University Archives

 The University of West Georgia Archives contain records of permanent value documenting the administration of the university since its beginnings as an A&M school in 1907 through its transformation from junior college to four-year college to state university and now a doctoral-granting university in the University System of Georgia. Included are annual reports, faculty senate proceedings, publicity materials, yearbooks and campus newspapers, as well as individual academic department records and the presidents' papers.

 John H. Melson served as the first principal of the 4th District A&M School in 1907. He and his wife, Penelope, were house parents to what was more of a high school than a college. Mrs. Melson helped stock the school's first library with a community book fair that netted over 300 volumes. By 1933, a decision was made to convert the school into West Georgia College, a junior college led by Irvine S. Ingram. He served for over thirty years, keeping personal scrapbooks throughout his administration. His daughter, Anne Ingram, also kept scrapbooks and donated some of her father's materials to the library. The library building was named for Ingram at the dedication of an addition opened in 1980.

 For more information about the history of the university, contact Special Collections at 678-839-6361 or email sdurham@westga.edu.