ASU Retirees Association (ASURA) Video History Project Interviews

Dr. J. Russell Nelson came to ASU in 1981 to be University President and he retired in 1989. He was born in Oregon but grew up in California and Utah. He received his PhD from UCLA and proceeded to teach at the University of Minnesota. He honed his administrative skills at the University of Colorado. When he arrived at ASU he was given the task of moving the university to a research university. In the interview he talks about the lack of teaching space and the effort required to reorient the faculties’ focus. Nelson spoke at length about several buildings, Hayden Library and the Nelson Fine Arts Center. There is discussion about getting around the Regents to get funding for the West Campus and the effort required to clean up the athletic department.

Barry R. Bruns began his ASU career in 1972 as an Accountant in the Comptroller's office. During his 38 years he held various position on all three campuses, including Assistant to the Vice President for Business Affairs, Associate Controller, and Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs (ASU West). His interview was conducted by Vice President for Academic Personnel, Mark Searle on February 20, 2012.