Walter J. Harrelson was a Religion Professor at Vanderbilt University from 1960-1990, and became Professor Emeritus in 1990.

The Walter J. Harrelson Papers, include correspondence, manuscripts of writings, speeches, research and publication materials, teaching notes, grant proposals and background information, and personal and biographical materials. The collection is extensive, with the bulk of the materials from the 1970's and the 1980's. Major topics of interest include Professor Harrelson's work on the EMML (Ethiopian Manuscript Microfilm Library), the Revised Standard Bible, and his career at the Vanderbilt University Divinity School.