琉球大学創設期における学生支援の導入経緯に関する考察 : ミシガン州立大学顧問団の関与とその提言内容に着目して

This study examines the process of introduction of the early student affairs services of the University of Ryukyus by focusing on the Michigan Mission and their recommendations. Previous research has pointed out that the Michigan Mission played an important role in the development of the University of Ryukyus in postwar Okinawa, and especially analyzed the specific advisors (e.g., library, home economics, and science) within the mission.
However, recent historical studies on higher education have not carried out an empirical examination of the activities and role of the “student affairs advisor” of the mission. Therefore, relying on primary sources, materials and documents (e.g., “University of the Ryukyus project records”) which I unearthed and collected, this study is based on evidence newly-acquired and identified by the author.
The results of my historical analysis are as follows. Firstly, Dr. Rowland R. Pierson (Faculty, Michigan State University), as the student affairs advisor of the mission, came to the university of Ryukyus. Secondly, Pierson grasped and evaluated the situation at the time regarding student affairs and services of the university of Ryukyus. Thirdly, Pierson gave fourteen recommendations to the introduction of student affairs and services. As a result, this research reveals the importance of the role of “student affairs advisor” of the mission and their recommendations.