Collections

Academic Affairs Records (UA 2)

The Academic Affairs Records document the development of academic governance, curriculum and institutional planning at South Dakota State University from 1902 to 2018. The collection includes records from the Office of the President, the Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs, and university committees, reflecting administrative decision-making, faculty governance, accreditation, budget planning and strategic initiatives such as Resolution 21, the governor’s 5% budget reduction plan, and the Resource Allocation Model. Program reviews and specialized accreditation reports highlight departmental evaluation and compliance efforts.

The collection also preserves records of curriculum development, faculty affairs and commencement ceremonies dating to 1902. Together, these materials provide a comprehensive overview of SDSU’s academic administration and the evolution of centralized academic leadership beginning in 1960.

See: UA 21 Office of Institutional Research and Assessment Records

See: UA 4 Faculty Senate and Related Committees Records

UA 50.10 Academic Women's Equity Coalition Collection (UA 50.10)

The Academic Women’s Equity Coalition was formed in 1983-84 at SDSU following informal discussions among women faculty concerned about issues of gender equity. Open to faculty and supporters committed to its mission, the coalition worked to identify and address inequities in hiring, salary, promotion and tenure practices, while advocating for nonsexist language and greater representation of women in administrative leadership. It also served as a forum for the exchange of information and mutual support among academic women during a period of increasing attention to institutional accountability and equal opportunity in higher education.

The Academic Women’s Equity Coalition Collection documents the organization’s advocacy, structure and activities. Records include correspondence, meeting agendas, programs, committee and membership lists, financial materials and clippings, along with a historical summary of the group’s founding and development. Of particular significance is a draft complaint submitted to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs alleging discrimination at the university, as well as documentation of the investigation’s outcome. Together, these materials provide insight into grassroots efforts to advance gender equity at SDSU and illustrate the coalition’s role in shaping dialogue, policy review and institutional change.

UA 20 Administration Office Records (UA 3.0)

The Vice President for Administration Records document the management and coordination of campus support and administrative functions at SDSU. The vice president for administration is responsible for overseeing key operational areas, including financial management, personnel services, facilities and campus planning, student services, legal affairs, public relations, policy development, and support for alumni and foundation activities. This role is central to ensuring institutional stability, operational efficiency and the effective support of the university’s academic mission.

The collection includes materials reflecting administrative priorities and leadership during the late 20th century, notably a file documenting the university’s 1987-89 strategic plan, which provides insight into institutional planning, governance and decision-making processes of the period. Also included is an open house invitation marking the retirement of Vice President Mike Reger, highlighting a significant leadership transition and acknowledging his contributions to the university. Together, the records offer valuable context for understanding administrative strategy, continuity and change within SDSU.

UA 50.6 Administrative Council Records (UA 50.6)

The Administrative Council Records document the work of SDSU’s principal administrative body from 1923-61, including its predecessor, the Council of Deans (originally the Committee of Deans). The collection consists primarily of meeting minutes, with a small amount of related correspondence, particularly concerning student readmissions and follow-up actions. These records trace the evolution of internal governance during a period of institutional growth and organizational change.

The minutes reflect deliberations on academic policies, campus regulations, student discipline, course loads, degree approvals, vocational programming and the academic calendar. Established in 1942 as the successor to the Council of Deans, the Administrative Council continued similar functions, meeting regularly with the university president, who served as chair. By the mid-1950s, membership expanded to include faculty representatives, signaling a gradual broadening of participation in governance. The records provide insight into administrative decision-making processes and the shifting structure of university leadership prior to the transfer of policymaking authority to the Academic Senate in 1970.

UA 20 Admissions Office Records UA 20)

The Admissions Office at SDSU originated in the institution’s early years following its establishment as Dakota Agricultural College in 1881. Initial admissions efforts in the late 19th century consisted primarily of catalog announcements and student classification records outlining academic programs and enrollment procedures. By the early 20th century, the office produced more formal informational circulars and recruitment publications. Materials such as the "Announcements for South Dakota Agricultural College" (1894-95) and student classification records (1890-1902) document these early processes. During the mid-to-late 20th century, admissions activities expanded to include viewbooks and coordinated recruitment campaigns, including the "SDSC View Book" (1935), "You Can Attend SDSC" (undated) and later "You Can Go Anywhere from Here! "(2002, 2005). By the early 21st century, the office incorporated orientation programming, campus visit events, early registration materials and digital communication tools into its operations.

The Admissions Office Records document student recruitment, enrollment procedures and promotional activities from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The collection includes bulletins, viewbooks, pamphlets, orientation guides, early registration information and related outreach materials that reflect changing recruitment strategies and communication methods. These records provide documentation of the university’s efforts to present its academic programs and campus environment to prospective students and support research on enrollment practices and institutional development.

Aerial Photographs of Western South Dakota (MA 60)

This collection consists of aerial photographs documenting western South Dakota, with particular emphasis on the Black Hills region in Meade and Pennington counties. The photographs span multiple dates and were taken primarily during the summer and fall months. Many of the images were created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of aerial survey and environmental monitoring efforts, including documentation of forest conditions such as mountain pine beetle infestations.

The materials include individual aerial photographs and sequential image sets identified by flight line numbers, roll numbers and dates. The collection contains black-and-white, color and infrared aerial images, some of which are annotated or indexed and organized by geographic location or agency designation. Accompanying materials include photographic indexes, flight maps, USDA aerial photography parameters and a small number of duplicate negatives. These materials document aerial survey activity and landscape conditions in western South Dakota during the period represented in the collection.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department Records (UA 8.8)

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at SDSU was founded in 1925 to modernize agriculture through the application of engineering principles, building on earlier civil and agricultural engineering coursework offered beginning in 1902. Jointly administered by the Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering, the department initially focused on mechanization as farming shifted from horse drawn equipment to tractor based systems. Over time, its mission expanded to address emerging agricultural and environmental challenges, and the department was renamed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1999 to reflect its broader emphasis on biological systems, environmental management and sustainable technologies.

This collection documents the academic programs, outreach activities and engineering innovations of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Materials include brochures, newsletters and program publications related to degree offerings, departmental events, facilities and SDSU developed agricultural technologies. Together, the records reflect the department’s evolution from early mechanization to contemporary work in precision agriculture, water management and sustainable food systems, highlighting its role in advancing agricultural engineering education and applied research at SDSU.

College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences Records (UA 5)

The College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences Records document the administration, instruction, research and outreach activities of one of SDSU's core academic units. The college’s programs encompass both traditional agriculture and the biological sciences, with agricultural work organized around academic instruction, research, extension and statewide service. Research addresses a wide range of topics, including livestock, natural resources, field crops, veterinary science, horticulture, agricultural economics, dairy science, landscape design and mechanized agriculture, with findings informing teaching, extension activities and public engagement across South Dakota.

The collection consists primarily of records from the Office of the Dean and includes correspondence, newsletters, planning documents, annual reports, curriculum materials, promotional publications, conference materials and extensive financial records. Also included are departmental reviews, strategic planning reports and publications such as Ag Bio Newsletter, Growing South Dakota, and South Dakota Farm and Home Research. Photographs document faculty, students, research facilities and outreach activities. Together, the records illustrate the college’s leadership in agricultural and biological sciences education, applied research, extension services and its long-standing contributions to rural and economic development in South Dakota and the region.

J.M. Aldrich Diaries (UA 53.14)

The J.M. Aldrich Diaries document the student years of John Merton Aldrich (1866-1934), an early graduate of Dakota Agricultural College and a future leader in American entomology. Enrolling in 1885 as the institution’s first student to specialize in zoological sciences, Aldrich graduated in 1888 during the college’s first formal commencement. He later earned advanced degrees from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, becoming an internationally recognized authority on North American Diptera and serving as custodian of Diptera at the Smithsonian Institution. His scientific legacy includes extensive publications, leadership in the Entomological Society of America and the donation of a major insect collection to the National Museum of Natural History.

The collection consists of three diary volumes covering the academic years 1885-1888, which Aldrich later transcribed and annotated between 1930 and 1932. Organized in daily entries, the diaries recount his coursework, travel between Minnesota and Brookings, laboratory work and observations of campus and territorial life during the college’s formative years. References to administrative transitions, including the replacement of President George Lilley by Lewis McLouth, situate the narrative within broader institutional developments. Together, the diaries provide a rare first-person account of student life at a frontier land-grant college and offer valuable insight into the early academic culture of Dakota Agricultural College.

UA 53.22 Ruth Ann Alexander Papers (UA 53.22)

The Ruth Ann Alexander Papers document the academic career, scholarship and public service of Ruth Ann Alexander (1924-2010), longtime professor of English at SDSU and the first woman to chair its English department. A specialist in American intellectual history, Alexander introduced SDSU’s first courses on women writers, as well as African American and Native American literature, and chaired the committee that established the women’s studies major. The collection includes correspondence, course materials, speeches, manuscripts, grant files and research notes that reflect her work as a teacher, department leader and advocate for curricular reform and gender equity.

The papers also document Alexander’s extensive public engagement, including her service on the Brookings School Board and the South Dakota Commission on the Status of Women, where she contributed to policy discussions on equal rights and educational equity. Files related to her Chautauqua portrayals of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, her writings on South Dakota women writers and Episcopal Church history and her long-running newspaper column further illustrate her role as a public scholar. Together, these materials provide a significant resource for studying the development of women’s studies, feminist activism and public humanities work in South Dakota during the late 20th century.

Altrusa International, Inc., District Seven Records (MA 16)

The Altrusa International District Seven Records document the administrative, philanthropic and service activities of the organization from 1956 to 2017, with a particular focus on the Brookings, South Dakota, club. This collection includes meeting minutes, treasurer’s reports, committee records, bylaws, conference proceedings and correspondence, providing insight into the governance and development of a major women’s professional service organization. Notable materials include conference records from 1956 to 1995, featuring programs, reports, banquet menus and minutes from president’s workshops and annual district meetings. Additionally, the collection highlights Altrusa’s involvement in community service, vocational education and literacy initiatives, such as Books for Babes, Harvest and Harmony and the Brookings Backpack Program.

This collection is a valuable resource for researchers studying women’s civic engagement, professional service organizations and grassroots philanthropy in the Midwest. The records illustrate Altrusa’s evolution, particularly its efforts in promoting education, literacy and leadership development for women. The fundraising documents, including those from the Altrusa Wild Game Dinner and Literacy Lunch, offer insight into nonprofit funding strategies. Additionally, the conference proceedings and administrative records provide context for organizational governance, volunteerism and community-based leadership. The photographs, newsletters and media materials further enrich the collection, offering a visual and narrative record of Altrusa’s impact over six decades.

Alumni Association Records (UA 17)

The South Dakota State University Alumni Association was established in 1889 by graduates of Dakota Agricultural College to maintain connections among alumni and strengthen ties to the institution. Over time, the association developed formal communication and engagement efforts, including the launch of alumni publications, support for campus traditions and advocacy on institutional issues. The association became an independent nonprofit organization in 1992 and expanded its physical and programmatic presence through initiatives such as the Tompkins Alumni Center and alumni advocacy efforts. In January 2026, the Alumni Association consolidated with the South Dakota State University Foundation to form the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, unifying alumni relations and philanthropic advancement.

The Alumni Association Records consist primarily of printed materials and publications produced by the Office of the Director of the Alumni Association. Materials include event programs, brochures, newsletters, mailers, alumni directories, promotional items, award certificates and photographs documenting reunions, banquets, awards and alumni activities. A significant portion of the collection is devoted to alumni publications such as STATE, Rabbit Ears, and the Jackrabbit Insider. Together, these records document alumni engagement, campus traditions and the evolving relationship between South Dakota State University and its graduates.

American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch Records (MA 15)

The American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch, has played a significant role in advocating for women’s education, community involvement and social progress since its establishment. The branch has actively engaged in initiatives such as supporting early childhood education, fundraising for scholarships and promoting legislative advocacy for women's rights. Over the years, it has adapted to changing societal needs, organizing study groups, community programs and fundraising efforts that reflect its commitment to education and civic engagement. Key figures such as Gertrude Stickney Young, the branch’s first president and Vivian Volstorff, instrumental in its accreditation, have contributed to shaping its legacy. Through its work, the Brookings Branch has fostered leadership, provided educational opportunities and influenced local and national policies.

This collection preserves the history and operations of the Brookings Branch through a range of administrative and historical materials, including reports, meeting minutes, bylaws, correspondence and financial records. These documents reveal the decision-making processes, organizational priorities and evolving initiatives of the branch. The collection also includes newsletters, event programs and promotional materials that highlight the branch’s outreach and public engagement. Correspondence, news clippings and a dismantled scrapbook provide additional perspectives on its advocacy and impact. Materials related to membership, fundraising and policy development offer insight into its strategic and financial operations. Researchers will find this collection valuable for studying women’s organizations, grassroots activism and the intersection of gender, education and civic engagement in local history.

American Indian Student Center Records (UA 63.1)

This collection focuses on the role of the American Indian Student Center on the South Dakota State University campus from 2000 to 2012. Included are materials related to events, fundraisers and trips planned by the American Indian Student Center.

American Indian Student Association Records (UA 63.3)

The American Indian Student Association provides an outlet for Indigenous people on campus to share and learn about their own culture, heritage and values. It is composed mainly of materials pertaining to the Native American Club’s activities on campus, including the SDSU Wacipi (powwow).

American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program Records (UA 63.2)

The American Indian and Indigenous studies program focuses on the past and present understanding of Indigenous people with an emphasis on making a better future for Indigenous people. This collection is composed mainly of material pertaining to the American Indian History Conference and Consider the Century program.

Animal Science, Department of Records (UA 5.5)

The Department of Animal Science Records document the evolution of animal science instruction, research and outreach at SDSU. Animal-related coursework has been offered since the university’s early years, initially emphasizing livestock production and, at times, separate departmental specialization by animal type, such as poultry. Over time, these programs were consolidated, and the department’s scope broadened to include rangeland management. Today, the department offers B.S. degrees with majors in animal science and range science, preparing students for careers in livestock production, agricultural business, farming and ranching, natural resource management and graduate study.

The collection consists primarily of publications produced by the Department of Animal Science, including field day programs, research reports, newsletters, promotional materials, short course guides and proceedings from symposia and professional meetings. Documented topics include livestock and poultry production, animal husbandry, rangeland management, feed processing, animal welfare and carcass evaluation, as well as events such as the Cottonwood Research Station Field Day, Livestock Feeders’ Day and the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium. The records provide insight into the department’s educational mission, applied research, and outreach efforts, highlighting SDSU’s longstanding engagement with producers, students and the broader agricultural community.

Anderson, Sigurd Papers (MA 13)

Sigurd Anderson (1904-90) served as governor of South Dakota (1951-55) and later as a federal trade commissioner (1957-64). Born in Norway, Anderson immigrated to the United States as a child, later earning his law degree from the University of South Dakota. He established a legal career in Webster, South Dakota, before rising to political prominence. As governor, he prioritized fiscal responsibility, economic development and infrastructure improvements, leading South Dakota to its first debt-free status in 40 years. His later role as a federal trade commissioner under President Dwight D. Eisenhower focused on national trade regulations and economic policy.

The collection consists primarily of FTC addresses (1957-64), highlighting Anderson’s contributions to federal regulatory policy. Also included is his inaugural address to the 33rd South Dakota Legislature (1953) and speeches from the early to mid-1950s on governance, economic development and infrastructure. Supplementary materials include state appropriations records (1951-55) and a biographical account, "Sigurd Anderson – From Immigrant Boy to Governor of South Dakota," which chronicles his journey from immigrant to influential political figure. This collection provides key insights into Anderson’s leadership, policymaking and lasting impact on both state and federal governance.

Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design, Department of Records (UA 9.2)

The Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design Records document the development and activities of academic programs at South Dakota State University focused on apparel, fashion and interior design education. The department’s curriculum combined creative practice with analytical and business oriented study, preparing students for careers in apparel merchandising, retail management and interior design. Programs emphasized consumer behavior, product development, design problem-solving and experiential learning, supported by studio instruction, professional practice and partnerships with external institutions.

The collection includes program evaluation reports, course announcements, posters, programs and fact sheets that reflect departmental instruction and public engagement. A substantial portion of the records relates to the Adaline Snellman Hsia Historic Costume and Decorative Arts Collection and includes correspondence, photographs, donor records, exhibit materials, and documentation of collection development and endowment support. Together, the materials illustrate the department’s role in fashion and design education, the preservation of textile and costume history, and community outreach through exhibitions and scholarly activity.

Army Administration Schools, Enlisted Branch No. 3 Collection (UA 50.9)

The Army Administration School, Enlisted Branch No. 3, was established at South Dakota State College on Dec. 3, 1942, as part of the nation’s World War II mobilization effort. Originally created to train Air Corps clerks in general administrative duties, the program later expanded in May 1943 to include a classification course emphasizing personnel and records management. In total, 11 classes completed the administrative training program and six completed the classification course. Trainees shared campus facilities with civilian students, fully occupying several major buildings, while military discipline was reinforced through close order drill, retreat parades, and formal opening and closing exercises. In response to wartime labor shortages, school personnel also assisted with the regional harvest in Brookings during the fall of 1943.

The Army Administration School Records document the operation and campus impact of this military training program. Materials include a written institutional history, officer lists, enrollment statistics, course evaluations, correspondence, property and facilities survey reports and instructional outlines. A scrapbook containing photographs, newspaper clippings and event programs provides visual and contextual documentation of military life on campus. Additional records relate to the Army Specialized Training Program, including course materials and credit-transfer documentation. These materials illustrate the integration of military training within a land-grant college setting and highlight South Dakota State College’s role in supporting national defense through shared infrastructure, academic resources and community cooperation during World War II.

Arts and Sciences Records, College of (UA 6)

The College of Arts and Sciences at SDSU originated in 1884 as the general sciences course, which allowed students to earn a B.S. degree through coursework rather than defined majors. Administrative structure developed gradually, with the establishment of the General Science Division in 1924, the addition of applied arts to its title in 1953, and its eventual transition to the College of Arts and Sciences following the institution’s change to university status. The college fulfills a central role by providing general education instruction and disciplinary education in the arts and sciences.

This collection consists of records created by the administrative offices of the College of Arts and Sciences and documents its organization, programs and activities. Materials include correspondence, brochures, bulletins, committee records, meeting minutes, statistical reports, mission statements, and publications related to academic programs and campus events. A substantial portion of the collection is made up of newsletters issued under various titles that chronicle college activities, faculty initiatives, student engagement, and the evolving academic and cultural identity of the college within the university community.

Athenian Literary Society Records (UA 35.1)

The Athenian Literary Society was organized in 1887 or 1888 at South Dakota Agricultural College as an outgrowth of the Lyceum literary society and was chartered in 1888 by the Dakota Territorial Legislature. Established to promote the development of skills in oratory, debate and literature, the society also provided structured social and cultural activities for students. Through regular meetings and public programs, it became a prominent literary organization during the institution’s early years.

This collection documents the organizational structure and activities of the Athenian Literary Society. Materials include the constitution and by laws, meeting minutes, graduation programs and play programs produced independently and in collaboration with other literary societies. The records provide evidence of the society’s governance, programming and contributions to campus cultural life, and support research on early student organizations and intellectual engagement at the university.

Athletics, Jackrabbit Records (UA 46)

Intercollegiate athletics at SDSU began in the late 19th century and developed from student led teams into a formally administered athletic program. The university competed for much of the 20th century in the North Central Conference before transitioning to NCAA Division I competition in the 2008-09 academic year. Athletic programs have encompassed a broad range of men’s and women’s sports, supported by administrative offices responsible for compliance, facilities, marketing, academic services and development.

The Jackrabbit Athletics Records document the history, governance and activities of university athletics from the early years through the Division I transition and beyond. Administrative files include annual reports, committee minutes, budget records, compliance documentation, marketing materials, handbooks and promotional publications such as Rabbit Report and The Bum. Sport specific materials cover baseball, basketball, cross country, equestrian, football, gymnastics, rodeo, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling, and include media guides, fact books, programs, clippings, photographs and record books. Additional records document special events, strategic planning for Division I membership, intramural and recreational programming, and athlete recognition. The collection provides comprehensive documentation of athletic administration, competition and campus sports culture at SDSU.

125th Anniversary Planning Committee Records (UA 51.5)

This collection documents the planning and celebration of SDSU’s 125th anniversary in 2006. Established to coordinate the quasquicentennial observance, the 125th Anniversary Planning Committee brought together faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and university leadership to organize a yearlong series of commemorative events and initiatives. Chaired by Carol J. Peterson, with President Peggy Gordon Miller and Presidents Emeriti Sherwood Berg and Robert Wagner serving as honorary co-chairs, the committee guided activities designed to honor SDSU’s history since its founding in 1881 while highlighting its continuing impact on the state.

