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Clarence Addison Dykstra

1883 – 1950

American academic administrator

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About Clarence Addison Dykstra

Lived 1883 – 1950 (aged 67). Clarence Addison Dykstra was an American historian.

Clarence Addison Dykstra ( ; February 25, 1883 – May 6, 1950) was a U.S. government administrator. He served as city manager in Cincinnati, Ohio, after teaching government at the University of Chicago. He then became president of the University of Wisconsin (1937–1945) as well as the 1st Director of the Selective Service System between 1940 and 1941. He then became provost of UCLA from 1945 to 1950.

He also served as the efficiency director of the city's Department of Water and Power for Los Angeles before World War II. He argued that the city needed to be further decentralized by expanding highways and creating suburban communities.

Dykstra was appointed by President Roosevelt to chair the 11-member National Defense Mediation Board, an effort to settle wartime disputes. He served from March 19 to July 1, 1941.

Because Dykstra had already served as a university president before coming to UCLA, he "was incensed at what he considered demeaning treatment of the provost by UC’s universitywide administration". During his five years at UCLA, he was popular and loved by the UCLA community.

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Important facts

Birth century
Died
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Iowa State University, University of Chicago
Positions held
Chairperson
Also known as
Clarence A. Dykstra, C. A. Dykstra, Clarence Dykstra

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Clarence Addison Dykstra's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Clarence Addison Dykstra?

American academic administrator (1883-1950)

When was Clarence Addison Dykstra born?

Clarence Addison Dykstra was born on 25 February 1883.

When did Clarence Addison Dykstra die?

Clarence Addison Dykstra died on 6 May 1950.

What was Clarence Addison Dykstra's occupation?

Clarence Addison Dykstra was a historian.

What nationality was Clarence Addison Dykstra?

Clarence Addison Dykstra was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Clarence Addison Dykstra

· Wikidata: Q5126373

· DBpedia: Clarence Addison Dykstra

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Clarence Addison Dykstra. https://biography.guide/clarence-addison-dykstra/

MLA: "Clarence Addison Dykstra." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/clarence-addison-dykstra/.

Chicago: "Clarence Addison Dykstra." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/clarence-addison-dykstra/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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