1948 with a major in mathematics and physics. In September 1949, he entered graduate school at Purdue in mathematics. A native Hoosier who recounts growing up in the 1930s and 1940s and serving in the U.S. Army landed on Normandy Beach on D Day. Returned to Indianapolis and received BS in Mathematics and Physics , Magna Cum Laude. After working as a Mathematician at US Naval Ordinance Plant, he entered Purdue for graduate work and received his Ph.D. in 1957 in mathematics. He became Assistant to Head of the Mathematics Department and Head in 1959. From 1965-1976 he held the title of Associate Dean School of Science and elected to University Senate, Chairperson 1984-85. He served as Interim Chancellor of North Central campus 1979-1982. A charter member of Great Book of Teachers, talks about teaching and interaction with students. Active in the local community, Rotary Club, Lafayette Symphony and has continued being active in the other organizations including Indiana Chapter of Partners of the Americas.