The records include committee minutes, correspondence, planning files, event programs, photographs, publications, audiovisual recordings and memorabilia. Documentation reflects major events such as the Anniversary Gala, statewide Extension celebrations, campus birthday observances and departmental “Survey of Accomplishments” reports summarizing milestones since SDSU achieved university status in 1964. Commemorative materials including a replica of the Coughlin Campanile, anniversary publications, legislative recognitions and recorded interviews with institutional leaders further illustrate the scope of the celebration. Together, these materials provide a comprehensive record of how SDSU marked a major institutional milestone and articulated its historical legacy and future aspirations.

Barnes, Allen Papers (UA 53.3)

The Allen Barnes Papers document the career and leadership of Allen Barnes at SDSU, particularly his service as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1967-85. The collection reflects his efforts to strengthen the liberal arts, expand international education and promote faculty scholarship within a land-grant university context.

Materials include records related to the 1981 Centennial Celebration, documenting lectures, performances, alumni engagement and departmental histories coordinated through the College of Arts and Sciences. The papers also contain substantial documentation on the early planning and advocacy for a campus Performing Arts Center. Together, these records illustrate Barnes’ role in shaping academic programs, institutional celebrations and cultural development at SDSU in the late 20th century.

Bates, Ward B. Scrapbook (MA 55)

This collection consists of extensive aerial photographs documenting western South Dakota, with particular emphasis on the Black Hills region. The photographs span multiple dates and locations, including areas within Meade and Pennington counties. Many of the images were created by federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and reflect aerial survey activities conducted primarily during the summer and fall months. Several sets of photographs were produced in connection with environmental monitoring efforts, including documentation related to mountain pine beetle infestations.

The photographs are arranged in individual and sequential image sets identified by flight lines, roll numbers and dates. The collection includes black-and-white, color and infrared aerial imagery, some of which contains annotations or agency markings. Materials are organized primarily by geographic location or agency designation. Accompanying materials include photographic indexes, flight maps, USDA parameter documentation and a small number of duplicate negatives that support identification and interpretation of the aerial imagery.

Berg, Sherwood O. Papers (UA 53.13)

Bianchi, Wilibald C. (MA 57)

The Willibald C. Bianchi Papers document the life, military service and posthumous commemoration of Capt. Willibald C. Bianchi (1915-45), a graduate of South Dakota State College and a Medal of Honor recipient of World War II. Bianchi served with the Philippine Scouts and distinguished himself during the Battle of Bataan on Feb. 3, 1942, where he continued to lead and assist fellow soldiers despite sustaining multiple wounds. Following the fall of Bataan, he was captured by Japanese forces, survived the Bataan Death March and endured more than two years as a prisoner of war before dying in 1945 when an unmarked prison transport ship was bombed.

The collection contains photocopies of personal correspondence written by Bianchi from the Philippines and during his captivity, providing firsthand accounts of military service and prisoner of war conditions during the early Pacific theater of World War II. Additional materials include correspondence with family members and military officials, newspaper clippings, memorial writings and biographical documentation. The papers also include a photocopy of Bianchi’s Medal of Honor certificate and a commemorative certificate signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Materials further document later efforts to commemorate Bianchi’s legacy at South Dakota State University, including records relating to the establishment of a memorial plaque, scholarship fund and commemorative events organized by Tom Beattie and the Willibald Bianchi Memorial and Scholarship Committee. Together, the collection preserves both contemporary documentation of Bianchi’s wartime experience and later institutional and community efforts to honor his service and sacrifice.

Biggar, George C. Papers (MA 1)

The George Biggar Papers document the career and activities of a broadcaster active in agricultural communication and radio production from the 1920s through the 1960s. The collection reflects Biggar’s work in rural and agricultural broadcasting, radio programming and wartime agricultural reporting. A substantial portion of the collection relates to a World War II agricultural tour and includes diaries, interviews, maps, speeches, research notes and related documentation. Additional materials address agriculture, economic studies and professional recognition.

The papers provide insight into the development of agricultural radio, the relationship between media and agriculture, and Biggar’s professional career within the broader history of American broadcasting.

Billow, Joye Ann Papers (UA 53.25)

The Joye Ann Billow Papers document the professional career, university service and personal life of Joye Ann Billow, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at SDSU from 1972 to 2002. A medicinal chemist and licensed pharmacist, Billow was an influential faculty member in the College of Pharmacy and longtime adviser to the Chi Chapter of Kappa Epsilon, receiving multiple honors for her mentorship and leadership. The collection includes awards, correspondence, curricula vitae, publications, accreditation materials and records of campus governance activities, reflecting her contributions to pharmacy education, faculty development and university accreditation. Files also document her involvement in initiatives such as new faculty tours and community organizations including the Brookings women’s center, domestic abuse shelter and hospice.

Personal materials form a substantial portion of the collection and include family correspondence, genealogical records, school memorabilia, photographs and scrapbooks documenting the Billow, Pierce, Herb and Lux families. The papers also preserve Billow’s postretirement artistic work, including original watercolors, ink drawings and sketches, along with documentation of her involvement in local arts organizations. Together, the collection presents a multifaceted record of academic leadership, community engagement, family heritage and creative expression.

Biology and Microbiology Department Records (UA 5.6)

The Department of Biology and Microbiology Records document the development of biological science instruction, academic programs and outreach at SDSU from the late 19th century through the modern period. Instruction in the biological sciences began in 1885, although formal departmental organization evolved gradually, with related subjects such as zoology, botany and entomology taught across multiple departments before the establishment of a combined Department of Botany and Biology in 1966 and an independent Department of Biology in 1980. Today, the department offers Bachelor’s degree programs in biology through both the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences, with areas of emphasis including biology, botany, zoology and preprofessional studies.

The collection consists primarily of publications produced by the Department of Biology and Microbiology, including pamphlets, newsletters, posters and lectures documenting departmental activities, academic offerings and public engagement. Topics represented include the Bio-molecular Sciences Enhancement Program, environmental management initiatives, graduate education in biology and public seminars. The records illustrate the department’s role in advancing biological education, promoting scientific research and fostering community outreach at SDSU.

Bjorklund, Elvin Papers (MA 96)

The Elvin Bjorklund Papers document the professional career of Elvin C. Bjorklund (1908-90), who served as deputy state conservationist with the United States Soil Conservation Service. The materials reflect his involvement in soil and water conservation initiatives in South Dakota and within Region 5 of the United States Department of Agriculture. Bjorklund’s work focused on conservation planning, watershed protection, irrigation development, and the administration of regional and national conservation programs.

The collection consists of reports, conference proceedings, historical narratives, personnel documentation, photographs and training materials related to the development and operation of the Soil Conservation Service. Subjects represented include the Conservation Needs Inventory, flood prevention programs, the Oahe Irrigation Project, conservation activities in the Black Hills and Missouri River Basin, and engineering and training programs for conservation personnel. Also included are biographical materials on Bjorklund, anniversary publications commemorating the early years of the Soil Conservation Service, and correspondence and documentation relating to conservation leaders such as Ross D. Davies.

The materials document mid-20th century federal soil and water conservation programs and administrative practices, particularly as implemented in South Dakota and the surrounding region.

Boarding Club Ledgers (UA 52.6)

This collection documents the early operation of student boarding and housing services at SDSU, then known as Dakota Agricultural College, during a formative period in institutional development. Founded in 1881, the college initially operated with limited infrastructure, and student living arrangements were modest and often cooperative in nature. Reflecting common practices at land-grant institutions of the era, students participated in boarding clubs and shared dining facilities that pooled resources to reduce costs. The records in this collection span 1885 to 1923 and capture this transitional phase in residential life.

The materials consist primarily of financial ledgers for the Boarding Club, College Boarding Hall, Dormitory Club and Cafeteria. These volumes document board payments, operating expenses, labor costs, deposits, refunds and other administrative transactions. Notable items include the Board Deposit Account Ledger (1888-99), the Dormitory Club Journal (1908-15) and the Cafeteria and Boarding Club ledger (1921-23). Together, they provide detailed evidence of how student housing and dining were organized, financed and managed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These records offer insight into student life, institutional administration and the economic realities of attending a rural land-grant college. They are significant for researchers examining the development of campus residential services, cooperative student enterprises and the evolution of university infrastructure at SDSU.

Briggs, Hilton M. (UA 53.37)

In 1958, Hilton M. Briggs was appointed president at South Dakota State. He served in that capacity for 17 years, the longest tenure in the presidential office. He received his B.S. from Iowa State University, M.S. from North Dakota State University and Ph.D. from Cornell University. He held positions as professor and associate dean of agriculture at Oklahoma State University and dean of agriculture at the University of Wyoming. During his tenure, the South Dakota State College of Agricultural and Mechanical Arts became South Dakota State University, divisions became colleges, and the campus grew to match its increasing status. The number of departments grew, enrollment increased by more than half, and the number of buildings on campus almost doubled. Briggs was also instrumental in beginning the social fraternities and sororities on campus and initiating women's intercollegiate athletics. He also guided the campus through the controversy and activism of the 1960s and 1970s. The Faculty Association became the Academic Senate with decision-making capacity under Briggs’ leadership, and the Student Association also took on more responsibility. Upon his retirement in 1975, he was designated a Distinguished Professor of Agriculture, taught for two years and was appointed director of International Programs. He was involved in the development of the Botswana Africa Project, a United States Agency for International Development program for teaching, research and agricultural extension in that country.

Brookings County History Book, 1989

The Brookings County History Book, published in 1989 by the Brookings County History Book Committee, is a comprehensive commemorative volume released to honor the South Dakota State Centennial. Serving as both a historical narrative and a significant genealogical repository, the book documents the region's evolution from the earliest 1857 settlements at Medary and Flandreau through the population shifts spurred by railroad expansion. It highlights the foundational influence of South Dakota State University on the county's identity and preserves a vast collection of family biographies and ancestral records submitted by descendants of the area's original pioneers. Through its detailed accounts of township development and the modernization of the agricultural landscape, the work remains a vital primary source for the social and cultural heritage of the Upper Midwest.

Brookings Rotary Club Records (MA 31)

The Brookings Rotary Club Records document the administration, activities and development of the Brookings Rotary Club from 1920-99. The collection includes organizational records such as the club charter issued in 1920, constitutions and bylaws, committee assignments and reports, correspondence and materials related to district conferences and reports submitted to the district governor between 1957-99. Membership directories dating from 1943-99, attendance records, banquet programs, president’s plans, and certificates and awards are also present.

Additional materials include extensive runs of the club newsletter Rotary Cog (1920-98), newspaper clippings, photographs and a compiled club history created between 1955-95. The collection also contains a Rotary songbook, documentation related to Rotary Foundation scholarship activities and summaries of club objectives and planning efforts. The records document the organizational structure, programming, membership activities and civic initiatives of the Brookings Rotary Club and its participation in Rotary International programs.

Brookings Veterans Society Records (UA 35.2)

The Brookings Veterans Society was an organization composed of discharged and separated members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were enrolled as students at SDSU. As outlined in its constitution, the society recognized the dual roles of its members as veterans and students and affirmed its responsibility to support the broader student body. The organization sought to uphold the university’s Student Code, assist new veteran students in their transition to campus life, encourage discussion of legislative and public issues, and advocate for improvements to campus facilities and veteran enrollment.

This collection documents the activities and administration of the Brookings Veterans Society. Materials include correspondence, accounting records, constitution and by laws, membership information, forms, newsletters and records related to meetings and room reservations. A substantial portion of the collection pertains to the society’s annual book sale fundraiser, including price lists, ledger sheets, publicity materials and sign-up forms. Additional records document participation in the South Dakota Association of Collegiate Veterans Convention. The collection provides evidence of veteran student organization, fundraising efforts and campus engagement.

Brown, Dona Papers (MA 105)

The Dona Brown Papers document the life, professional career and literary initiatives of South Dakota educator and community leader Dona Brown (1909-96). Brown earned degrees from South Dakota State College and devoted more than four decades to education as a teacher and counselor in Woonsocket and Huron, South Dakota. She was active in public service and higher education leadership, including service on the South Dakota Board of Regents from 1957 to 1969 and as chairman of the board of trustees at Huron College. Her civic and professional involvement included participation in numerous educational, cultural and community organizations across the state.

The collection primarily contains research and project materials assembled by April Brooks and Ruth Ann Alexander of South Dakota State University and donated to the archives in 2004. Materials relate largely to a humanities grant and the “Poets and Writers of South Dakota” literary documentation project initiated by Brown. The papers include correspondence, project notes, questionnaires, biographies, articles, obituaries and records associated with Huron College. Together these materials document efforts to identify, document and preserve the work of South Dakota poets and writers and provide insight into grant-supported humanities research and regional literary history.

Brown, George Lincoln (UA 53.59)

George L. Brown was born Jan. 25, 1869, in Bates County, Missouri. He earned a B.S. degree from the University of Missouri in 1892 and later completed a M.S. in mathematics while serving as an instructor there. He pursued further graduate study at the University of Chicago, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in mathematics. In 1897, Brown was appointed professor of mathematics and astronomy at South Dakota State College. Over a career spanning approximately 50 years, he held multiple administrative positions, including dean and vice president, and served as acting president on five occasions. He was named president emeritus in 1944. Brown died Aug. 8, 1950.

The collection consists primarily of correspondence dated 1940 to 1950, including letters addressed to Brown in his capacity as president of SDSU and other professional communications. Materials dating from 1944 to 1946 document commemorations of his long service and include letters and an image. The records reflect administrative responsibilities, professional relationships and institutional recognition during the final decade of his association with the university.

Budget and Finance Records, Division of (UA 18)

The Division of Budget and Finance at SDSU oversees the institution’s fiscal operations, including budget administration, accounting, financial reporting and related business services. Operating under the policies of the South Dakota Board of Regents, the division supports academic and administrative functions through oversight of university funds, financial systems and long-term fiscal planning. Its responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, from payroll and purchasing to grant administration, property management and institutional financial analysis, reflecting the central role of fiscal management in university operations.

This collection documents the financial operations and budget planning of SDSU from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. Materials include accounting records, correspondence, vouchers, payroll documents, ledgers, reports and budget requests associated with multiple funding sources and institutional units. The records provide detailed insight into how public funds, federal appropriations and internal budgets supported academic programs, agricultural research, student services and infrastructure. Together, these materials offer a comprehensive view of the university’s financial administration and its relationship with state and federal agencies over time.

Buildings and Landmarks, SDSU (UA 48)

South Dakota State University was established in 1881 as Dakota Agricultural College, with its first permanent building completed in 1883. Over time, the campus expanded to include academic, agricultural, residential, and athletic facilities that reflected the institution’s evolving mission. Landmark structures such as Old Central, Lincoln Hall and the Coughlin Campanile illustrate early 20th century development, while later additions document continued growth in research, student services and athletics.

This artificial collection consists of assembled materials relating to campus buildings and landmarks from the late 19th century to the present. Compiled from a variety of sources rather than through formal records transfer, the files vary in depth and completeness. Materials include architectural plans, construction and renovation records, capital outlay reports, blueprints, maintenance documentation, dedication programs and commemorative publications. The collection documents the development, use and historical significance of academic halls, agricultural and research facilities, residence halls, student unions, athletic venues and other campus landmarks, providing evidence of the university’s physical expansion and infrastructure planning over time.

Burns, Robert V. (UA 53.19)

The Robert V. Burns Papers document the academic career, public service and policy leadership of Robert (Bob) Burns, longtime professor of political science and founding dean of the Honors College at SDSU. A 1964 SDSU graduate and decorated U.S. Army officer, Burns joined the SDSU faculty in 1970 and went on to teach for nearly four decades. Widely recognized for excellence in undergraduate education, he received multiple teaching awards, including designation as South Dakota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation. In addition to his academic roles, Burns served as department head, policy researcher for South Dakota governors and a leader in civic and educational organizations at the state and national levels.

The collection spans the late 1960s through the early 2000s and includes correspondence, commission reports, legislative materials, conference files, policy studies and public addresses. Significant components document Burns’s involvement in South Dakota’s Executive Branch Reorganization (1968-73), the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education and the 2000 NAFTA Conference on Canadian-U.S. agricultural trade. Additional files relate to constitutional revision efforts, judicial elections, higher education assessment and civic initiatives. The papers provide insight into higher education reform, state governance and public policy development in South Dakota during the late 20th century, reflecting Burns’s enduring commitment to civic engagement and institutional leadership.

Career Center Records (UA 27)

The Career Center at SDSU, formerly known as the Career and Academic Planning Center, developed as a centralized office to assist students with career planning, professional development, and experiential education. Active by at least 1975, the office provided career counseling, interest and skills assessments, job search assistance and programming such as workshops, job fairs and etiquette dinners. It maintained a Career Resource Library and coordinated experiential learning opportunities that connected academic study with supervised work experience.

This collection consists primarily of printed materials produced by the Career Center, including newsletters such as Career Matters Update and CAP Center Employment News, event flyers, brochures, and pamphlets addressing job seeking skills, resume preparation, and interviewing. Materials related to tutoring programs, academic support services, proficiency examination assistance, and Career Week activities are also included, along with thirty color photographs documenting center events. The records document the administration and promotion of career development services and provide evidence of student professional development programming during the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries.

Cecil, Matt Papers (UA 53.23)

The Matt Cecil Papers document the research and scholarly work of Dr. Matthew Cecil, Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at SDSU and a specialist in media history and public relations. A 1995 graduate of SDSU, Cecil earned advanced degrees in history and mass communication before building an academic career focused on the relationship between government power and the press. His research centers on Federal Bureau of Investigation public relations practices during the J. Edgar Hoover era, particularly the Bureau’s efforts to shape media narratives, cultivate relationships with journalists and monitor news coverage.

The collection consists primarily of photocopied FBI case files obtained through the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, spanning 1918 to 2000, with the bulk dating from the 1930s to the 1970s. These files include memoranda, correspondence, surveillance reports, interviews, press releases, and internal routing slips documenting FBI interactions with reporters, editors, publishers, broadcasters and media organizations. Many files contain standard FBI redaction sheets indicating withheld material under federal privacy and national security exemptions, and some photocopies are partially obscured, blurred, or incomplete due to reproduction limits or water damage. Represented topics include Communism, McCarthyism, organized crime, smear campaigns and the Kennedy assassination. Together, the papers provide substantial primary source evidence for studying government–press relations, federal information control and media influence in twentieth-century American political culture.

Centennial Steering Committee Records (UA 51.1)

This collection documents the planning and execution of South Dakota State University’s 1981 Centennial Celebration. Established in 1979 and chaired by President Emeritus H.M. Briggs, the Centennial Steering Committee coordinated campus-wide efforts through a network of subcommittees responsible for events, publications, publicity, proclamations, souvenirs and major academic programs. Administrative records include budgets, correspondence, meeting minutes, planning files, departmental summaries, and reports generated by both the Steering Committee and its subcommittees. The Centennial Office managed daily operations, logistical coordination, and extensive communication with alumni, dignitaries and partner institutions.

The collection also preserves commemorative publications and materials produced for the centennial year, including special editions, departmental histories, a centennial poem, calendars of events, commencement transcripts and audiovisual recordings. Files of congratulatory letters from alumni, land-grant institutions, and state and national organizations illustrate the broad recognition of the university’s milestone. Memorabilia such as buttons, paperweights, notepads, and other branded items reflect the visual identity and celebratory culture of the anniversary. Together, these records provide a comprehensive view of institutional planning, cross-campus collaboration and public engagement surrounding SDSU’s 100th anniversary.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Records (UA 6.5)

Chemistry instruction at South Dakota State University began in the 1880s within the Department of Natural Sciences and evolved into an independent department by the late 19th century. The curriculum expanded steadily, receiving approval from the American Chemical Society in 1944 and later adding graduate programs at the doctoral level following World War II. The merger of the Biochemistry Experiment Station with the Chemistry Department in 1974 further shaped the department, which continues to offer undergraduate and graduate education in chemistry and biochemistry and to support instruction across multiple disciplines.

This collection consists primarily of departmental newsletters and publications produced by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, including issues of the Beaker Breaker and materials related to lectures, seminars, and departmental events. Additional records include pamphlets, news releases, correspondence, biographical files, and documentation of student awards, laboratories, and departmental history. The materials document the academic culture, research priorities, outreach activities, and institutional development of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department during the late 20th century.

Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company Collection (MA 33)

The Brookings County History Book, published in 1989 for the South Dakota State Centennial, is a vital commemorative volume documenting the region's development. It chronicles the county's evolution from the first 1857 settlements through the growth of the railroad and the foundational impact of SDSU. As a primary genealogical and social resource, it preserves a vast collection of family biographies and township histories, capturing the transformation of the prairie into a modern agricultural hub.

Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Records (UA 8.1)

Civil engineering has been a core discipline at SDSU since its earliest years, with formal instruction leading to a B.S. degree established by the early 20th century. After initially being housed within combined engineering departments, a distinct Department of Civil Engineering emerged following the separation of agricultural engineering in 1925. The curriculum addresses the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure and is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, emphasizing professional standards and the application of scientific and engineering principles.

