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Press Release
Press Release · Monday, September 17, 2001

Press Release
September 17, 2001
National Archives Announces New Director of the Lyndon Johnson Library

College Park, MD. . .Archivist of the United States John W. Carlin announced today the appointment of Betty S. Flowers to be the new director of the Lyndon B. Johnson Library in Austin, Texas. Dr. Flowers, who is an eminent scholar and a distinguished academic at the University of Texas, will assume the position on January 7, 2002.

In making the announcement, the Archivist said, "Harry Middleton, director of the LBJ Library since 1971, has set the standard for Presidential library directors. Under his leadership, the Johnson Library has thrived and become a center for scholarly research and cultural endeavors. I am confident that Dr. Flowers will carry on Mr. Middleton's vision in maintaining the Library as one of the leading institutions on the academic and cultural landscape. We look forward to Dr. Flowers joining the National Archives."

Larry Temple, President of the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation described Dr. Flowers as, "A distinguished scholar with a richly earned national and international reputation. Betty Sue Flowers has been a vital part of the University of Texas, which is the Library's important home base. She brings to the directorship proven leadership skills and a clear concept of what the LBJ Library can and should do in the developing new world of electronic communication. As we salute and applaud Harry Middleton for the unparalleled legacy he leaves at the LBJ Library, the LBJ Foundation could not be more enthusiastic in its welcome of Betty Sue Flowers as the Library's new Director."

Dr. Flowers is currently the Kelleher Professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin. For five years she was the Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Texas. She has also served as Director of the Plan II Liberal Arts Honors Degree Program and is a Piper Professor and member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

Her other professional activities include: Chair of the Liberal Arts Academy Board, 1989-1990; member of the Board of Directors of the Austin Council on Foreign Affairs, 1993 to the present; member of the Board of Trustees of the International Council of Advisors of the Salado Institute for the Humanities; and member of the Symposium Planning Committee of the Lyndon Johnson Library.

Dr. Flowers has published numerous books and articles. Among them are: Browning and the Modern Tradition, Extending the Shade, and The Economic Myth. She is also the editor of several books including the Penguin Classics edition of Christina Rossetti: The Complete Poems and The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers.

Dr. Flowers graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. from the University of Texas. She received her M.A. from the University of Texas and a Ph.D. from the University of London.

Mr. Middleton will remain Director of the Library until Dr. Flowers assumes the position.

The Lyndon Johnson Presidential library is one of ten Presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Located on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin, it houses the official records of the Johnson Presidency, including nearly 36 million pages of materials, 620,000 photographs, and 37,000 gifts given to President and Mrs. Johnson. The 134,695 square foot facility is both a major research institution and a museum, showcasing the collections and hosting traveling exhibitions. Last year more than 199,000 visitors toured the museum or participated in various public programs.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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