The records of M. Cecil Mackey were created or collected primarily in his capacity as president of Michigan State University (1979-1985). Issues that span multiple presidencies may be documented here, as well as other presidents' files. There are five series of materials in this collection: Correspondence, Administrative Records for the Office of the President, Social Event Files, Subject Files, and Vice Presidents' Files. The social events files are planning documents for luncheons, dinners, receptions, and special events for distinguished visitors, faculty, donors, and friends. The subject files are further divided into MSU committee and council records, records of organizations external to MSU that Mackey participated in, and general files which document important issues and events during Mackey's presidency. University issues which were under the authority of the vice presidents are in the final series. In addition, there is a small amount of biographical material included in the collection.