This collection consists primarily of instructional materials related to the Solid Waste Engineering and Management course and includes syllabi, lecture notes, laboratory schedules, examinations and correspondence from the early 1990s. Additional materials document departmental activities and general engineering topics through brochures, conference materials, and historical items such as early surveying records and departmental memorabilia. The records provide insight into civil and environmental engineering education at SDSU, particularly in solid waste management, and contribute to the broader history of engineering instruction at the university.

Climatology, South Dakota Office of, Records (MA 37)

The South Dakota State Climate Office serves as the official source of climate and drought information for the state of South Dakota. The office provides climate data, analytical tools, outlooks, and related resources to support decision making in agriculture, industry, public safety, and other areas of public interest. Climate information is distributed through multiple platforms, including websites, social media, and print and electronic publications, providing public access to current and historical climate information.

The South Dakota State Climate Office Records document more than a century of weather and climate data collection across South Dakota and portions of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. The bulk of the collection consists of daily weather observation sheets submitted by volunteer reporting stations that record precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind, solar radiation and related meteorological conditions. The scope and level of detail vary by station depending on available equipment. Materials are organized geographically by reporting location, including towns, research farms and natural landmarks.

Additional materials include administrative and research records such as master’s theses, grant proposals, legal case documentation involving weather data, radar output, storm and cloud photography, drought studies and tree ring analysis. The collection also contains specialized reporting forms, including B-91 climatological reports, as well as documentation of significant weather events such as floods and droughts. The records document long term regional climate patterns and support research in environmental history, agriculture, climatology and public safety.

College on the Hill Research and Manuscript Collection (UA 17.1)

This collection documents the research and writing process behind The College on the Hill: A Sense of South Dakota State University History, an anecdotal institutional history authored by Amy Dunkle with contributions by V. J. Smith. Materials reflect efforts to chronicle the development of SDSU from its founding in 1881 through 2003, emphasizing the people, events and experiences that shaped the institution.

The collection includes research files, correspondence, interview transcripts, draft chapters, photographs, and publicity materials related to the book’s preparation. Subjects span student life, campus traditions, athletics, academic departments, campus buildings, notable faculty and alumni, and significant historical moments. Together, these materials provide insight into institutional memory, campus culture, and the use of personal narratives and archival sources in documenting university history.

Commerce Department Records (UA 6.15)

The Department of Commerce, also known as Commercial Science, existed at SDSU in the early 1900s and offered instruction in both secretarial and commercial subjects. The curriculum emphasized practical business training, including business law, accounting, bookkeeping, shorthand, typewriting, banking, and commercial methods, and was designed to support vocational education tailored to the needs of rural South Dakota. The department disappeared from college catalogs around 1903.

The Commerce Department Records consist of a promotional pamphlet and an offprint from the college catalog describing the department’s course offerings. These materials document early efforts to provide practical commercial and secretarial education and illustrate the university’s role in advancing vocational business training and workforce preparation in South Dakota during the early 20th century.

Committee Files Collection (UA 51)

This artificial collection consists of miscellaneous records created by a variety of committees at South Dakota State University. The materials were assembled over time rather than transferred as a cohesive body of records and include pamphlets, reports, correspondence, proclamations and meeting minutes. The documents reflect a broad spectrum of committee activity, ranging from academic policy and faculty governance to student recruitment, veterans’ enrollment, ROTC programming, radio broadcasting, and the emergence of campus computing.

Notable materials include minutes of the Classification Committee (1900-14), which addressed admissions and credit policies; records of the Rules and Regulations Committee (1931), which sought to consolidate institutional policies; and reports from the Faculty Workshop Committee and the Faculty Committee on Air Transport. Also represented are documents from the Computer Users Advisory Council concerning early software and copyright issues, as well as outreach efforts such as the High School Contact Committee and the Committee on Radio Broadcasting. Together, these records provide insight into the evolving administrative priorities, technological transitions and planning processes of a mid-20th-century land-grant institution.

Communication and Journalism Records, School Of (UA 6.3)

Journalism instruction at South Dakota State College began in 1908 and expanded significantly with the establishment of the School of Printing in 1919 and the formation of the Department of Printing and Rural Journalism in 1924. The department developed a nationally recognized program that combined printing and journalism, achieved accreditation in 1948, and expanded its degree offerings through the mid 20th century to include undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism and printing management. Over subsequent decades, departmental leadership guided curricular revisions, facility development and a renewed focus on undergraduate education, contributing to the evolution of journalism and communication studies at the institution.

The School of Communication and Journalism Records document the academic, professional, and cultural history of the department. Materials include newsletters, pamphlets, programs, posters, reports, instructional aids and administrative records that reflect curriculum development, accreditation, professional outreach and departmental events. The collection places strong emphasis on student engagement and experiential learning through publications such as the South Dakota Observer and materials related to internships, workshops, and professional conferences. Also represented are efforts to support American Indian journalism and broader diversity initiatives, as well as teaching resources and institutional reports that together illustrate the department’s role in journalism education in South Dakota and the Midwest.

Communication Studies and Theatre Department Records (UA 6.1)

Speech instruction at South Dakota State University developed over time from early public speaking and rhetoric courses offered through the preparatory program and the English Department to the establishment of a distinct Speech Department in 1924. The department expanded steadily, with required rhetoric courses transferred from English in 1938, the approval of a speech major and master’s degree in the late 1950s, and the addition of drama, broadcasting, film, television, and communication disorders programs in subsequent decades. Since the early 1990s, the department has been known as the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre and offers programs in speech communication, theatre, media production, and related fields, while supporting extensive student engagement through academic and extracurricular activities.

This collection consists of materials produced by the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre and documents departmental instruction, theatre productions, broadcasting, and student involvement. Records include course offerings, recruitment materials, newsletters, pamphlets, and printed and audiovisual materials related to performances and public events. A substantial portion of the collection focuses on the Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre programs and includes playbills, posters, production programs and bound volumes documenting summer seasons from 1971 to 2002, along with materials related to student theatre organizations and university affiliated broadcasting activities.

Continuing and Extended Education Office Records (UA 15)

Continuing and distance education at SDSU developed to extend instructional and professional learning opportunities beyond the main campus. Outreach programs expanded over time to serve working professionals and place bound students through off campus courses, workshops, conferences, and distance delivered instruction. These efforts evolved through several administrative structures, including Outreach Programming and the Division of Lifelong Learning and Outreach, before becoming an independent unit in 2007 as the Office of Continuing and Extending Education. Programs were delivered through multiple sites and partnerships across South Dakota, as well as through internet based and Digital Dakota Network courses.

The Continuing and Extended Education Administrative and Distance Education Records document the administration and delivery of off campus and distance learning programs from the mid 20th century into the early 21st century. The collection includes brochures, newsletters, course listings, correspondence, planning documents, enrollment data, and materials related to conferences and workshops such as University Week for Women and Tax Update Workshops. These records provide insight into the expansion of continuing education, the development of distance learning initiatives, and the university’s role in supporting workforce development and lifelong learning.

Cook-Lynn, Elizabeth Papers (MA 42)

The Elizabeth Cook-Lynn Papers document the life, career and scholarship of Dakota author, editor and educator Elizabeth Cook-Lynn (1930-2023), an enrolled member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Born in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Cook-Lynn earned a B.A. in English and Journalism from South Dakota State College in 1952 and later completed an M.Ed. in Psychology and Counseling at the University of South Dakota. After beginning her career as a secondary school teacher, she joined the faculty of Eastern Washington University, where she taught English and Native American Studies from 1971-90. During her academic career she helped establish Native American Studies as a field of scholarship and co-founded Wicazo Sa Review: A Journal of Native American Studies. Following her retirement, Cook-Lynn continued her work as a writer, publishing fiction, poetry and essays addressing Native identity, tribal sovereignty and Indigenous intellectual traditions.

The collection includes biographical materials, extensive correspondence, and a broad range of Cook-Lynn’s literary and scholarly work, including articles, essays, editorials, poetry, novels, novellas, book reviews and unpublished manuscripts. Teaching files, course materials, and academic papers document her work in higher education and her role in developing Native American Studies programs. A substantial portion of the collection relates to Wicazo Sa Review, including editorial correspondence, manuscript submissions, drafts, grant applications and administrative records documenting the development of the journal. Additional materials include research files, conference and lecture documentation and publications addressing legal, cultural and educational issues affecting Native American communities. Together, the papers document Cook-Lynn’s contributions to Native American literature, scholarship, and advocacy and provide a resource for the study of Indigenous intellectual and cultural history in the United States.

Cooperative Extension Service Records (UA 5.4)

The Cooperative Extension Service Records document the development, administration, and outreach activities of SDSU’s Extension program from its late nineteenth-century origins through the modern era. Emerging from early Farmers’ Institutes begun in the 1880s, the Extension Service was formally shaped by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which established a cooperative system linking the U.S. Department of Agriculture, land-grant institutions, and local communities. At SDSU, this framework supported statewide delivery of research-based education in agriculture, home economics, youth development and community improvement through county agents, specialists and a variety of communication methods.

The collection includes administrative records, correspondence, impact statements, personnel communications, news releases and a wide range of publications. Significant documentation relates to 4-H youth programming, including newsletters, project materials, record books, and a state commemorative publication marking the centennial of 4-H. Also represented are Extension publications addressing agricultural and family and consumer sciences topics, as well as records of specialized initiatives such as the South Dakota AgrAbility Project. Together, the records provide comprehensive insight into the Extension Service’s role in disseminating research, supporting rural development, strengthening families and communities, and extending the resources of South Dakota State University to citizens across South Dakota.

Corothers, Lonita Gustad Papers (MA 48)

The Lonita Gustad Corothers Papers document the life and writings of a South Dakota pharmacist whose extensive personal record spans more than six decades. The collection is centered on diaries kept from 1945 to 2010, offering detailed accounts of daily life, family relationships, education, and religious reflection, including her experiences as a pharmacy student at South Dakota State College and observations in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Supplementary materials include indexed timeline notebooks, thematic excerpts, transcriptions with later commentary and reorganized diary volumes.

Also included is correspondence with her husband, Thomas Corothers, primarily from their courtship and early marriage, as well as a grief notebook reflecting on his death. Corothers’ creative work is represented through poetry binders, notebooks and assorted writings that explore themes such as faith, love, loss and aging. The collection provides a rich, continuous autobiographical record that offers insight into personal, social and emotional experiences across the mid- to late twentieth century.

Council of Higher Education [COHE] Collection (UA 49)

This collection documents the formation, recognition and activities of the Council of Higher Education (COHE) as the collective bargaining representative for faculty at SDSU and other South Dakota Board of Regents institutions. Emerging from earlier, unsuccessful faculty unionization efforts in the mid-twentieth century, COHE was officially recognized by the Board of Regents in 1978 as the exclusive bargaining agent for full-time and regular part-time instructional and research faculty, excluding supervisory personnel and certain professional schools. The records reflect COHE’s role in negotiating terms and conditions of employment, including salaries, workload, grievance procedures and academic freedom protections.

Materials include master agreements between COHE and the Board of Regents, constitutions and by-laws, correspondence, committee files, membership records and newsletters. The collection also contains documentation related to salary studies, contract amendments, legislative initiatives affecting collective bargaining, and institutional planning during periods of financial constraint. Together, these records provide insight into the development of faculty labor relations in South Dakota public higher education and illustrate the evolving relationship between faculty, university administration and state governance structures.

Crozier Family Papers (MA 88)

This collection documents the formation, recognition and activities of the Council of Higher Education (COHE) as the collective bargaining The Crozier Family Papers provide a detailed record of family history, education, crafting and community involvement over generations. It documents Caryl's life and career through educational materials, correspondence, journals, craft and sewing projects, 4-H achievements, recipes, homemaking activities and social group participation. The collection includes material related to family heirlooms like clothing, quilts and crafted items, as well as files related to Caryl and her husband Edward, covering travel journals, correspondence, home and craft projects, wedding and honeymoon details and writings. Extensive genealogical records focus on the Croziers, Kinkners, Ericksons, Joneses, and other family members, with biographical information, correspondences, genealogical records and historical notes about Beresford, South Dakota. Additional materials include recipes, patterns, club activities related to Caryl's mother, Elvera Kinkner, annotated commercial patterns and sewing samples from Caryl's college years. Some materials contain stick pins and needles, requiring caution when handling.

Cuba Trip Collection, SDSU Men's Basketball (UA 46.1)

State University and the University of South Dakota traveled to Cuba to participate in a cultural and athletic exchange. Organized with the support of U.S. Senators George McGovern and James Abourezk, the delegation played exhibition games against the Cuban National Team and engaged in related cultural activities. The exchange occurred during a period of limited diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba and represented an early instance of collegiate sports diplomacy.

This collection documents the 1977 South Dakota Delegation trip to Cuba and consists primarily of media coverage, press releases, correspondence, photographs, participant rosters and related materials. Newspaper clippings from national and state sources, excerpts from radio broadcasts and material from the Cuban newspaper Granma reflect public and political responses to the visit. Surviving correspondence and memoranda illustrate aspects of the trip’s early planning, including references to Senator McGovern’s involvement. The collection provides documentation of a Cold War era cultural exchange and offers insight into the intersection of athletics, media and international relations.

Cuneiform Tablet Collection (AR 3)

Edgar J. Banks was an antiquities enthusiast, itinerant archaeologist, and former American consul in Baghdad active during the late Ottoman period. Through excavation, travel and the antiquities market, he distributed Sumerian cuneiform tablets to museums and universities across the United States, influencing early American collections of Near Eastern materials and documenting both archaeological practice and antiquities collecting in the early twentieth century.

The collection comprises six Sumerian cuneiform tablets from sites including Drehem, Jokha, and Senkereh, along with related documentation. Five small tablets contain administrative texts such as livestock receipts and temple records, while a larger tablet remains untranslated. Five tablets were purchased in 1923 by South Dakota State College President Willis E. Johnson from Banks, with a sixth transferred from the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Supporting research and exhibit materials contextualize the tablets and reflect modern scholarly efforts to interpret ancient Mesopotamian economic, religious and administrative practices.

Curricula Evaluation Committee Records (UA 51.4)

This collection documents the work of the Curricula Evaluation Committee at South Dakota State University during the mid to late 1960s, when the university undertook a comprehensive internal review of its doctoral programs as part of the accreditation process. Charged with evaluating graduate-level curricula and institutional effectiveness, the committee contributed to broader self-assessment efforts designed to ensure compliance with accrediting standards and to strengthen the quality of advanced academic offerings.

The records consist of formal reports generated by the committee, including a final report outlining findings and recommendations, an institutional profile of the doctoral program based on faculty and administrative assessment, and an institutional report prepared specifically for accreditation review. Together, these documents provide insight into SDSU’s curriculum evaluation practices, graduate program development, and strategic planning during a significant period of academic review. The collection is valuable for understanding how accreditation requirements and faculty governance shaped the evolution of doctoral education at the university.

Dairy Club Records (UA 35.3)

The SDSU Dairy Club is a student organization affiliated with the Department of Dairy and Food Science that supports student involvement in dairy production, manufacturing and professional development. For several decades, the club has provided opportunities for industry engagement, applied learning, competitions and outreach activities connected to the university’s dairy science program.

This collection includes annual reports, issues of the Dairy Digest periodical, awards banquet programs and a scrapbook compiled in 1985. The Dairy Digest, which began as a newsletter and later developed into a formal periodical in the early 1990s, documents departmental updates and Dairy Club activities. Together, these materials record the organization’s programs, achievements and events, as well as provide documentation of student participation and departmental activity over time.

Dairy Science Department Records (UA 5.7)

The Department of Dairy Science Records document instruction, research and outreach in dairying at SDSU from the late 19th century through the 20th century. Although formal departmental status was established in 1897, coursework and research in dairying began earlier, supported by the construction of a dedicated dairy building in 1892. The department developed a strong reputation for both academic and practical training, including a long-running creamery short course that operated for more than 50 years. While the department’s name evolved over time, its core mission of preparing students for careers in dairy production and manufacturing remained constant, supported by graduate programs, close ties to the Agricultural Experiment Station and long-standing involvement in the Cooperative Extension Service.

The collection includes departmental administrative records, publications, Dairy Husbandry files and photographs documenting instruction, research and daily operations. Materials consist of correspondence, reports, policy manuals, newsletters, bulletins, programs, inventories, financial records and photographs illustrating facilities, experiments, dairy processing and community engagement. Notable items include an early 20th-century scrapbook of dairy-related clippings, glass plate images used for experiment station publications and artifacts, such as milk cartons produced by the department. Together, the records provide a detailed view of dairy science education, applied research and outreach at SDSU, highlighting the department’s enduring role in agricultural training and the regional dairy industry.

Dakota Agricultural College Board of Regents Ledger (UA 52.3)

This collection documents the earliest governance of SDSU during its formative years as Dakota Agricultural College. Established in 1881 by the Dakota Territory, the Board of Regents oversaw the creation and development of the land-grant institution in Brookings. Territorial leadership, including the governor, played a direct role in shaping policy between 1883-89. The board appointed George W. Lilley as the first president in 1884 and guided the construction of initial campus buildings, the establishment of academic programs and the formation of administrative and financial structures. Following statehood in 1889, governance transitioned to the South Dakota Board of Regents, continuing and formalizing the institutional framework laid by the territorial board.

The collection consists primarily of an original ledger of board minutes dating from 1884-95, recording decisions related to curriculum, faculty appointments, building construction, land management, admissions and budgeting. Later entries include presidential reports, reflecting evolving administrative practices. A note references a second volume of minutes, though its whereabouts are unknown. Also included is a student petition requesting the dismissal of a faculty member, offering early evidence of student engagement in institutional affairs. These materials provide foundational documentation of governance, policy formation and campus life during the college’s earliest decade.

Dakota Farmer Collection (MA 38)

The Dakota Farmer Collection documents the history, production and promotion of The Dakota Farmer, an agricultural periodical established in 1881 in Alexandria, Dakota Territory, by James Baynes. The publication relocated to Huron within its first year under Augustine Davis and later came under the leadership of William Bushnell, who became sole proprietor in 1885. Under Bushnell’s direction, the magazine expanded its influence and relocated to Aberdeen in 1893, where it advocated for agricultural development, improved livestock and crop production, and the growth of farm organizations throughout the northern Great Plains. Over time, The Dakota Farmer continued to serve as a source of agricultural information and commentary for farmers in the Dakotas, later becoming part of Webb Publishing in 1979 and eventually Farm Progress Companies.

The collection consists primarily of printing plates, specialty publications, survey reports, correspondence and photographs documenting the magazine’s production, marketing and editorial development. A large portion of the materials includes printing plates used in publication design, such as mastheads, ornamental frames and original artwork reflecting the magazine’s visual identity. Additional materials include advertising and promotional publications, surveys of farmers, merchants, and bankers assessing readership and market reach, and correspondence related to the redesign of the magazine’s cover, including evaluations of competing agricultural publications and proposed design samples. Together, these records document the magazine’s role in disseminating agricultural information while also promoting regional agricultural commerce and readership engagement.

Daschle, Linda Hall (DA 11)

The Linda Hall Daschle Papers document the professional career of Linda Hall Daschle in the aviation industry and federal government. Daschle's career progressed from a certified weather observer to the director of federal affairs for the Air Transport Association. She was the first woman to lead the Civil Aeronautics Board’s Office of Congressional, Community and Consumer Affairs and, in 1994, was appointed by President Bill Clinton as deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. In this role, she managed a $9 billion budget and oversaw the FAA’s Advanced Automation System.

The collection includes professional correspondence, press clippings and audiovisual materials such as VHS recordings of speeches and interviews. In addition to her aviation career and early life as Miss Kansas 1976, the collection contains records from the congressional and senatorial campaigns of her husband, Tom Daschle. These include campaign plans, promotional materials and scheduling documents. The papers also reflect her civic involvement with organizations such as the Oglala-Lakota College Foundation and Women Against Violence.

The collection also contains records of Daschle's work with Native American and women’s organizations alongside the political files of Sen. Tom Daschle. These materials detail the professional activities and public service of both individuals, offering an account of their respective roles in South Dakota and national politics.

Thomas A. Daschle Papers, 1964-2006

The South Dakota State University Archives acquired the papers of former Congressman and Sen. Thomas A. Daschle in 2005. Daschle graduated from SDSU in 1969 with a degree in political science. This growing collection includes photographs and documents from his distinguished 26 year public career in the U.S. House and Senate.

DA 1 Daschle House of Representatives Papers, 1964-1992

DA 2 Daschle U.S. Senate Papers, 1964-2006

DA 3 Daschle Personal Papers, 1968-2005

Denholm, Frank E. Papers (MA 74)

Frank E. Denholm was born on his parents’ homestead in Scotland Township in Day County on Nov. 29, 1923. During his life, he held several positions such as farmer, auctioneer, FBI agent, lawyer and U.S. Congressman from South Dakota’s First Congressional District from 1971 to 1975. The papers consist mostly of materials created during the time he served in Congress. These items document his campaigns for Congress, and his work for rural America, particularly his effort to reinstate the Rural Electrification Act and numerous legislation regarding agriculture, rural water and rural development. Information regarding Denholm’s wife, Mildred Niehaus Denholm, is included in the collection. The Frank E. Denholm Papers contain press releases, newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, audio and video recordings and campaign artifacts.

