Frederic N. Cleaveland (1915–2005) served as assistant dean of men at Duke University from 1937-1941 and as provost and professor of political science from 1971–1979. In the interim, he was a professor of political science and researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was educated at Duke (AB and MA in history) and Princeton (MA and PhD in politics). His papers contain correspondence from colleagues in the academic community in relation to his career and professional/community involvement. It also contains photographs, employment files, various handwritten speeches and manuscripts. Materials ange in date from 1938-1983.

Collection includes personal and professional correspondence, manuscripts, clippings, writings and speeches, and photographs pertaining to Cleaveland's family, career, and interests. The majority of items in the collection are related to transitions in Cleaveland's career.