Importance of religious studies McDonald became president of BYU in 1945. He communicated directly with the board of trustees, rather than receiving instructions through a commissioner of church schools. Unlike with his previous administrative roles, the board of trustees sought more direct input over administrative details. The board selected McDonald as president to emphasize religious leadership at the school. While the board initially considered closing the university, McDonald advocated for its continued operation and convinced the trustees of the institution's value to the church. He developed a character recommendation required for new applicants to the university to be sure that its attendees conform to the standards of the LDS Church. Also in 1946, McDonald made efforts to stop students from smoking and drinking. He gave students three months to change their habits. He also called for more strict adherence to curfew. In Amanda Knight Hall, doors were locked on the outside and inside after curfew, causing one woman to publicly protest the policy as dangerous in the case of an emergency. In 1947, McDonald helped establish student
branches, with student leaders. This helped create a more intimate atmosphere for church services, as previous Sunday school classes could exceed 100 students at a time.
Leaving BYU Ongoing requests for additional funding led to tension between McDonald and the board of trustees.
J. Reuben Clark, then a counselor in the First Presidency, was also unhappy with McDonald's performance as president of BYU and harshly rebuked his behavior; as tension grew McDonald began looking for another job. In 1949, McDonald left BYU to become president of
Los Angeles City College and
Los Angeles State College. ==President of California State University, Los Angeles==