DeLong, H.H. Collection (UA 53.82)

Henry DeLong was born Dec. 9, 1905, in Spink County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from SDSU in 1928, a second bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering in 1938, and a Master of Science in agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1941. DeLong’s professional career was closely associated with South Dakota State University, where he began as a student research assistant and advanced through the faculty ranks, serving as department head from 1946 to 1956 and retiring as professor emeritus in 1973. He was recognized at the Fifth Annual Distinguished Engineers Banquet at the university and became known for his work classifying rammed earth construction, developed in collaboration with R.L. Patty. DeLong died Nov. 22, 1988, in Brookings.

The H.H. DeLong Papers consist of research and professional materials related to rammed earth construction, with an emphasis on agricultural and rural building applications. The collection includes bulletins, circulars, extension publications, engineering data, research reports, manuals, bibliographies and news articles dating from 1919 to 1988, with some later contextual material through 2011. Publications were issued by land-grant universities, federal and state agencies, and international organizations. Subjects addressed include soil composition, construction techniques, structural performance, housing design and related earthen building methods. Biographical materials, including clippings, honors, obituary material, a curriculum vitae and portrait photographs, document DeLong’s professional activities and recognition.

Departmental Histories (UA 52.7)

This collection consists of departmental histories prepared in 1957 and 1958 by faculty and staff at South Dakota State University. Written during a period of postwar growth and institutional reflection, these narratives document the origins, development and academic contributions of individual departments within the university. Represented disciplines include agricultural engineering, agriculture, education and psychology, foreign languages, history, pharmacy, physics, speech, veterinary science and others. The scope and depth of the accounts vary considerably, ranging from brief summaries to multipart, detailed historical studies. Some trace departmental beginnings to the late 19th century, while others focus primarily on developments leading up to 1958. The foreign languages history is notably comprehensive, organized into three chronological phases: 1885-1927, 1927-1950 and 1950-1958.

Created at a time when South Dakota State was expanding its academic offerings and strengthening its identity as a land-grant institution, these histories reflect midcentury efforts to document institutional memory from within the departments themselves. They highlight curricular growth, faculty achievements, research initiatives, enrollment trends and administrative reorganization across decades of change.

The collection provides valuable firsthand perspectives on the evolution of teaching, research and service at SDSU. As an early, coordinated attempt to preserve departmental heritage, these narratives complement later centennial histories and serve as important primary sources for studying academic development, land-grant priorities and institutional self-documentation in 20th-century higher education.

Diversity Enhancement Office Records (UA 45)

The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, later known as the Office for Diversity Enhancement, was established to advise the university community and coordinate programming related to equal opportunity and campus climate. The office developed initiatives intended to support awareness, dialogue and engagement across the campus community.

This collection documents the office’s programming, outreach and educational activities. Materials include brochures, flyers, newsletters, calendars, video recordings, clippings, annual reports and position descriptions. Records highlight events such as the Festival of Cultures, Ethnicity Matters conference sessions, invited lectures and educational initiatives addressing prejudice, discrimination, sexual harassment and disability awareness. The collection provides documentation of institutional efforts to promote diversity education, cultural programming and campus dialogue and reflects the university’s administrative and educational responses to social and global issues.

Doner, David B. Scrapbook (UA 53.34)

David B. Doner devoted more than four decades of service to South Dakota State College, later South Dakota State University, serving in administrative and alumni leadership roles, including registrar, director of admissions and records, dean of men, secretary of the Alumni Council and treasurer of the Alumni Foundation. His career also included active participation in civic and professional organizations at the local and state levels.

The David B. Doner Collection consists primarily of a scrapbook documenting his career in higher education administration, alumni relations and public service. The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, certificates, black and white photographs of university scenes and alumni activities, personal snapshots, and images of public figures and events. Additional materials include programs, menus, correspondence, a telegram, the publication Stadium for State dated circa 1959, travel photographs and loose family photographs. The collection provides visual and documentary evidence of university administration, alumni engagement and civic involvement during the mid-20th century.

Dornbush, James N. Papers (UA 53.18)

These are the works of James Norman Dornbush (1928-), professor of civil engineering at South Dakota State University and founder of Dorand Engineering Services. A native of South Dakota and a South Dakota State College graduate (1949), Dornbush earned advanced degrees in public health and sanitary engineering before returning to Brookings in 1964 to join the university's faculty. His career focused on water pollution control, wastewater treatment and environmental protection across South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. In addition to teaching and research, he served as a consultant to municipalities, industries and tribal entities while remaining active in civic and professional organizations.

The collection contains reports, correspondence, laboratory data, blueprints, maps, technical studies and regulatory documentation spanning the late 1960s through the early 1980s. A substantial portion relates to environmental monitoring at the Big Stone Power Plant, including groundwater and surface water sampling, cooling pond analyses and Minnesota River studies. Records of Dorand Engineering Services document consulting projects involving wastewater systems, landfill assessments, aquifer protection and litigation support. Also included are academic materials such as lectures, student theses, conference files and professional publications. Together, these records provide a detailed account of regional environmental engineering practice during a period of heightened public concern over water quality and environmental regulation.

Driving Hawk Sneve, Virginia (MA 19)

Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (b. 1933) is a Lakota writer, educator and historian, recognized for her contributions to Native American literature and cultural preservation. An enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, she was raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and pursued a career in education before transitioning to writing. Her literary career began in 1971 with the award-winning "Jimmy Yellow Hawk," leading to a prolific body of work that includes fiction, nonfiction, historical studies and children’s literature. Her impact on Indigenous representation in literature and education has been widely recognized, earning her numerous honors, including the National Humanities Medal, making her the first South Dakotan to receive this distinction.

The Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve Papers span from the 1960s to the 2020s, documenting her literary career, research and advocacy. The collection includes manuscripts, research materials, correspondence and published works, highlighting her dedication to Native American storytelling and cultural history. Works such as "Completing the Circle," "The Medicine Bag," "Dancing Teepees" and "Sioux Women" are represented through drafts, reviews and editorial notes. Additionally, the collection contains materials related to her speaking engagements, professional affiliations and awards. A significant resource for scholars, educators and researchers, these papers provide valuable insights into Indigenous narratives, representation and the broader landscape of Native American literature.

Dwyer, David Papers (MA 47.1)

The David Dwyer Papers document the life and literary career of poet, translator and writer David Dwyer (1946-2003). Raised near New York City, Dwyer later settled in Lemmon with his wife, writer Kathleen Norris, after she inherited her grandparents’ farm. Dwyer’s first poetry collection, "Ariana Olisvos: Her Last Works and Days," received the Juniper Prize and was published in 1976 by the University of Massachusetts Press. His second collection, "Other Men and Other Women," supported by a National Endowment for the Arts grant, was published in 1988 by Sandhills Press. His poetry also appeared in literary journals and anthologies such as The New York Quarterly, The Agni Review and The Virginia Quarterly Review. The collection reflects Dwyer’s participation in regional and national literary communities and documents his work as a poet and translator.

The papers span 1924 to 2017, with the bulk dating from 1969 to 2003, and include manuscripts, drafts, annotated proofs, correspondence and research materials related to Dwyer’s poetry and literary projects. Files document the development and publication of his major works, as well as numerous unpublished poems and prose writings. Materials related to his translation work, particularly his efforts to translate the writings of French poet Catherine Pozzi, are also present. Correspondence with publishers, literary organizations and fellow writers reflects his professional relationships and efforts to secure publication and fellowships. Additional materials include records of residencies and literary programs, educational and personal records, photographs and ephemera. Documentation of Dwyer’s illness, death and memorial tributes is also included. Together, these materials provide insight into Dwyer’s creative process and his role in late 20th-century American poetry and literary translation.

Dylla, Anthony S. (MA 95)

The publications of Anthony S. Dylla, an agricultural engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and alumnus of SDSU.

Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair Records (UA 50.14)

This collection documents the history and administration of the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair, established in 1955 and held annually at SDSU. As a regional affiliate of the International Science and Engineering Fair, the event has provided middle and high school students with opportunities to present independent research projects, compete for scholarships and awards, and qualify for national and international competition. The records reflect SDSU’s long-standing partnership with regional schools, Sigma Xi and national science fair organizations in promoting scientific inquiry and STEM education.

Materials include programs, brochures, judging guidelines, award documentation, administrative correspondence, planning files, budgets, photographs and memorabilia. Extensive International Science and Engineering Fair materials — such as rule books, directories, finalist information and a substantial run of abstract books — document South Dakota’s connection to broader national and global research networks. Together, these records illustrate the fair’s organizational development, outreach efforts and sustained role in encouraging student research, academic excellence and community engagement in science and engineering.

Economics Club Records (UA 35.17)

The SDSU Economics Club was organized as a chapter of the Student Section of the American Farm Economic Association and adopted its constitution in 1955. The club was established to promote interest in economics and related social sciences, encourage cooperation among students and foster interaction between students and faculty within the department.

This collection documents the club’s activities and membership through newsletters, constitutions, reports, brochures, photographs and event materials. Included are records of annual awards banquets, senior brochures, photographs from educational trips and documentation of participation in campus traditions such as Hobo Day, as well as social events and outreach activities. Newspaper articles and promotional materials further illustrate the club’s campus presence. The records provide evidence of student engagement, professional development efforts, and the social and academic experiences of economics students at the university.

Ness School of Management and Economics Records (UA 5.1)

The Ness School of Management and Economics Records document the academic, research and outreach activities of the unit formerly known as the Department of Economics at South Dakota State University. Spanning much of the 20th century and beyond, the records reflect the school’s evolving role in agricultural economics, rural development, public policy and economic education. The collection traces the discipline’s development at SDSU, from its early roots in political economy to the establishment of the Department of Farm Economics in 1921 and its growth into a leader in applied economic research focused on South Dakota’s agricultural and rural economy.

Materials include administrative files, correspondence, annual reports, newsletters, photographs, academic program reviews, faculty directories, banquet programs, scholarship documentation and a substantial body of publications and research outputs. These include Economics Commentator issues, Agricultural Experiment Station bulletins, Cooperative Extension Service reports, staff papers, pamphlets and research studies addressing topics such as land values, farm management, sustainable agriculture, taxation, irrigation, rural manufacturing, conservation policy and economic conditions in South Dakota. The records provide valuable insight into the history of economic instruction, research and public service at SDSU and the department’s longstanding commitment to applying economic analysis to agricultural, business and rural development challenges.

Education and Human Sciences College Records (UA 7)

Teacher preparation at SDSU developed gradually, beginning with informal pathways that led many early graduates into teaching roles before the establishment of formal programs in the early 20th century. Education instruction evolved through several administrative structures, including departments of pedagogy, philosophy and education, before gaining autonomy as a division in 1975 and later becoming the College of Education and Counseling. Subsequent reorganization and a merger with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences resulted in the current College of Education and Human Sciences, which oversees a broad range of professional programs in education, counseling, health and human sciences.

This collection documents the academic programs, administration and collaborative initiatives of the College of Education and Human Sciences and its predecessor units. Materials include newsletters, brochures, reports, correspondence, meeting records, promotional publications and extensive accreditation documentation, particularly submissions to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Also included are records related to program development, curriculum planning, interinstitutional collaboration with the University of South Dakota, faculty and student development, and college leadership. Together, the records illustrate the growth and transformation of professional education at SDSU and its response to accreditation standards, partnership models and evolving educational needs.

McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Records (UA 8.2)

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at SDSU originated with early instruction in electrical engineering offered through the physics curriculum beginning in 1899 and the formal establishment of a Department of Electrical Engineering in 1909. The department expanded its academic and industry engagement with the creation of the Center for Power System Studies in 1968. Computer science developed as a distinct discipline in the early 1980s, leading to undergraduate and graduate degree programs and the merger of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments in 2003. In 2017, the department became part of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and was later named the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science following a $5 million endowment by alumni Richard and Karen McComish.

This collection consists of materials related to the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and documents its institutional history, alumni engagement and professional outreach. Records include brochures, programs, newsletters and documentation of departmental events and milestones, such as the 100th Anniversary of Electrical Engineering at SDSU, alumni communications and materials from the Center for Power System Studies and industry-related conferences. Together, the records illustrate the department’s development, its partnerships with the energy industry, and the lasting impact of alumni support on engineering education at SDSU.

See: South Dakota Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Records.

Engineering Controversy Records UA 8.10)

This collection documents the early 1970s controversy surrounding a proposal to remove the College of Engineering from SDSU as part of a statewide higher education reorganization. The issue originated in the late 1960s, when the South Dakota Legislature established the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and directed the creation of an Academic Master Plan to define institutional roles and improve efficiency. As part of this effort, Committee D reviewed academic programs and in 1969 recommended consolidating engineering education by transferring SDSU’s College of Engineering to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, citing anticipated cost savings.

The records include committee minutes, draft and final reports, correspondence, curriculum analyses, enrollment and financial data, alumni and faculty responses, legislative materials and public commentary. Together, the materials document the widespread opposition that emerged at SDSU and across the state and the subsequent debates within the South Dakota Legislature and the Board of Regents. The collection provides insight into the institutional, political and economic factors that shaped the decision to retain engineering education at SDSU and serves as a significant resource for studying higher education planning, governance and policy development in South Dakota.

Engineering Extension Records (UA 8.6)

Engineering Extension at South Dakota State University was established to assist public and private sector employers with technical needs that support economic development. Its mission emphasizes workplace safety through occupational safety and health surveys and the delivery of training workshops and seminars designed to update technical skills and meet regulatory certification requirements.

This collection consists of newsletters and informational brochures produced by the Engineering Extension program and documents its training courses, safety initiatives and outreach efforts. Materials address programs such as STATE, OSHA consultation services and specialized safety courses for equipment and maintenance operations. Together, the records reflect SDSU’s land-grant mission and illustrate Engineering Extension’s role in promoting workplace safety, regulatory compliance and technical education across South Dakota.

Engineering Resource Center Records (UA 8.5)

The Engineering Resource Center at SDSU was established in 1986 to support research, education, outreach and technology transfer for the university, industry and citizens of South Dakota. Through complementary programs such as Engineering Extension, the Office of Remote Sensing, the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, the South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program, the University Industry Technology Service, and the Essential Networking and Training for Entrepreneurship program, the center fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among students, faculty and external partners to address technical, environmental and economic challenges.

The Engineering Resource Center Records document the center’s programs and activities and include newsletters, brochures, reports, technical documentation, correspondence, course and program materials and photogrammetry images. A substantial portion of the collection relates to the Office of Remote Sensing, founded in 1969, and contains aerial imagery, geographic information system materials and technical reports supporting natural resource management and mapping projects. Additional records document Space Grant activities, transportation assistance initiatives, entrepreneurship training and university industry collaboration, illustrating SDSU’s role in applied engineering, remote sensing, infrastructure planning and economic development during the late 20th century.

Engineering Records, Jerome J. Lohr College of (UA 8)

Engineering education has been central to SDSU since its founding, with a proposed curriculum included in the first catalog and engineering graduates completing degrees by 1891. Instruction expanded from early civil and mechanical engineering courses to include electrical engineering and later agricultural engineering, eventually forming the Engineering Division in 1924 and the modern College of Engineering. The college experienced periods of growth, reorganization and challenge, including the proposed consolidation of engineering programs in the 1970s, and expanded its research and outreach mission with the establishment of the Engineering and Environmental Research Center in 1986. In 2013, the college was renamed the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering in recognition of Jerome J. Lohr’s leadership and support.

The College of Engineering Records document the development, administration, instruction, research and outreach activities of the college from the early 20th century through the early 2000s. Materials include reports, catalogs, brochures, correspondence, meeting minutes, periodicals, photographs and documentation of student programs, research initiatives, professional development activities and community and industry partnerships. The collection also contains biographical files, extensive material on engineering research at SDSU, records related to the Engineering Controversy of the 1970s, and publications such as Impulse magazine. The records illustrate the evolution of engineering education at SDSU and the college’s role in research, workforce development and public engagement in South Dakota.

English and Interdisciplinary Studies Records, School of (UA 6.2)

English has been a core area of study at SDSU since the institution’s founding, with early curricula emphasizing grammar, composition, rhetoric, speech and literary study across multiple degree programs. Over time, these subjects remained central to instruction as the English department developed a curriculum organized around English and linguistics, focusing on critical thinking, language history and usage, literature, literary criticism and technical communication. The English major prepares students for careers in teaching, writing, editing and related professional fields requiring advanced language skills.

This collection documents the activities of the English Department and includes newsletters, pamphlets, posters, departmental policies and promotional materials for literary events such as the Great Plains Writers’ Conference and the Jerome Norgren Poetry Contest. A significant component of the collection is the Pioneer Women Papers, a series of student research projects produced in 1978-79 that focus on women writers of the Great Plains and include biographical and literary research, photographs, press materials and instructional notes. Together, the records reflect the department’s academic programs, outreach efforts and commitment to regional and women’s literary scholarship.

Environmental Health and Safety Office Records (UA 43)

The Environmental Health and Safety Office at SDSU is responsible for supporting workplace safety, regulatory compliance and emergency preparedness across campus. The office develops policies, provides training, and assists departments in maintaining safe learning and working environments in accordance with applicable safety standards.

This collection consists of materials related to workplace safety and emergency response, including the pamphlet Life Safety at South Dakota State University, which outlines procedures and recommended practices for responding to emergencies. The records document institutional efforts to promote safety awareness and compliance with life safety standards and provide evidence of campus emergency planning and risk management initiatives.

Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition Records (UA 24)

The Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition was established at SDSU in 1997 through an endowment created by Ethel Austin Martin, a 1916 graduate and nationally recognized nutritionist. Martin completed graduate study at Columbia University and the University of Chicago and served as director of nutrition services for the National Dairy Council from 1929 until her retirement. Prior to her death in 1993, she provided for the creation of a permanent professorship in human nutrition at SDSU, realized with the establishment of the Ethel Austin Martin Chair in Human Nutrition. The program supports multidisciplinary research and education in nutrition, including collaborative studies, visiting professorships and the annual E.A. Martin Distinguished Lecture in Human Nutrition.

This collection documents the establishment, development and activities of the program. Records include materials related to the Endowed Chair, Distinguished Lectureship and Visiting Professorship, as well as financial records, committee files, memoranda of agreement, course materials for the Basic Course in Nutrition, correspondence, planning documents, publicity, audio and video recordings, and evaluations. The collection also contains publications gathered in support of the program and a substantial body of personal and professional papers created or compiled by Martin. These materials document the administrative, academic and collaborative processes that shaped nutrition research and education at the university.

Evans, David Allan Papers (UA 53.16)

The David Allan Evans Papers document the literary career and public service of David Allan Evans (1940-), poet, educator and longtime professor of English and writer-in-residence at SDSU. After earning degrees from Morningside College, the University of Iowa and an MFA from the University of Arkansas, Evans joined SDSU in 1968 and became a central figure in the state’s literary life. In 1974, he became the first South Dakotan to receive a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship in creative writing. A prolific poet whose work frequently explores sports, rural life and Midwestern identity, Evans published multiple volumes of poetry and appeared in more than 60 anthologies. He later served as South Dakota’s first Poet Laureate from 2001 to 2015 and completed two Fulbright appointments in China.

The collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, reviews, publications, teaching materials and records of readings, workshops and literary festivals. Substantial documentation relates to his Fulbright residencies, Writers-in-the-Schools programs and public appearances across the region and internationally. Annotated drafts of poems, essays and short stories reveal his creative process, while press coverage and professional files trace his recognition, awards and influence as a mentor and cultural ambassador. The papers illuminate the development of contemporary Midwestern literature and Evans’s enduring role in fostering poetry within both academic and public communities.

Facilities and Services Records (UA 41)

Facilities and Services, formerly known as the Physical Plant, supports the operation and maintenance of the physical environment at SDSU. Established to manage buildings, grounds, utilities and related services, the department oversees custodial operations, construction and remodeling coordination, mail services, security, parking, waste management and facilities engineering. Renamed in 2008, the unit continues to administer campus infrastructure and operational services.

This collection documents the administration, services and development of Facilities and Services. Materials include annual and construction reports, campus maps, organizational charts, service guides, work order forms, parking and traffic records, security reports, safety publications and central mailing procedures. Records also document sustainability initiatives, including recycling programs, environmental planning documents, committee files, outreach campaigns and recognition by national sustainability organizations. The collection provides evidence of infrastructure management, safety and security oversight, and environmental stewardship efforts, reflecting the department’s role in maintaining and developing the university’s physical and operational systems.

Faculty Association Records (UA 50.2)

The Faculty Association Records document the organization, administration and activities of the South Dakota State College Faculty Association from its founding in 1946 through its dissolution in 1972. The collection includes constitutions and bylaws, meeting minutes, correspondence, committee reports, membership lists and limited financial records. While the bulk of the materials date from the 1950s, earlier and later records provide continuity across the association’s full period of operation.

The records reflect the association’s advisory role in matters affecting faculty welfare and institutional policy. Topics addressed include appointment, rank and promotion, tenure, salary studies, insurance, retirement, sabbatical leave, travel expenses, outside employment and faculty honors. Materials also document faculty participation in the selection of a college president, evaluations of public higher education in South Dakota, and the election of faculty representatives to the President’s Administrative Council. Committee files illustrate the central role of standing and special committees in shaping discussion and recommendations.

The collection captures a transitional period in faculty governance at South Dakota State, culminating in the establishment of the Academic Senate in the late 1960s and the eventual dissolution of the Faculty Association. It provides insight into mid-20th-century faculty organization, shared governance and institutional change.

Faculty Housing Company, Inc. Records (MA 70)

The Faculty Housing Company Inc. was founded to help ease the critical housing shortage in Brookings and to make housing available to new faculty members at a reasonable rental. The records contain primarily meeting minutes, stockholder information, promotional materials and letters written to stockholders from incorporation in 1952 to dissolution in 1963.

Faculty Meeting Records (UA 50.3)

This collection documents the official faculty meetings of South Dakota State University from the institution’s early years through the 1980s. The records consist primarily of meeting minutes, with occasional supplemental materials such as student petitions, reports and printed items related to agenda topics. While largely complete, there are notable gaps between fall 1898 and spring 1903 and between June 1907 and March 1918. Together, the minutes provide a continuous record of faculty deliberation across nearly a century of institutional growth.

In the university’s formative decades, faculty meetings functioned as central decision-making bodies where policies, procedures and academic matters were debated and adopted. As the institution expanded and governance structures became more complex, responsibilities shifted to formal administrative entities such as the Council of Deans, the Faculty Association and later the Academic Senate. Faculty meetings gradually evolved from policy-setting forums into primarily informational gatherings, reflecting broader changes in shared governance and administrative organization.

These records are significant for documenting the evolution of faculty governance, institutional priorities and campus culture. They offer insight into how faculty responded to administrative change, student concerns and external pressures, and they provide a foundational source for understanding the development of governance structures at SDSU.

Faculty Round Table Records (UA 50.4)

The Faculty Round Table Records document the founding and early organization of the Faculty Round Table at SDSU, established on Nov. 1, 1901. Created to promote professional dialogue and social connection among faculty, instructors and their spouses, the group met monthly during the academic year to present and discuss scholarly papers. The collection includes a handwritten ledger containing the original bylaws and minutes from the first meeting, along with a typewritten version of the organization’s “Tentative Rules Governing Faculty Round Table.” These documents outline the group’s name, purpose, membership structure, officer responsibilities and meeting procedures.

The records provide insight into early faculty self-governance and intellectual life at the institution. They reflect the values of collegial exchange, formal organization and participatory academic culture that shaped professional engagement among faculty at the turn of the 20th century.

Faculty Senate and Related Committees Records (UA 4)

The Faculty Association and Academic Senate Records document the development and practice of faculty governance at SDSU from the mid-20th century onward. Established in 1946, the Faculty Association served as a consultative body advocating for faculty interests and welfare. As faculty sought a more formal role in institutional governance, the association facilitated discussions that led to the creation of the Academic Senate, which was implemented in 1970. The Faculty Association formally disbanded in 1972, transferring its representative functions to the Academic Senate.

The collection consists of records of the Academic Senate and its associated standing and ad hoc committees, which represent faculty, researchers, campus-based extension specialists and nonteaching professional staff. Materials include meeting minutes, correspondence, reports, handbooks, membership files, publications and subject files documenting Senate activities and policy development. Topics covered include academic affairs, curriculum and instructional issues, academic freedom and tenure, faculty and student governance, accreditation, collective bargaining, tuition and fees, resource allocation, and Senate-sponsored programs and resolutions. Together, the records provide comprehensive documentation of shared governance, policy formation, and faculty and student concerns at SDSU.

Faculty Women's Club/SDSU Club Records (UA 50.1)

This collection documents the history, governance and activities of the Faculty Women’s Club at SDSU from its founding in 1917 through its transition to the SDSU Club in the late 1990s. Records include constitutions and revisions, meeting minutes, president’s reports, directories, newsletters (The Grapevine), clippings, photographs and financial materials such as the student loan fund ledger. These materials reflect the club’s organizational structure, social programming and long-standing commitment to providing scholarships and loans in support of students.

Additional documentation highlights special projects, interest groups and campus initiatives, including faculty receptions, scholarship benefit events, Campanile restoration efforts, and support for the Memorial Art Center. Records of the auxiliary Newcomers Club, anniversary celebrations such as the 75th anniversary in 1993, and materials from the SDSU Club beginning in 1998 illustrate the organization’s evolution from a women-centered faculty group to a broader, coeducational campus organization. Together, the collection provides insight into faculty community-building, women’s leadership and student support at SDSU across the 20th century.

Family and Consumer Sciences College Records (UA 9)

The Family and Consumer Sciences Records document the development and activities of the College of Home Economics and its successor, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, at SDSU. Rooted in the university’s land-grant mission, the program originated in the late 19th century as one of the nation’s earliest formal home economics programs and expanded throughout the 20th century to address education, human development, nutrition and community service. Over time, the college evolved in response to federal initiatives, professional standards and changing social needs, culminating in its reorganization and integration into broader academic units in the early 21st century.

The collection includes curriculum materials, committee records, newsletters, brochures, workshop documentation, program evaluations, student organization records, reports to federal agencies, narrative histories, photographs and administrative files. Together, these materials document academic programming, outreach initiatives, faculty and student achievements, and institutional change, including the transition of programs into the School of Health and Human Sciences and the Ness School of Management and Economics. The records provide insight into the evolution of home economics and family and consumer sciences education at a land grant university and illustrate broader shifts in curriculum, pedagogy, gender roles and public engagement from the early 20th century through the college’s dissolution.

Financial Aid Office Records (UA 23)

The Financial Aid Office at SDSU administers student assistance programs and coordinates the distribution of federal, state, institutional and agency based financial aid. While the university was established in 1881, the expansion of federally supported student aid followed the Higher Education Act of 1965, which formalized many of the programs managed by the office. Over time, its responsibilities developed from overseeing institutional scholarships to administering a range of aid programs and determining student educational costs.

This collection primarily consists of informational pamphlets and materials related to financial aid and scholarships administered or promoted by the office. Included are materials for general scholarships, memorial scholarships such as the George Stanley Hazard, John R. Andersen and John W. Headly scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship, the Vietnam War Memorial Scholarship and scholarships associated with the School of Agriculture. The collection also contains high school scholarship recognition materials and general information on financial aid programs. These records document the administration and promotion of student financial assistance and support research on scholarship programs and student funding at the university.

Forum and Ethical Culture Club Records (MA 2)

The Ethical Culture Club, later known as the Forum, was organized in Brookings in 1906 as a group for discussion of social, civic and public issues. Members drawn from the college and local community met to discuss topics such as child labor laws, public libraries, international peace efforts and measurement standards, with some discussions leading to civic action. The collection includes meeting records from 1908 to 1910, minutes, a constitution, miscellaneous materials and a history of the organization written by William Powers, documenting the Forum’s activities and organization.

Gambill Papers, Norman (UA 6.9.2)

Norman Paul Gambill was born April 3, 1941, in Dade City, Florida. He earned degrees from Emory University, the University of Iowa and Syracuse University, and also attended Emory at Oxford. Gambill served as a professor of art history at the University of Illinois and at SDSU, where he chaired the Visual Arts Department for 26 years before retiring in 2010. His teaching and research focused on art history and film studies, including Asian art, women artists, international cinema and 1930s American film. He published extensively and participated in national and international scholarly activities, including the Oxford Roundtable in 2010. Gambill died July 12, 2016, in Brookings.

The Norman Gambill Papers document his academic, administrative and scholarly career. The collection includes administrative files, curriculum and program planning materials, teaching files, grant and fundraising records, meeting files, research materials and manuscript drafts. Records relate to departmental governance, facilities planning, exhibitions, conferences and fundraising initiatives such as Evening for the Arts and DVAGI. The manuscript series contains annotated drafts of unpublished works, including "Ritz and American Mediocrity," "Designing Hollywood: Productions of Harry Horner" and his doctoral dissertation, "Citizen Kane: An Art Historical Analysis." The materials document faculty governance, curriculum development, scholarly research and arts programming within the university context.

Gamma Sigma Delta Records (UA 35.16)

Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture, established its SDSU chapter on May 27, 1958, to recognize and encourage high standards of scholarship and achievement in agriculture and related fields. The chapter has supported academic excellence, professional development and service within the university’s agricultural programs and has participated in national activities of the society, including hosting the 1974 national conclave.

The Gamma Sigma Delta Records document the chapter’s establishment, governance and activities from 1958 through the late 20th century. Materials include constitutions, handbooks, membership lists, banquet and conclave programs, newsletters, financial records, chapter histories, award documentation, photographs, memorabilia and audiovisual materials. The collection includes records related to national and international conclaves held at SDSU and documentation of honors such as the International Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. These records provide evidence of the chapter’s role in recognizing academic and professional achievement and supporting agricultural education and leadership.

Gardner Papers, Waybe (UA 53.85)

Wayne Scott Gardner was born Jan. 11, 1920, and died April 19, 2014. He served three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, including duty on Guadalcanal. After the war, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in botany and plant pathology from Utah State Agricultural College and worked as a civilian researcher for the United States Army and later for U.S. Steel Corporation. In 1967, he completed a Ph.D. in plant pathology at the University of California, Davis, where his research focused on barley stripe mosaic virus and electron microscopy. Gardner joined SDSU as an associate professor of plant pathology, where his teaching and research emphasized electron microscopy in the study of plant diseases. He retired in 1985.

The collection consists primarily of color slides and black and white photographs dating from 1952-87, with strongest coverage from the 1960s through the mid-1980s. The materials document research and instruction in plant virology and plant pathology, with emphasis on wheat streak mosaic virus and other viral diseases affecting cereal and field crops. Visual documentation includes field symptoms, laboratory preparations and ultrastructural studies, as well as images of fungal and physiological plant diseases and environmental crop injuries. Teaching slide sets, seminar materials, reprints, correspondence and related literature document Gardner’s research activities and instructional use of microscopy in agricultural science.

Garnos Papers, Gordon (MA 82)

Gordon Richard Garnos was born April 6, 1935, in Presho. He received a B.S. from the University of South Dakota and was in the U.S. Air Force (1954-58). He worked for the Watertown Public Opinion (1964-66; 1968-2002) and retired in 2002 as its editor. After retirement, Garnos continued to write editorials and his column, “Seeing South Dakota,” was printed in over a dozen newspapers in South Dakota. The collection consists of editorials written by Gordon Garnos between 1998 and 2016, including those printed in the Watertown Public Opinion and his column, “Seeing South Dakota.”

Gartner Papers, F. Robert (UA 53.21)

The F. Robert Gartner Papers document the career and research contributions of F. Robert Gartner, range scientist, educator and long-time leader in rangeland management in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. Trained in range science at the University of Wyoming and the University of California, Berkeley, Gartner served in teaching, research and administrative roles at SDSU and other institutions before becoming regional coordinator for the Society for Range Management. A specialist in plant ecology, fire ecology, range soils and range improvement, he played a significant role in advancing scientific approaches to grazing systems, prescribed burning and vegetation management across western South Dakota.

Spanning 1919 to 2007, with the bulk dating from the 1950s through the 1990s, the collection includes field data, site files, photographs, slides, manuscripts, extension publications and a large indexed research library of range and forestry literature. Materials document long-term studies at Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Antelope Range Field Station and numerous Black Hills ranches, reflecting applied research on fire effects, soil-water relationships, reclamation, wildlife interactions and range site classification. Together, these records provide a comprehensive resource on 20th-century range science, illustrating the integration of research, teaching and outreach in support of sustainable land management in the Great Plains.

General Federation of Women's Clubs of South Dakota Records (MA 28)

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Dakota (GFWC of SD) traces its roots to the late 19th-century women’s club movement and formally organized in 1900, affiliating with the national federation founded by Jane Cunningham Croly. Emerging from a 1972 statewide symposium and earlier local federations led by Clara D. Coe, the organization united nonpartisan women’s clubs to promote intellectual, moral and civic advancement. Structured into districts and guided by elected officers and departmental committees, the federation addressed issues ranging from conservation and education to public policy and international affairs.

The records document statewide administration and local club activity, with substantial materials from GFWC Brookings and the Brookings Civic League. Included are constitutions and bylaws, minutes, correspondence, directories, newsletters, scrapbooks, photographs, legislative materials and project files. The collection also extensively documents the Memorial Art Center campaign, capturing fundraising efforts, planning and collaboration that resulted in the establishment of the South Dakota Art Museum at SDSU in 1970. The materials illustrate women’s leadership, civic improvement initiatives and cultural development across South Dakota throughout the 20th century.

Geography Club (Gamma Theta Upsilon) Records (UA 35.4)

Greek life at SDSU has developed through the establishment of fraternities, sororities and governing councils that coordinate chapter activities and policies. The Inter Fraternity Council, established in 1924, and the College Panhellenic Association oversee recruitment, standards and programming for their respective chapters. Through these councils, fraternities and sororities have contributed to student leadership, academic engagement and campus programming.

This collection consists of clippings, newsletters and flyers documenting fraternity and sorority life at the university. Materials represent chapters including Alpha Xi Delta, Ceres, Chi Omega, FarmHouse, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon and general recruitment efforts. The records provide documentation of chapter activities, recruitment practices and student involvement, and support research on the development of Greek organizations and campus life at SDSU.

Geography Department Records UA 6.13)

Geography has been taught at SDSU since its founding in 1881, with courses offered intermittently until a formal academic program was established in the late 1960s. The approval of a bachelor’s degree in geography, the creation of the Department of History and Geography, and the later establishment of an independent Department of Geography marked a period of rapid growth. The department expanded its faculty and degree offerings, including the approval of a M.S. degree in geography, and developed a curriculum emphasizing environmental planning, resource management and technical geography.

The Geography Department Records document the academic, administrative and outreach activities of the department. Materials include budgets, program reviews, institutional and graduate self studies, newsletters, correspondence and records related to lectures, conferences and the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence. Also included are materials related to faculty contributions and local research projects. The records illustrate the department’s development, curriculum planning and role in advancing geographic research and education at SDSU.

Gibbons Papers, William (UA 53.46)

William Ray Gibbons was born Jan. 5, 1958, in Winner and grew up in Brookings. He earned a B.S. in microbiology and chemistry in 1980, an M.S. in microbiology in 1982 and a Ph.D. in microbiology and agronomy in 1987 from SDSU. Gibbons joined the faculty of SDSU in 1987 as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Microbiology and was promoted to professor in 1997. He held several administrative roles, including associate director of the Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development, director of the South Dakota Oilseed Initiative and interim director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. His research focused on applied microbiology and biotechnology, particularly the development of renewable fuels and value added products from agricultural biomass.

The collection documents Gibbons’ research on ethanol and related renewable fuel technologies from the late 1970s through the 2010s. Materials include scholarly articles, technical reports, feasibility and energy analyses, draft manuscripts, correspondence, data sets and visual documentation of laboratory and pilot plant operations. Draft and final versions of his master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation are present, along with conference papers, presentations and materials related to research dissemination. The collection also contains clippings, legislative testimony drafts and briefing materials addressing ethanol policy and renewable energy initiatives, as well as documentation of related research in biomass utilization and agricultural biotechnology.

Global Studies Program Records (UA 6.19)

The global studies major and minor were introduced at SDSU in 2004 as an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a broad foundation in global affairs, cultural awareness and foreign language proficiency. Administered through the Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies, the program emphasizes contemporary global issues, global citizenship and preparation for careers in international business, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

The Global Studies Records document the early development and promotion of the program and include informational pamphlets, promotional brochures, correspondence, course announcements and a draft syllabus related to GIST 201: Introduction to Global Studies. These materials reflect initial efforts to establish interdisciplinary global education at SDSU and highlight the university’s commitment to fostering international awareness and cultural understanding.

Graber Poetry Collection, Edwin C. (MA 34)

Edwin C. Graber was a poet from Freeman whose literary activity flourished primarily between the late 1930s and late 1940s. Through a series of limited-edition chapbooks, Graber developed a lyrical body of work grounded in the landscapes and contemplative spirit of the Great Plains. His poetry reflects recurring themes of nature, solitude, time and spirituality, expressed through reflective and meditative language. Titles such as "Stars Are My Parade," "Nature the Peerless Colorist" and "Zeniths as Yet But Dimly Seen" illustrate his attentiveness to the natural world and metaphysical inquiry.

The Edwin C. Graber Poetry Collection consists of chapbooks containing original poetry written between 1937 and 1949, along with several undated works. Preserved at South Dakota State University, the collection documents Graber’s creative output and represents a regional voice within mid-20th-century American poetry. The materials provide valuable evidence of literary expression rooted in the cultural and physical landscape of the Great Plains, particularly in southeastern South Dakota.

Graduate School Records (UA 11)

The Graduate School Records document the development and administration of graduate education at SDSU, which formally organized graduate study into a centralized Graduate School in 1957 following decades of committee oversight. Building on graduate instruction that began in the late 19th century, the Graduate School coordinated advanced education across multiple disciplines and expanded master’s and doctoral offerings in alignment with the university’s land-grant mission. Graduate education emphasized rigorous academic standards, faculty governance and the advancement of research and scholarly inquiry in fields such as agriculture, engineering, natural sciences, nursing, pharmacy and the social sciences.

The collection includes Graduate Faculty and Graduate Council meeting minutes, records from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and a wide range of administrative and promotional materials. Newsletters, reports, correspondence, policy documents, curricular records and long-range planning files document graduate program development, faculty policies, research support and student activities. Together, these records provide insight into the governance, academic priorities and institutional growth of graduate education at SDSU and illustrate the university’s sustained commitment to research, innovation and professional leadership.

Grant Papers, Geoffrey and Sue (UA 53.32)

Geoffrey W. Grant joined the SDSU faculty in 1977 as a member of the Rural Sociology Department and later became an assistant professor. His teaching focused on social organization, social change, the family, juvenile delinquency, urban sociology and the sociology of work. Grant participated in Eisenhower Foundation-sponsored delegations to China during the 1980s to study crime prevention and criminal justice systems and later served as an SDSU faculty exchange professor at Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China, in 2001. Sue S. Grant, an educator at SDSU, also participated in the 2001 exchange, teaching English courses during their residence in China.

The Geoffrey and Sue Grant Papers date from 1982 to 2018 and document their professional, scholarly and international activities. The collection includes correspondence, research files, draft manuscripts, delegation materials, printed reports, journals, schedules, photographs, digital media and email printouts. Records document visits to courts, prisons, reformatories, ministries and educational institutions in China and Southeast Asia, as well as observations of daily life in Kunming and other locations. A compact disc containing photographs, oversize color prints and contextual materials related to exchange programs and related transportation initiatives are also included. The papers document comparative criminal justice research, international academic exchange and sociological observation during a period of expanded engagement between the United States and China.

Greek Council Records (UA 34)

Greek life at SDSU has developed through the establishment of fraternities, sororities and governing councils that coordinate chapter activities and policies. The Inter Fraternity Council, established in 1924, and the College Panhellenic Association oversee recruitment, standards and programming for their respective chapters. Through these councils, fraternities and sororities have contributed to student leadership, academic engagement and campus programming.

This collection consists of clippings, newsletters and flyers documenting fraternity and sorority life at the university. Materials represent chapters including Alpha Xi Delta, Ceres, Chi Omega, FarmHouse, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon and general recruitment efforts. The records provide documentation of chapter activities, recruitment practices and student involvement, and support research on the development of Greek organizations and campus life at SDSU.

Grewing 'In the Blizzard' Manuscript (MA 24)

Edwin C. Graber was a poet from Freeman, South Dakota, whose literary activity flourished primarily between the late 1930s and late 1940s. Through a series of limited-edition chapbooks, Graber developed a lyrical body of work grounded in the landscapes and contemplative spirit of the Great Plains. His poetry reflects recurring themes of nature, solitude, time and spirituality, expressed through reflective and meditative language. Titles such as "Stars Are My Parade," "Nature the Peerless Colorist" and "Zeniths as Yet But Dimly Seen" illustrate his attentiveness to the natural world and metaphysical inquiry.

The Edwin C. Graber Poetry Collection consists of chapbooks containing original poetry written between 1937 and 1949, along with several undated works. Preserved at South Dakota State University, the collection documents Graber’s creative output and represents a regional voice within mid-20th-century American poetry. The materials provide valuable evidence of literary expression rooted in the cultural and physical landscape of the Great Plains, particularly in southeastern South Dakota.

Gritzner Papers, Charles F. (UA 53.29)

Charles F. “Fritz” Gritzner joined the SDSU faculty in 1980 as a professor of geography and was active in geographic education at the state and national levels. He served in leadership roles with professional organizations including the National Council for Geographic Education and the Association of South Dakota Geographers and Planners, and coordinated initiatives such as the South Dakota Geographic Alliance and the South Dakota Geographic Bee. His work encompassed university teaching, curriculum development, standards reform, teacher education and authorship of instructional and scholarly publications.

The Charles F. Gritzner Papers span 1871 to 2014 and document his teaching, research, professional service and outreach activities. The collection includes professional correspondence, activity logs, awards, organizational records, standards and curriculum materials and extensive files related to the South Dakota Geographic Alliance and the South Dakota Geographic Bee. Also included are course materials, workshop and institute files, topical and regional research files, manuscripts and publishing records, and slide collections used for instruction. The papers provide documentation of geographic education initiatives, standards development and instructional practice at SDSU and within broader professional networks.

Hansen Papers, N.E. (UA 53.4)

The N.E. Hansen Papers document the life and scientific career of Niels Ebbesen Hansen (1866-1950), pioneering horticulturist, plant breeder and longtime professor at South Dakota State College. Best known for developing hardy fruits, grasses and forage crops adapted to the northern Great Plains, Hansen helped reshape regional agriculture through experimental breeding and international plant exploration. The collection spans the late 19th through mid-20th centuries and reflects both his laboratory research and his global expeditions in search of cold-resistant plant material.

The papers include extensive correspondence, field notebooks, ledgers, manuscripts, publications, plant specimens, photographs and travel documentation. Records from the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station detail Hansen’s work with alfalfa, clovers, grains and ornamentals, while expedition materials document plant introductions from Russia, Siberia, Turkestan, China and Manchuria. Travel logs, USDA contracts, expense reports and photographic images illustrate the logistical and scientific scope of his explorations. Manuscripts such as his multipart “Russian as Observed by an Agricultural Explorer” offer commentary on agricultural systems abroad, while speeches and lectures trace his engagement with scientific and farming communities across the United States and internationally.

Correspondence with figures such as Luther Burbank, USDA officials and Soviet agronomist N. I. Vavilov highlights Hansen’s participation in global scientific networks. Biographical files, clippings and memorial materials document his public reputation as the “Burbank of the Plains.” Photographs of experimental plots, greenhouses and expedition sites, along with early journals from his student years, provide a rich record of his intellectual development and professional legacy. Together, the papers constitute a significant resource for the study of plant exploration, agricultural adaptation, land-grant research and early 20th-century scientific exchange.

Harding Papers, A.S. (UA 53.5)

The A.S. Harding Papers document the life, scholarship and historical research of Albert Spencer Harding (1867-1952), longtime professor of history, political science, sociology and economics at SDSU. A graduate of Dakota Agricultural College (B.A., 1892) who later earned an M.A. from the University of Nebraska, Harding returned to Brookings in 1897 and remained on the faculty until 1943. Over a 54-year teaching career, he instructed nearly 12,000 students and later served as head of the History and Political Science Department. His enduring influence is reflected in Harding Hall and the Harding Distinguished Lecture Series, both established in his honor.

The collection spans 1893 to 1949, with some undated material, and consists primarily of research files compiled for Harding’s work on the history of South Dakota State College. Materials include correspondence, obituaries, newspaper clippings, bibliographic references, handwritten notes and drafts of historical narratives. His master’s thesis, “Contested Elections in Great Britain,” is also present, along with thematic writings on political science, party allegiance, student life, faculty lists and institutional finances. Harding incorporated and annotated research from contemporaries such as Robert F. Kerr and William H. Powers, reflecting a collaborative and cumulative approach to documenting university history.

Together, these papers provide valuable insight into the early institutional development of South Dakota State University and the methods used to construct its historical record. The collection preserves working drafts, chronologies and primary source compilations that illuminate governance, academic evolution and student culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it an important resource for the study of university heritage and historiography.

Harding Papers, Neva Whaley (MA 130)

Neva Marie Whaley Harding, born in 1872 in Illinois and later settling in South Dakota, lived a life marked by community engagement and cultural contribution. After she married Albert S. Harding, the couple became an integral part of Brookings with Harding notably founding the Brookings Women's Club and contributing to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Jane Alexander was born in Brookings to Ruth Ann and William Alexander. She began her journey of community engagement during her high school years, forming a lasting friendship with Neva Harding. This connection inspired her to delve into Harding's life, eventually leading to the expansion of Harding's autobiography.

The Neva Whaley Harding Papers, curated by Jane Alexander, provide a detailed account of Harding's life, family background, and community contributions. Comprising manuscripts, correspondence, interviews, certificates, diplomas and audio recordings, the collection offers insights into Harding's formative years, education and active involvement in her community. Harding's role in founding the Brookings Women's Club and her dedication to St. Paul's Episcopal Church are highlighted, alongside her later passion for painting and writing. Through Jane Alexander's curation, the collection stands as a testament to Harding's lasting impact and legacy in Brookings.

Hart Scrapbooks, Reed G., Jr. (MA 80)

Reed “Rocky” G. Hart, Jr. was born to Reed Sr. and Marie (Johannsen) Hart on Aug. 4, 1926, in Pipestone, Minnesota. We fought in both World War II and the Korean War. Hart received a B.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1955. He spent his career as a government contractor working in places such as Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While he was there, he established jogging clubs. The collection consists of five scrapbooks, each full of photographs, news clippings and scorecards of the jogging clubs.

Hawley-Lothrop Families Collection (MA 65)

Collection consists of historical documents relating to the Hawley-Lothrop families and William Walters. These materials belonged to Jean Walters Lothrop, who was the daughter of William H. and Grace (Durland) Walters, and the wife of Eugene H. Lothrop.

Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department Records (UA 6.8)

Physical education has been part of the SDSU curriculum since the institution’s early years, with students historically required to complete coursework in physical education or military science. Instruction developed through several departmental structures before the introduction of a physical education major in the 1940s, followed by the addition of a graduate degree in 1953 and the renaming of the department as Health, Physical Education and Recreation in the late 1960s. Over time, the department expanded its academic offerings and recreational programming and later became part of the College of Education and Human Sciences as the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences.

This collection consists of materials produced by or related to the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and documents its academic programs, facilities and outreach activities. Records include newsletters, pamphlets, programs, posters, administrative files, departmental histories, budget records, policy manuals and publications related to wellness, athletic training, intramural and intercollegiate athletics, and recreational programs. The materials illustrate the development of physical education and recreation at SDSU and the department’s role in promoting student wellness, athletic training and campus engagement.

Hendrickson Papers, J.P. (UA 53.20)

The J.P. Hendrickson Papers document the academic career and public service of John P. Hendrickson, longtime professor and head of the Political Science Department at SDSU. A World War II veteran and scholar of international relations and political science, Hendrickson joined the SDSU faculty in 1954 and served until 1988. He played a central role in developing the university’s curriculum in Canadian politics and government and earned recognition for outstanding teaching and civic leadership. Beyond the classroom, he became deeply involved in state and local governance, contributing to major reform efforts in South Dakota during the latter half of the 20th century.

Spanning 1885 to 2002, with the bulk dating from 1968-98, the collection centers on Hendrickson’s work with the South Dakota Constitutional Revision Commission, the Citizens Commission on Executive Reorganization, and related committees examining state structure and authority. Materials include draft constitutions, annotated amendments, commission minutes, testimony, correspondence, legal research and comparative constitutional analyses. The papers also document his authorship of the 1996 Brookings Home Rule Charter through working drafts, speeches and municipal records. These records provide a comprehensive view of constitutional reform, state restructuring and local government development in South Dakota, while reflecting Hendrickson’s enduring influence as both scholar and civic leader.

Hepper Collection, Carol (MA 43)

The Carol Hepper Collection documents the professional career and artistic development of American sculptor Carol Hepper (born 1953). Raised in McLaughlin, Hepper earned a B.S. from SDSU in 1975 and gained national recognition when her work was included in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s 1983 exhibition "New Perspectives in American Art." She relocated to New York City in 1985 and established a career in contemporary sculpture, exhibiting her work at institutions including the Orlando Art Museum, Worcester Art Museum, Cranbrook Academy of Art Museum, The Phillips Collection, the Walter Art Center, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Her artwork is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Dannheisser Foundation. In addition to her studio practice, Hepper has served as a visiting lecturer at institutions such as Brandeis University, Princeton University, the Maryland Institute College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design and the School of Visual Arts.

The collection spans the mid-1980s through the early 2000s and consists of materials documenting Hepper’s exhibitions, professional activities and artistic practice. Included are exhibition catalogs, brochures, press materials and digital media such as CD-ROMs and video files related to solo and group exhibitions at museums and galleries across the United States. Additional materials document academic appointments, artist residencies and publications featuring Hepper’s work. Together, these records provide documentation of Hepper’s sculptural practice and thematic exploration of form, materials and landscape, and offer a resource for the study of late 20th-century American sculpture and contemporary art.

Higher Education Faculty Association, SDSU Branch Papers (UA 50.11)

This collection documents the formation, activities, and dissolution of the South Dakota Higher Education Faculty Association, SDSU Branch, from 1971 to approximately 1978. Established amid concerns over low salaries, limited due process protections and strained communication with the South Dakota Board of Regents, HEFA sought to provide a unified voice for faculty across the state’s public institutions. The records reflect the organization’s efforts to advocate for faculty rights, improve administrative communication and pursue collective representation during a period of heightened activism in higher education.

Materials include ballots, board of directors files, meeting minutes, correspondence, newsletters, lobbying documents, official notices and activity summaries. These records document internal governance, membership engagement and statewide coordination with faculty at other institutions. They also capture the branch’s transition from seeking recognition as a collective bargaining unit to endorsing the Council of Higher Education-National Education Association (COHE–NEA) as the official representative body. The collection is significant for understanding faculty labor organization, governance reform and the evolution of collective bargaining in South Dakota public higher education during the 1970s.

History Department Records (UA 6.14)

The teaching of history at SDSU developed alongside the institution, with history courses required of students from the earliest years. As enrollment and faculty expanded, the Department of History emerged and underwent several administrative configurations, including periods as the Department of History and Political Science and later the Department of History and Geography, before being reorganized following the establishment of a separate geography department in 1973. History instruction has focused on preparing students for careers in teaching, government, service professions and graduate study and is now administered within the Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion.

This collection consists primarily of oral history interviews conducted for the Department of History’s Bicentennial Oral History Project. The interviews, largely carried out by students, document personal narratives related to life in South Dakota, including experiences connected to SDSU, the Brookings area, homesteading, rural education, farming and the Great Depression. Accompanying materials include release forms, transcripts, audio recordings, program pamphlets, departmental reviews and photographs. Together, the records preserve firsthand accounts of regional and institutional history and reflect the department’s engagement with public history and student participation in primary source creation.

Hobo Day Collection (UA 62)

Hobo Day is the homecoming celebration of SDSU. First held on Nov. 2, 1912, the event includes a parade through campus and downtown Brookings, a football game and related campus traditions. Over time, Hobo Day has become a recurring feature of the university’s institutional calendar and student life, serving as an occasion for alumni return and campus celebration.

This artificial collection documents Hobo Day from 1912 to 2023, with the majority of materials dating from the mid-20th century through the early 21st century. The collection includes newspapers, newsletters, correspondence, news releases, souvenir programs, posters, invitations, handbooks, certificates, placemats and a wide range of ephemera such as buttons, bumper stickers, hats, pennants, a crown, license plates and apparel. A substantial photographic component documents parades, football games, royalty, floats, student activities, alumni events and related traditions. Materials originate from campus offices, student organizations, community sources and donors, and items are added as they are acquired. The collection documents the evolution of campus traditions, student culture, athletics and alumni engagement over more than a century.

Hofer/Loewen Family Papers (MA 101)

Records of the Ben F. Hofer family farm in Spink County (1949-2000). The collection consists of farm accounting records, material related to Hofer’s 1996 campaign for the South Dakota Senate, biographical material and acreage measurements for Milford Township in Beadle County.

Hogan Papers, Edward P. (UA 53.17)

The Edward P. Hogan Papers document the career and public service of Edward Patrick Hogan, longtime geographer, educator and senior administrator at SDSU. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hogan earned his B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. from Saint Louis University before joining the SDSU faculty in 1967. He developed and led South Dakota’s only geography program, serving as head of the Department of Geography (1973-91) and later in multiple administrative roles, including associate dean, assistant vice president for academic affairs, and chief information technology officer. In 1991, he was named State Geographer of South Dakota. His scholarship and public engagement focused on migration, rural development, geography education and demographic change in the Great Plains.

Spanning 1960 to 2014, the collection includes correspondence, administrative records, research files, publications, grant proposals, course materials, public testimony and documentation of the Center for Public Higher Education. The papers reflect Hogan’s leadership in academic planning, faculty development and efforts to expand higher education access, particularly in Sioux Falls. His research on youth outmigration, urban and rural planning, and regional identity provides valuable context for understanding demographic and educational change in South Dakota. Together, the materials document the growth of geography as a discipline at SDSU and Hogan’s influence on public policy, institutional development and civic life in the state.

Holmspun Medicine Show Collection (MA 66)

Holmspun is a 30-minute weekly call in medical radio show hosted by Dr. Richard Holm and Joan Hogan. Also, the shows feature interviews with other medical professionals. The collection contains audio cassettes and compact discs of the show from 1994 through 2006.

Home Economics Club Records (UA 35.5)

The Home Economics Club at SDSU was a student organization composed of individuals interested in professional home economics and homemaking. Operating under its own constitution, the club was affiliated with the State Home Economics Association and the American Home Economics Association. Its purpose was to promote professional interests in home economics while fostering relationships among students and faculty within the College of Home Economics.

This collection documents the organization and activities of the Home Economics Club. Materials reflect the club’s efforts to support professional development, enhance members’ knowledge and skills, broaden cultural awareness, and provide social and community engagement opportunities. The records provide evidence of student participation in professional associations and the role of home economics organizations in campus life.

Home Management and Practice Cottage Records (UA 9.1)

The Home Management and Practice Cottage Records document the use of the Practice Cottage, later known as the Home Management House, as a hands-on instructional facility for the home economics program at South Dakota State College. In use by at least 1920, the Practice Cottage functioned as a living laboratory where students applied classroom instruction through daily household responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting and hosting. The program reflected broader national trends in early 20th century home economics education that emphasized scientific approaches to domestic and family management through experiential learning.

The collection consists primarily of photographs and historical materials illustrating the development and operation of the home management program. Included are baby books and anecdotal materials compiled by Grace Wasson Bonnell for Dean Alice Rosenberger that document children involved in the home management baby program, as well as a program history and records related to the planning of the Family Resource and Management Center, a modern successor to the Practice Cottage. The records provide insight into applied domestic science education, women’s professional preparation and the evolving role of home economics at a land-grant institution.

Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College Records (UA 36)

The Miltonian Literary Society was one of the earliest student organizations at South Dakota State University. Originating as the Lyceum Club in the early 1880s, the organization reorganized under a new charter in 1892 as the Miltonian Literary Society following an earlier division that led to the formation of the Athenian Literary Society. The Miltonians focused on developing skills in debate, oratory, extemporaneous speaking and dramatic performance and remained active until the early 1930s.

The Miltonian Literary Society Records document the organization’s governance and activities. The collection includes the constitution, secretary reports, meeting minutes, play programs and loose papers dating from 1903-31. These materials include clippings, notes, membership records, reports and a 1916 oration on Booker T. Washington. The records provide documentation of early student organizations and illustrate the role of literary societies in fostering rhetorical and cultural engagement at the university.

Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks Department Records (UA 5.2)

The Department of Horticulture and Forestry Records document the history, research and academic development of one of SDSU’s original academic units, established in 1887 alongside the college’s early experiment station. The department’s early work emphasized applied research in windbreak trees, orchard and small fruits, vegetables and ornamental trees and shrubs, reflecting a strong commitment to practical solutions for South Dakota’s agricultural and environmental conditions. Over time, the department expanded its focus to include horticulture, forestry, landscape design and park management.

The collection includes materials that trace the department’s changing structure, academic programs and research priorities, including its renaming in the mid-1980s as the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks and its offering of B.S. in agriculture degrees with majors in horticulture, landscape design, and park management. Also documented is the department’s merger with the Department of Plant Science in 2011. Together, the records illustrate the department’s longstanding contributions to agricultural research, land use planning, conservation and the evolution of horticultural education at SDSU.

Human Resources Office Records (UA 44)

The Human Resources Office at SDSU administers employment services, benefits, policy compliance and employee support for faculty and staff. Formerly known as the Department of Personnel Services, the office oversees recruitment, compensation, training, records management and adherence to state and federal employment regulations.

This collection documents the functions and activities of the Human Resources Office and includes personnel handbooks, orientation materials, leave policies, recruitment and appraisal systems, and internal newsletters. Records from advisory councils and governance bodies, including the Career Service Advisory Council, Civil Service Advisory Council and Faculty Senate, reflect employee representation and policy review processes. Additional materials address equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, harassment prevention, inclement weather policies, employee training, financial planning resources and the implementation of web-based time entry systems. The collection provides documentation of personnel administration, regulatory compliance and the development of employment policies within the university.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Collection (MA 67)

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows began in England in the 18th century and became established in the United States in 1819. The collection contains the constitution and bylaws of the Unified Encampment of South Dakota and the proceedings of the Grand Encampment of South Dakota.

International Affairs Records (UA 30)

The Office of International Affairs at SDSU was established in 1988 as the Office of International Programs to coordinate and manage the university’s international initiatives. The office oversees international undergraduate admissions, services for international students and scholars, immigration advising, study abroad programming and the development of exchange agreements. Renamed the Office of International Affairs in 2005, the unit has facilitated partnerships with institutions worldwide and supported faculty and student engagement in global education initiatives.

The International Affairs Office Records document administrative activities and international programs from the late 1980s forward. The collection includes reports, newsletters, correspondence, strategic planning documents, funding materials, committee records and documentation of international agreements. A substantial portion relates to partnerships with Manchester Metropolitan University in England, Chungnam National University in South Korea and Yunnan Normal University in China, including exchange agreements, planning files, photographs, seminar documentation and participant reports. Additional materials document collaborations with institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania. The records provide evidence of the university’s internationalization efforts, exchange programming and global partnerships.

Office of Institutional Research and Assessment Records (UA 21)

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment at SDSU developed in the mid-20th century to support coordinated institutional data management, accreditation and structured planning. Reporting to the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the office oversees universitywide assessment initiatives, manages institutional reporting requirements such as IPEDS and Common Data Sets, and prepares internal publications including Factbooks and peer comparison data. The office coordinates student assessment activities at multiple levels, facilitates participation in national assessment programs, collects departmental assessment plans and exit evaluation data, and operates a testing center for national and Regents examinations.

The records primarily include annual reports, departmental assessment findings and student performance data from the 1990s through the early 2000s. Materials document entering student profiles, midprogram and senior-level assessments including CAAP examinations, credit by examination processes, faculty data, curriculum development, survey instruments, graduate program reviews and correspondence between assessment coordinators and department chairs. The collection reflects internal and external evaluation processes, accreditation reviews and institutional assessment planning, and supports research on student learning outcomes, program evaluation and higher education accountability.

"My Life from 1903" by Emil Jacobsen (MA 56)

Emil Jacobsen was a South Dakota State Agricultural College student from 1922-23. The collection consists of a photocopy of a handwritten account of Emil Jacobsen’s life.

Dan W. Johnson Papers (MA 41)

Johnson (June 2, 1917-Dec. 17, 2001), spent his entire professional career in the newspaper business. During the 1960, he was news editor at SDSU and information officer for the South Dakota Board of Regents. He then accepted a position as the director for news and publications at Southwest State University and remained there until his retirement in 1981. This collection is composed of material relating mainly Dan W. Johnson and to the city of Marshall in Lyon County, Minnesota. Included are files relating his military and professional career, his family, collected research and files dealing with Jeanne Johnson and Antiques Ltd., Marshall, Minnesota, Lyon County, Minnesota, Southwest State University and Schwan's Home Service Inc.

Delmar R. Johnson Papers (UA 42.4)

Delmar R. Johnson was born July 17, 1947, in Mitchell. He earned a B.S. in mathematics in 1969 and a M.E. in 1991 from SDSU. Johnson began his career at the university in 1969 as a programmer and taught mathematics and computer programming from 1969-74. In 1982, he was appointed co-director of the Computing Center and later became director of University Computing Services. In 2003, he assumed the role of director of administrative and research computing, serving until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw the development and expansion of the university’s computing infrastructure.

The papers document his administrative leadership in university computing from 1982 to 2012. The collection consists primarily of correspondence, committee files, planning documents and meeting minutes related to computing capacity, instructional technology initiatives, network infrastructure development and universitywide technology planning. Materials document multiphase network upgrades, mainframe planning, integration of computing into research and extension services, and collaboration with campus advisory councils and external consultants. The records provide documentation of the growth, governance and administration of computing services at South Dakota State University during a period of technological transition.

Donald D. Johnson Papers (MA 18)

Donald Dale Johnson (1925-) of Brookings contributed family and local history materials to South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections. The Donald D. Johnson Papers include a translated narrative recounting the experiences of his grandfather, Johan Peter Johnson, a Swedish immigrant in South Dakota during the 1870s, and The Quill, a Marion High School publication issued in memory of Johnson’s parents. The collection highlights Swedish immigration to South Dakota and the preservation of family history through translation.

Henry and Inez Johnson Journals (MA 32)

The Henry M. and Inez O. Johnson Diaries document more than seven decades of rural life in eastern South Dakota, spanning 1924-98. The collection consists of 71 handwritten journals maintained primarily by Henry M. Johnson, with contributions from Inez O. Johnson, chronicling daily activities on the Johnson family farm near Baltic. The diaries record agricultural work, livestock care, crop conditions, weather observations, farm management decisions and the rhythms of planting and harvest that shaped the family’s livelihood.

Beyond agricultural operations, the journals provide insight into family life, community relationships, church involvement and local events in the Baltic area. References to hunting, fishing, social gatherings, health concerns and regional developments situate the Johnson family within the broader social and economic landscape of 20th century rural South Dakota. The diaries offer a continuous, firsthand account of farm life across periods of economic hardship, agricultural change and modernization, making the collection a valuable resource for the study of rural history, family life and community culture in the northern Great Plains.

W. Carter Johnson Papers (UA 53.68/)

W. Carter Johnson is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Ecology at SDSU whose academic career spans more than 40 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana College and a doctorate in botany from North Dakota State University. He held appointments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Virginia Tech before serving as head of the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks at SDSU from 1989-95. His research has addressed riparian forest ecology, prairie pothole wetlands, seed dispersal in fragmented landscapes, paleoecology and climate change, and has involved multidisciplinary and interinstitutional collaboration.

The W. Carter Johnson Papers document ecological research and professional activities from the 1960s through 2017, with the bulk of materials dating from the 1970s through the 2000s. The collection includes field notes, data sets, statistical analyses, research proposals, correspondence, conference materials, photographs, slides, maps and publications organized around major research themes. Subjects include blue jay-mediated seed dispersal, forest dynamics and succession, prairie wetland hydrology and vegetation, and riparian vegetation studies along the Platte, Missouri and Snake rivers. Additional materials document restoration projects, international scientific exchange and long-term ecological monitoring. The records provide extensive documentation of field research methods, modeling, data analysis and collaboration in late 20th and early 21st century ecological science.

Blanche Avery Johnson Class of 1916 Collection (MA 71)

Blanche Avery Johnston was a member of the South Dakota State College class of 1916. The collection contains materials Johnston collected during her time at South Dakota State College, including 103 photographs and a booklet about campus life.

Susan A. Jones Diary Transcription (MA 44)

The Susan A. Jones Diaries document the early life of Susan A. (Sedgwick) Jones (1844-1925), whose writings provide insight into daily life in Massachusetts and Wisconsin during the mid-19th century. Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Jones married Henry R. Jones in 1865 and later lived in Clintonville, Wisconsin, where the couple raised six children. After Henry’s death in 1897, Jones and her daughter Jessie relocated to South Dakota in 1905 to homestead in Hughes County, while Jones continued to teach school in both Wisconsin and South Dakota. Her diaries reflect the experiences of a young woman during a period of social change, including references to the Civil War and community life in the years prior to and following her marriage.

The collection consists of transcriptions of Jones’s diaries covering the years 1863-70, completed in 2006 by her great-granddaughter, Virginia Vander Wal. The entries record daily activities, social gatherings, weather observations, religious events, work and family milestones. The transcription preserves original spelling and includes notes identifying illegible or uncertain text. Vander Wal also contributed genealogical information, commentary on the transcription process and personal annotations. Supplementary materials include a photocopy of a portrait of Susan A. Jones and Henry R. Jones’s military discharge papers. Together, these materials provide documentation of 19th-century family life and personal experiences in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

Robert F. Karolevitz Papers (MA 39)

The Robert F. Karolevitz Papers document the life and career of South Dakota journalist, author and historian Robert F. Karolevitz (1922-2005). Born in Yankton, Karolevitz began writing as a student and later studied printing and journalism at South Dakota State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1948 and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army Infantry in the Pacific, rising to the rank of captain and serving as division historian for the 25th Infantry Division, which led to the publication of his first book in 1946. Over the course of his career, he authored nearly 40 books and numerous newspaper columns, focusing largely on the history and culture of South Dakota and the American Midwest. His work earned national and regional recognition, including a Sigma Delta Chi award, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Wrangler Award and induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. In addition to his writing, Karolevitz was active in civic and historical organizations, contributing to institutions such as the South Dakota State Historical Society and the South Dakota State University Alumni Association.

The collection spans 1833 to 2005, with the bulk of materials dating from 1910-99, and documents Karolevitz’s personal life, writing career, civic involvement and historical research. Personal files include educational records, family correspondence, financial and legal documents, photographs, memorabilia and genealogical materials relating to the Karolevitz family and their connections to Yankton and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Professional materials consist of manuscripts, published and unpublished writings, newspaper columns, speeches, advertising and political ghostwriting, and correspondence with publishers. The papers also include research files on subjects such as South Dakota history, journalism, Catholic institutions, transportation and American military history, containing clippings, notes, pamphlets and supporting documentation gathered for Karolevitz’s writing projects.

A significant portion of the collection consists of photographic materials, including thousands of prints, negatives, slides and postcards documenting South Dakota communities, early automobiles and farm equipment, American Indian communities, historic newspaper offices, Catholic parishes and military subjects. Together, these materials document Karolevitz’s extensive work as a writer and historian and provide a substantial resource for the study of regional history, journalism and cultural life in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains.

Robert F. Kerr Papers (UA 53.6)

The Robert F. Kerr Papers document the life and career of Robert Floyd Kerr (1850-1921), an early faculty member and administrator at Dakota Agricultural College, now South Dakota State University. Educated at Wabash College and DePauw University, Kerr taught in Indiana and Japan before arriving in Brookings in 1885. At the college, he served as professor of political economy, principal of the Preparatory Department, librarian, dormitory manager, boarding club steward and advisor to the Dakota Agricultural Cadets. His career also extended into public service, including roles as private secretary to Gov. Samuel H. Elrod and as a member of the South Dakota Legislature. Active in civic organizations such as the Forum and the Masons, Kerr remained a prominent figure in Brookings until his death in 1921.

The collection, dating primarily from the 1880s through the 1930s, consists largely of correspondence, class records, diaries, scrapbooks, ledgers, maps and personal writings. Letters relating to Kerr’s dismissal from the college in 1892 provide insight into early administrative conflict and faculty relations. Also included are instructional records from 1885 to 1892, diaries from 1886 to 1888, historical writings on Brookings County and the college, marginal notes contributed to "History of SDSC: 1881-1931" and drafts of autobiographical reflections. Additional materials document his interests in regional history, public affairs and social issues.

These papers illuminate the formative years of Dakota Agricultural College, offering evidence of early governance, instructional practices, student life and community engagement. Kerr’s records are significant for understanding the institutional development of SDSU and the broader civic and educational landscape of late 19th- and early 20th-century South Dakota.

Frank Klock Papers (UA 53.69)

Frank Klock was born in 1950 in Sioux Falls. He earned a degree in photojournalism from SDSU in 1973 and worked as a sports editor, writer and photojournalist for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader before joining the faculty at SDSU as a professor of photography. During his tenure, he taught courses in basic photography, photojournalism and advanced photography, served as adviser to the Journalism Club, and acted as a photo judge for professional organizations in South Dakota.

The Frank Klock Papers consist of ten CDs containing digital photographs taken in August 2009 documenting buildings and facilities across the South Dakota State University campus. Images include academic, administrative, residential, athletic, cultural, agricultural and support structures, as well as buildings under construction or renovation. The photographs provide a visual record of the campus built environment at a specific point in time and document facilities use, architectural features and construction activity.

J. Howard Kramer Papers (UA 53.7)

The J. Howard Kramer Papers document the scholarly work and historical research of John Howard Kramer (1902-1998), an educator and higher education leader whose career spanned more than five decades in South Dakota. Born in Canning and raised in Pierre, Kramer earned degrees from the University of South Dakota, the University of Iowa and Colorado State University. After serving as a teacher, debate coach, superintendent and college president at Southern State College and Northern State College, he joined South Dakota State University as professor and head of the Education Department and later returned as professor of education. He was ultimately named president emeritus of Northern State College and professor emeritus at SDSU.

The collection consists primarily of an unedited manuscript draft of Kramer’s book "A History of South Dakota State University, 1884 to 1975." Divided into two major sections covering the introduction through chapter 13, the draft preserves material that was later condensed or omitted from the published version. Also included are biographical sketches compiled by Kramer of SDSU presidents from George Lilley through Hilton M. Briggs, offering detailed perspectives on university leadership across nine decades.

These papers provide valuable insight into the institutional development of SDSU and into Kramer’s methodology as a historian of higher education. The manuscript and presidential biographies preserve contextual detail and interpretive commentary not found in the final publication, making the collection an important resource for researchers studying university governance, administrative leadership and the evolution of SDSU.

Frank Charles William Kuehn Papers (MA 4)

This collection documents the life and professional work of architect Frank Charles William Kuehn (1884-1970), whose career was centered in Huron. Materials date from 1883 to 1970 and include architectural drawings, blueprints, specifications, maps, photographs and related printed and ephemera materials. The records reflect Kuehn’s extensive architectural practice, particularly his work designing schools, churches, municipal buildings, commercial structures and residences throughout South Dakota and neighboring states. Also represented are his Standard Rural School Plans, long association with the South Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and his later county and highway map publishing business serving South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Together, the collection provides detailed documentation of architectural design, construction practices and community development in the Northern Plains during the early to mid-20th century.

Latin American Area Studies Program Records (UA 6.16)

The Latin American area studies program at SDSU was introduced in the 1976-78 general catalog as an interdisciplinary program combining Spanish language instruction with coursework addressing the geography, culture, socioeconomics and politics of Latin American countries. Designed primarily as a vocational emphasis alongside a disciplinary major, the program supports students preparing for careers in agriculture, international business, government service and related fields while promoting cross-cultural understanding between Latin America and the United States.

The Latin American Studies Records document the development and outreach of the program and include newsletters, course materials, and administrative and promotional items. Materials such as issues of Latin American Area Studies News, documents from the South Dakota chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and course materials for Latin American politics reflect the program’s interdisciplinary curriculum, faculty interests and efforts to engage students and the broader community in Latin American social, political and cultural studies.

David J. Law Papers (MA 122)

David J. Law was a news director at KWAT Radio Station in Watertown, South Dakota. The collection is composed of material related to the farm crisis in 1985.

MaryJo Benton Lee Papers (UA 53.24)

The Mary Jo Benton Lee Papers document the academic career, outreach initiatives and diversity leadership of Mary Jo Benton Lee at SDSU from 1987-2010. Trained in journalism and sociology, Benton Lee brought professional reporting experience and interdisciplinary scholarship to her work at SDSU, where she taught communication-focused courses within engineering, advanced diversity initiatives and fostered pathways to higher education for underrepresented students. The collection reflects her roles as educator, graduate assistant for the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, diversity coordinator for the College of Engineering and co-founder of the SDSU–Flandreau Indian School Success Academy.

Materials include course records from Promotional Techniques for Engineers, featuring lecture notes, campaign materials, student publicity projects and documentation of nationally presented teaching models. Files from student-led initiatives such as trade fairs, ethics seminars and entrepreneurship workshops demonstrate applied communication training within engineering education. Personal and administrative records document recruitment and retention efforts for women and minority students in STEM, collaboration with tribal colleges and leadership development programming. Extensive documentation of the Flandreau Indian School Success Academy includes reports, evaluations and program histories illustrating long-term efforts to prepare American Indian students for college success. Together, the papers provide insight into innovative pedagogy, diversity programming and community partnerships in late 20th- and early 21st-century higher education at SDSU.

James K. "Tex" Lewis Papers (UA 53.33)

James K. “Tex” Lewis was born Oct. 24, 1924, in Waco, Texas. He earned a B.S. in animal science from Colorado State University in 1948 and a M.S. in animal science from Montana State College in 1951, and he later pursued graduate studies in range management at Texas A&M University. Lewis joined the faculty of SDSU as a professor of animal sciences, where he specialized in range management and range livestock nutrition. His research was conducted primarily at the Cottonwood and Antelope Range Field Stations and focused on grazing systems, supplementation trials and range improvement studies. He retired from SDSU in 1985.

The James K. “Tex” Lewis Papers document his research and instructional activities in range science. The collection includes research data, field notes, correspondence, publications, photographs, teaching materials, proposals, reports and aerial imagery. Materials relate largely to long-term studies identified as Projects 216, 217, 239 and 421, which examined forage production, grazing systems, livestock weights, soil moisture and related environmental conditions at field stations and other sites in South Dakota. The papers contain observational and statistical datasets, climatological records, soil analyses and materials associated with simulation modeling, as well as documentation of collaboration with professional organizations and agencies. The collection provides evidence of mid-to-late 20th-century range science research and instructional practice at SDSU.

Hilton M. Briggs Library Records (UA 14)

The Hilton M. Briggs Library at SDSU traces its origins to the establishment of a campus library in 1885, when two rooms in Old Central were designated as reading rooms with a small reference collection. As the institution grew, the library expanded through donations and purchases and relocated several times before moving into the Lincoln Memorial Library in 1927. That facility supported the university’s instructional and research needs for several decades, but rapid growth following World War II and the introduction of doctoral programs in the mid 20th century created space and service demands that exceeded its capacity. In response, a new library building was completed in 1977 and named Hilton M. Briggs Library in honor of the university’s longest serving president. Since its dedication, the library has served as the main academic library on campus, supporting teaching, research and the preservation of institutional and regional history.

The Hilton M. Briggs Library Records document the administration, operations and development of the library from its opening in 1977 through subsequent decades. The collection includes administrative and financial records, cataloging and collection development files, committee minutes, policies, reports, publications, newsletters, photographs and documentation of library services such as circulation, interlibrary loan, acquisitions and reserves. Committee records reflect staff governance, outreach, exhibits and strategic planning. These materials illustrate the library’s evolving role in academic support, technology integration and information services, and provide insight into the development of academic librarianship at SDSU and in South Dakota more broadly.

Little International Agricultural Exposition Records (UA 5.12)

Little International is a two-day agricultural exposition planned, organized and managed by students at SDSU and has been held annually since 1921, with brief interruptions due to a scarlet fever epidemic and World War II. Modeled after the Chicago International Livestock Exposition, the event provides high school and college students opportunities to compete in livestock judging, showmanship and fitting contests and has been hosted in several campus facilities, including the Agricultural Heritage Museum, the Intramural Building and the Animal Science Arena. The exposition emphasizes hands-on learning, student leadership and professional skill development while fostering community, school spirit and engagement within agricultural education.

The Little International Records consist of promotional materials documenting the annual exposition, including news releases, posters and official catalogs or programs spanning the 42nd through the 95th events. These materials illustrate the planning, participants, featured activities and evolution of Little International over time and provide insight into student involvement, agricultural education practices and the enduring role of this student-run tradition at SDSU.

H.L. Loucks Correspondence with R.F. Pettigrew (MA 23)

Henry Langford Loucks (1846-1928) and Richard F. Pettigrew (1848-1926) were influential figures in the progressive and populist movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Loucks, a Canadian immigrant and farmer in Dakota Territory, became a leader in agrarian reform, organizing the Territorial Alliance and later presiding over the first national Populist Party convention in 1892. He advocated for cooperative business ventures, government ownership of key industries and direct democracy, playing a key role in South Dakota’s adoption of the initiative and referendum in 1898. Pettigrew, a lawyer and land surveyor, was instrumental in Dakota’s political development, serving as a U.S. delegate and later as South Dakota’s first U.S. senator. Initially a Republican, he later embraced populist ideals, opposing corporate monopolies and promoting economic reform. Both men were prolific writers, with Loucks publishing works such as "The New Monetary System" (1893) and Pettigrew using his political influence to advance progressive policies.

The collection consists of correspondence between Loucks and Pettigrew from 1914 to 1916, primarily discussing political issues related to the progressive movement. It also includes photographs, Loucks’ published editorials, and his 1917 pamphlet Will the Farmer be the "Goat" Once More?, which addresses agricultural and economic concerns. Their letters provide valuable insight into early 20th-century political discourse, reflecting their efforts to challenge corporate power and advocate for reform. As leaders in the populist movement, their exchanges document key strategies and ideological shifts that shaped political activism in the Midwest, highlighting their lasting impact on American political and economic thought.

Vera Way Marghab Papers (MA 25)

Vera Way Marghab (1900-95) was a pioneering entrepreneur in the luxury textile industry. Born in South Dakota, she studied piano in New York before co-founding Marghab Ltd. on the Portuguese island of Madeira in 1933 with her husband, Emile Marghab. Together, they built one of the most esteemed embroidery houses, producing linens celebrated for their craftsmanship, exclusivity and innovative design. Following Emile Marghab’s death in 1947, Vera Marghab led the company for nearly four decades, navigating shifts in global markets and political changes in Portugal before closing the business in 1984. Today, Marghab linens remain a benchmark of excellence, with a complete collection housed at the South Dakota Art Museum.

The Vera Way Marghab Papers is a significant resource for understanding women’s leadership in business, the evolution of luxury branding and the artistry of fine embroidery. Encompassing her personal and professional life, it includes correspondence, business records, design archives, financial documents and marketing materials. The collection sheds light on the meticulous standards that defined Marghab linens, the challenges of sustaining a high-end brand and Vera Marghab’s pioneering role as a female entrepreneur in the mid-20th century. It offers invaluable insight for researchers in business history, textile design and gender studies, preserving the legacy of a woman who shaped an industry.

Marghab Linen Collection at the South Dakota Art Museum

University Marketing and Communications Records (UA 40)

University Marketing and Communications at SDSU, formerly known as University Relations, coordinates institutional communications, publications and promotional activities in support of university advancement and public relations. The unit operates the News Bureau and Publications Office, which provides writing, design and photography services and oversees institutional branding and messaging.

This collection consists of publications and printed materials produced by the unit across several decades, documenting internal and external communications. Major components include serial publications such as Faculty Bulletin, University Bulletin, SDSU Update, E-Update, E-Connect, SDSU Newsline and Today at State, which provided campus news, policy updates, event information and administrative announcements. Additional materials include newsletters, marketing strategy reports, graphic identity manuals, event guides, donor recognition publications, research reports and promotional items. The collection documents the evolution of institutional messaging, branding initiatives and communication strategies and provides evidence of the university’s outreach to faculty, staff, students, alumni and the public.

James Marking Papers (UA 53.36)

Jim Marking (1927-2013) was a South Dakota coach and educator whose career shaped high school and collegiate basketball across the state. Born in Parkston, South Dakota, he served in the U.S. Navy before earning a B.S. in physical education from SDSU in 1950. Marking began his coaching career at Hayti High School, where his teams captured the 1954 South Dakota Boys State Class B Championship, and later at Watertown High School, winning the 1959 Class A Championship. In 1960, he joined SDSU as assistant coach under Jim Iverson and was part of the staff that led the men’s basketball team to the 1963 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship national title. As head coach from 1965-74, Marking guided SDSU to four North Central Conference championships and five NCAA postseason appearances, retiring as the winningest coach in program history at that time. Over 24 years of coaching, he compiled 386 career victories and received numerous honors, including induction into multiple state and conference halls of fame. In 1974, Gov. Richard F. Kneip proclaimed “Jim Marking Day” in recognition of his achievements.

The Jim Marking Collection documents his professional activities as a coach and instructor from the mid-20th century through the 1970s, with later materials reflecting recognition of his career. The papers include instructional materials for health and physical education courses, practice notes, drills, playbooks, recruiting records, weight training programs and scorebooks. Additional materials consist of official programs, press clippings, team photographs, correspondence, retirement tributes and documentation of his hall of fame inductions. Together, the collection provides insight into basketball coaching methods, athletic program development and physical education instruction in South Dakota, while also contributing to the institutional history of SDSU athletics.

Steve Marquardt Papers UA 53.84)

Steve R. Marquardt (1943-) is an academic librarian and administrator whose career spans more than four decades in higher education. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Macalester College and completed graduate study at the University of Minnesota, receiving master’s degrees in European history and library science and a doctorate in the history of modern France. Marquardt held professional positions at New Mexico State University, Western Illinois University and Ohio University before serving as director of libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Northern Illinois University. In 1996, he was appointed dean of libraries at SDSU, where he provided leadership in library administration and information services.

The Steve Marquardt Papers primarily document his research and advocacy concerning Cuba’s political system, human rights conditions and intellectual freedom. The collection includes reports and publications from organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations, as well as U.S. government reports and scholarly analyses addressing Cuban politics, censorship, independent libraries and civil society. Materials also include writings and interviews related to Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro, documentation of political trials, and files reflecting Marquardt’s involvement in human rights and reconciliation initiatives in Brookings, South Dakota. The papers provide valuable primary and secondary source material for the study of censorship, international human rights monitoring and the role of information professionals in global advocacy efforts.

Dave Martin Papers (UA 53.27)

In 1977, David Martin, South Dakota State University sports information director, participated in planning a goodwill basketball trip to Cuba in collaboration with senators George McGovern and James Abourezk and representatives from SDSU and the University of South Dakota. After two years of effort, five SDSU men’s basketball players and five players from the University of South Dakota traveled to Cuba on April 4, 1977, accompanied by coaches, university officials, dignitaries and members of the press. The delegation competed against the Cuban National Basketball Team and met with Cuban officials during a four-day visit before returning to the United States on April 8, 1977.

The Dave Martin Papers document the planning, execution and outcomes of the 1977 trip and span the years 1975-77. The collection includes correspondence, proposals, rosters, press lists, programs, newspaper clippings, posttrip reports, photographs and slides. Visual materials depict the basketball competitions, meetings with Cuban dignitaries and cultural activities in Havana and other locations. The records document the involvement of South Dakota institutions and elected officials in an international athletic exchange during a period of severed diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

Department of Mathematics and Statistics Records (UA 8.3)

Mechanical engineering has been taught at SDSU since its earliest years, with students initially completing a prescribed course of study leading to a B.S. degree in mechanical arts, later renamed mechanical engineering. The Department of Mechanical Engineering was established in 1897 and became fully independent by 1902 following the creation of separate civil and electrical engineering departments. The program prepares graduates for careers across a wide range of engineering and industrial fields.

This collection consists of a small group of materials documenting professional engagement and departmental recognition within the Mechanical Engineering Department. Items include a program from an American Society of Mechanical Engineers conference held at SDSU in 1950 and invitations to retirement banquets honoring faculty members Ken Christianson and Clayton Knofczynski. Together, these materials provide insight into the department’s professional culture, faculty contributions and participation in national engineering activities.

Vicent Joseph McAuliffe Papers (MA 119)

Vincent Joseph McAuliffe was a long employee and contributor to 4-H on a local, national and foreign level. His involvement in 4-H spans over three and a half decades, which came with many promotions and programs. Throughout his career, Joseph received many honors and awards. Following retirement, he further involved himself in 4-H, working as a consultant on a national and foreign level. Folders mostly include newsletters, pamphlets, personal documents, newspaper articles and clippings, and correspondence.

E.S. (Edgar Sharp) McFadden Papers (MA 53)

Edgar Sharp McFadden (1891-1956) South Dakotan and graduate of SDSU who developed rust-resistant varieties of wheat that lead to saving the lives of millions of people from starvation. He was in the U.S. Army during World War I and spent most of his career working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. The collection consists of materials relating to his work with research and production of small grains such as wheat, oats and flax and, in particular, the development of Hope Wheat. In addition, the collection contains biographical information about McFadden and his writings and speeches.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Records (UA 8.4)

Mathematics has been a core part of SDSU since its founding, with early instruction emphasizing systematic thinking, accuracy and independent problem-solving. Over time, the Department of Mathematics developed a liberal arts based curriculum that supports both focused study in mathematics and service instruction for other academic programs. Administratively, the department has been housed within both the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences, with financial oversight currently under engineering and degree programs administered through arts and sciences.

The Mathematics and Statistics Department Records consist of materials documenting departmental communication and student support activities. Records include promotional posters and brochures, newsletters, email correspondence and a policy statement on mathematics placement. Together, the materials reflect the department’s efforts to promote student success through placement practices, tutoring services and outreach to the university community.

Department of Military Science Records (UA 6.7)

Military instruction has been an integral part of SDSU since the late 19th century, originating from land-grant requirements established by the Morrill Act of 1862. Formal instruction began in 1884 and evolved significantly with the establishment of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps following the National Defense Act of 1916, which standardized military education under War Department oversight. Over time, SDSU’s program transitioned from mandatory drills led by civilian faculty to a formal ROTC structure focused primarily on Army and Air Force training. The program has played a prominent role in campus life and leadership education, with notable associations including Gen. Omar Bradley, who served as professor of military science and contributed to the program’s identity.

This collection documents the history and activities of the Military Science Department and ROTC at SDSU from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. Materials include departmental records, ROTC documentation and military organization scrapbooks consisting of correspondence, publications, photographs, programs, enrollment records, artifacts and memorabilia. Together, the records illustrate the development of military education at SDSU, student participation in ROTC and related organizations, and the broader institutional and personal experiences associated with military training on campus.

John E. Miller Papers (UA 53.15)

The John E. Miller Papers document the life and scholarly career of John E. Miller (1945-2020), longtime professor of history at SDSU and one of South Dakota’s most recognized historians. Born in Kansas and educated at the University of Missouri and the University of Wisconsin, Miller joined the SDSU faculty in 1974 and taught American history for three decades. A veteran of the Vietnam War and an active public scholar, he authored and edited numerous works, including studies of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Midwestern identity and American democracy. His honors include the South Dakota Board of Regents Research Award and the Herbert Schell Governor’s Award for History.

The collection includes correspondence, course materials, oral history interviews, manuscripts, research files, audiovisual recordings and born-digital media. A substantial portion documents Miller’s extensive research on Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane, alongside broader work on South Dakota politics, American political culture, small-town life and regional history. Interviews with figures such as George McGovern and other public leaders complement drafts, book proposals, conference papers and public presentations. The papers reflect Miller’s role as teacher, historian and civic participant, preserving a significant record of Midwestern scholarship and public history in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Miltonian Literary Society Records (UA 35.6)

The Miltonian Literary Society was one of the earliest student organizations at SDSU. Originating as the Lyceum Club in the early 1880s, the organization reorganized under a new charter in 1892 as the Miltonian Literary Society following an earlier division that led to the formation of the Athenian Literary Society. The Miltonians focused on developing skills in debate, oratory, extemporaneous speaking and dramatic performance, and remained active until the early 1930s.

The Miltonian Literary Society Records document the organization’s governance and activities. The collection includes the constitution, secretary reports, meeting minutes, play programs and loose papers dating from 1903-31. These materials include clippings, notes, membership records, reports and a 1916 oration on Booker T. Washington. The records provide documentation of early student organizations and illustrate the role of literary societies in fostering rhetorical and cultural engagement at the university.

Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies (UA 6.6)

The Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies has as its primary mission the undergraduate teaching of languages, literatures and cultures to SDSU students, both as majors and minors, and offering service courses for all other degrees on campus. The collection is composed mainly of newsletters produced by the Modern Languages and Global Studies Department. Also included are course announcements, pamphlets, programs, a departmental history and some information about departmental rules.

Multicultural Affairs Records (UA 47)

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at SDSU develops campus initiatives that demonstrate the valued practice and philosophy of multiculturalism within the university community. This collection composed of flyers and broadside for events sponsored by the department.

Department of Music Records (UA 6.4)

The mission of the Department of Music is to musically serve the university, state and region through teaching and advising, research and creative activity, and outreach and general service. The collection is composed concert, faculty recital, senior and junior recital programs. Also included are newsletters, ephemera and photographs.

A.L. Musson Papers (UA 53.8)

A.L. Musson was a professor and head of the animal science department. This collection consists primarily of items collected by Musson on a trip to Somalia and East Africa in 1954. It also includes correspondence and research resulting from the trip.

National Association of Retired Federal Employees Records (MA 46)

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees is a nonprofit organization that works with retired federal employees and their families by advocating for their retirement benefits at the local, state and national levels.

This collection is composed of certificates and awards, convention programs, meeting minutes and assorted materials documenting the National Association of Retired Federal Employees – Big Sioux chapter. Notable items include the chapter’s foundation certificate and banner.

National Federation of Music Clubs Aeolian Club Records (MA 51)

Organized in 1933, the Aeolian Chapter of the National Federation of Music Clubs' objectives were for mutual help and the advancement of music in the community. The collection is composed of club records, yearbooks, scrapbooks, a manual, reports and sheet music.

Department of Natural Resources Management Records (UA 5.10)

The Department of Natural Resource Management's mission is to conduct research, educate at all levels and provide services and outreach that benefit South Dakotans and society as a whole. Our department addresses basic and applied research questions and approaches in: ecology and environmental science, rangeland ecology and management, and wildlife and fisheries sciences. This collection is composed of publications generated by the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Department, including brochures, programs, newsletters and announcements.

Nontraditional Student Club Records (UA 35.8)

The Nontraditional Student Club fostered lifelong learning. The collection is composed of budget data, the constitution, correspondence, membership lists, minutes, executive council material and miscellaneous items.

Nontraditional Student Programs Records (UA 26)

The Nontraditional Student Program office coordinates the activities and advising needs of nontraditional students. The collection is composed of files dealing with administrative issues related to the running of and starting the program. Included are files dealing with day care at SDSU, a recurring problem for the nontraditional student.

George and Evelyn Norby Collection (NA 1)

The Norbys did research for the Brookings Historic Preservation on the history of the city of Brookings, as well as collected old newspapers and pictures pertaining to the history of Brookings. The collection is composed of newspapers, photographs and filed related to Brookings and Brookings County.

Kathleen Norris Papers

Kathleen Norris is a best-selling poet and essayist. She became known for her writings about Christian spirituality, especially after she became a Benedictine oblate and spent two extended periods at Saint John's Abbey in Minnesota. The collection is composed of manuscripts, correspondence, galley proofs, research, books and publications related to her published works of fiction and nonfiction.

College of Nursing Records (UA 12)

The College of Nursing offers programs for B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as well as refresher courses designed to help inactive registered nurses and licensed professional nurses review and update their nursing knowledge and skills. The collection is composed of dean's office records, academic records, accreditation records, agreements and legal contracts made with various entities for use a clinical facilities for student nurses and meeting minutes.

Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Hospitality Records (UA 9.3)

The Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Hospitality offers programs in hotel, restaurant and institution management, nutrition and food science and dietetics. This collection is composed mainly of brochures and posters for nutrition seminars, newsletters and fact sheets describing program offerings.

Oak Lake Writers' Society Records (MA 103)

The Oak Lake Writers' Society hosts annual retreats for Indigenous writers. The focus of the retreat is to strengthen and preserve Dakota, Lakota and Nakota culture, oral traditions and histories. This collection is composed of materials related to the Oak Lake Writers' Society and their summer retreats.

Robert K. Olson Papers (UA 53.41)

Roberta K. Olson was dean of the College of Nursing at SDSU from 1994 to 2013. This collection is composed of materials related to her tenure as dean of the College of Nursing at SDSU. Included are reports, correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, presentations, notes, writings and photographs.

David F. Pearson Papers (UA 3.1)

David F. Pearson began his career as a professor of economics at South Dakota State College in 1957. In 1959, President Briggs appointed him special assistant to the president. In 1973, he was name to the newly created position of vice president of administration. The collection contains files from the office of David F. Pearson while serving as vice president for administration and consists mainly of correspondence and files dealing with the F.O. Butler Foundation, the engineering controversy of the early 1970s and material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial celebration on the campus of SDSU.

College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions (UA 13)

The College of Pharmacy offers degrees for Doctor of Pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and medical laboratory science. The collection is composed of newsletters and periodicals produced by the College of Pharmacy. Also included are programs, clippings, pamphlets and other office records.

Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society Records (UA 35.9)

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recognizes and encourages of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. The collection is composed of programs for banquets and lectures, faculty lectureship nomination letters and a few speeches from annual faculty lectures.

Phi Upsilon Omicron Records (UA 35.10)

Phi Upsilon Omicron is a family and consumer sciences honor society that stresses professional works and service to the campus and community. The collection is composed of material collected by the Phi Upsilon Omicron Phi chapters at SDSU. Included are correspondence, minutes, newsletters, annual reports, scrapbooks, member lists, financial information, publications, clippings, meeting minutes and agendas and photographs.

Department of Philosophy and Religion Records (UA 6.12)

Philosophy deals with the fundamental questions of life, including the nature of knowledge, the basis of morality and politics and the rational analysis of religious beliefs. The study of religion introduces students to the various historical and contemporary expressions of religious traditions as a dimension of the human experience. The collection is composed of pamphlets, booklets and a course announcement.

Department of Physics Records (UA 8.9)

The Department of Physics offers the B.S. in physics in which students choose one of four elective groups: professional physics, health and medical physics, applied physics and flexible emphasis. The collection is composed of a report for sabbatical during the spring 2007 semester by Joel Rauber.

Department of Plant Science Records (UA 5.8)

The Department of Plant Science offers programs in agronomy, horticulture and landscape architecture. The collection is composed of administrative records and publications generated by the Plant Science Department, including correspondence, class notes, pamphlets, reports, posters and programs.

Phillip E. Plumart Papers (UA 53.35)

Phillip E. Plumart a professor of poultry at SDSU. The collection is comprised largely of materials related to the poultry coursework of Phillip E Plumart, both as a graduate student and as a faculty member.

Department of Political Science Records (UA 6.10)

The political science program offers courses on American politics, political theory, international relations, comparative politics and public law. The collection is composed of records regarding Municipal Institute held by the Political Science Department at SDSU as well as material regarding the International Institute of Municipal Officials, the South Dakota Local Government Institute and records produced by the Department of Political Science.

James Pollock Papers (MA 131)

James Pollock is an American artist renowned for blending abstract and concrete styles, drawing inspiration from Bauhaus geometry, ancient cave art and traditional landscapes. The James Pollock Papers document the evolution and artistic contributions of this South Dakota artist, with a particular focus on his involvement in the U.S. Army’s Vietnam Combat Artists Program. This comprehensive collection encompasses an array of materials — including notes, interviews, reports, photographs, sketches and correspondence — that illuminate Pollock’s creative process, military experiences and artistic development both during and after his service.

Central to the collection are Pollock’s original ink sketches, which explore themes ranging from South Dakota’s landscapes and wildlife to intricate human studies, reflecting his regional heritage and stylistic progression. The papers also highlight Pollock’s impact within military and civilian spheres through extensive media coverage, exhibition documentation and press articles. His professional network and public engagement are further showcased through correspondence with a wide array of contacts and his active participation in veterans' art forums.

The James Pollock Papers offer an in-depth portrayal of an artist who integrates military history, cultural heritage and personal expression. This collection not only underscores Pollock’s enduring artistic legacy but also provides valuable insights into the intersection of art and military service.

Bert Popowski Papers MA 5)

Bert John Popowski (1904-1982) was a writer, photographer and expert hunter known for his contributions to outdoor literature and wildlife conservation. A graduate of South Dakota State College, he authored over 2,300 articles and several books, including "Hunting Pronghorn Antelope." He contributed to major publications like The American Rifleman and The Outdoorsman and gained national recognition as a hunter, innovator and award-winning photographer. In 1979, he donated his works to South Dakota State University, where he was honored as the Dean of South Dakota Outdoor Writers.

The collection, spanning 1935-1978, includes manuscripts, published articles, research materials, correspondence and visual content. Highlights include writings on big game hunting, conservation and outdoor techniques; award-winning photographs; illustrations for "Crow Shooting;" and a phonograph record, "Crow Calling," reflecting his expertise in crow hunting. This collection offers valuable insight into mid-20th century hunting culture, wildlife management and outdoor journalism.

William H. Powers Papers (UA 53.9)

William H. Powers was library at SDSC from 1905-1931. This collection consists mainly of notes and research for history of SDSU. Also includes correspondence and notes related to the Brookings Public Library, Ethical Culture Club and the World Disarmament Committee.

Paririe Repertory Theatre Records (UA 65)

The Prairie Repertory Theatre Records are composed of programs, posters, season ticket brochures, scrapbooks and photographs from the plays, musicals and revues produced by the group.

President's Office Records (UA 1)

The Office of the President is responsible for regulating and overseeing the general administration of the university. The collection is composed of administrative material generated and received by the Office of the President of SDSU. Included are files related to the history of the university, anniversary celebrations, campus buildings, the engineering controversy of the 1970s and Resolution 21.

Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi Chapter Records (UA 35.15)

The Society of Professional Journalists is a broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. This collection is composed of the scrapbooks documenting activities of the society. These scrapbooks consist mainly of correspondence, examples of their publications, special projects and clippings.

Department of Psychology Records (UA 6.11)

The primary objective of the Department of Psychology is to provide a solid foundation in scientific psychology to prepare our students for employment in a psychology-related field or for additional graduate study. The collection is composed of programs, newsletters and posters produced by the department.

Publications Council Records (UA 50.5)

The Publications Council served as the advisory board for all publications that appeared on the South Dakota State College campus. The collection is composed of the minutes from the meetings and some correspondence of the Publications Council.

"Incredible Gladys Pyle" Collection (MA 20)

Gladys Pyle (1890-1989) was a pioneering South Dakota politician and the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without prior appointment. A graduate of Huron College, she taught high school before becoming the first woman elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives (1923-27) and later serving as secretary of state (1927-31). She was also active in the women’s suffrage movement. In 1938, Pyle won a special election to the U.S. Senate, serving briefly from Nov. 9, 1938, to Jan. 3, 1939. Researchers Jeanette Kinyon and Jean Walz, known for their historical and biographical work, began compiling materials for a biography of Pyle in 1981, conducting interviews and gathering historical records.

The "Incredible Gladys Pyle" Collection contains clippings, correspondence, financial records, manuscripts, research materials, transcripts and audiocassettes documenting Pyle’s political career and personal life. It includes book advertisements, correspondence about its publication and manuscripts under two titles. Audio recordings capture Pyle’s reflections on her career, as well as discussions on political and social issues. The collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding Pyle’s legacy as a political trailblazer, preserving firsthand accounts of her experiences and contributions to South Dakota and national politics.

Records and Registration (UA 22)

The Registrar's Office maintains official records on enrollment, biographical student data, grades, credits and degrees conferred. The collection is composed of a course schedules, short course announcements, correspondence, meeting minutes, procedures for registration of classes and enrollment summaries, statistics and reports.

For transcripts please contact the Records and Registration office.

• Phone: 605-688-6195
• Email: sdsu.registrar@sdstate.edu

Reel Images Film Society Records (UA 52.8)

The Reel Images Film Society screened movies that are not generally shown at local theaters or found in video stores. This collection is composed of pamphlets and flyers produced by the Reel Images Film Society.

Ben Reifel Papers (MA 9)

The Ben Reifel Papers document the life and career of Benjamin Reifel (1906-90), the first Lakota Sioux elected to the U.S. Congress. Born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Reifel's early career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and distinguished military service in World War II laid the foundation for his leadership in Native American affairs. Earning advanced degrees from Harvard, he played key roles in shaping federal Indian policy before being elected to Congress in 1960 as a conservative Republican. During his five terms, Reifel championed issues such as Indian education, farm policy and civil rights, contributing to the establishment of the National Endowment for the Humanities and securing the Earth Resources Observation Systems center for South Dakota. Following his retirement in 1970, he remained active in public service, holding leadership roles with the National Capital Planning Commission and serving as interim Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

The collection includes correspondence, photographs, audiovisual materials, memorabilia and scrapbooks that provide insight into Reifel’s extensive public service and advocacy. It highlights his work with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the South Dakota Art Museum, as well as his efforts to promote Native American economic and social development. The papers also reflect his personal achievements, including numerous awards and honorary doctorates. This collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding Reifel’s impact on public policy, his contributions to Native American communities and his legacy in South Dakota’s political and cultural landscape.

Remnant Trust Committee Collection (UA 51.6)

The Remnant Trust loaned 50 books dealing with the topics of liberty and dignity to SDSU during the 2005 fall semester. This collection is composed of publications created by the Remnant Trust, material related to a gala celebration opening the collection.

Residential Life Records (UA 31)

Residential Life administers programs and facilities for all on-campus housing and the university food service. The collection is composed of resident assistant and student housing staff manuals and material for the food service and residence halls on the campus of SDSU.

David Richards Collection on N.E. Hansen (MA 49)

David Richards was an admirer of N.E. Hansen and often stopped to visit him in his office. After Hansen's death in 1950, Richards asked for and received permission to keep a few souvenirs and then dug through the trash filling several boxes with papers of historical value.

This collection is composed South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station bulletins, circulars and reports, manuscripts, correspondence, catalog descriptions, transplanting cards, research projects and material related to the South Dakota Horticultural Society, collected Russian publications, seed catalogs, clippings and photographs.

Marilyn Richardson Papers (UA 53.11)

Marilyn Richardson was a professor in the health, physical education and recreation department teaching primarily dance. This collection consists of materials related to dance and the teaching of dance at South Dakota State University. Slides, photographs, videos, posters and scrapbooks document the formal entrance of dance into the SDSU curriculum.

Scabbard and Blade Records (UA 35.11)

Scabbard and Blade raises the standard of military drill in college and universities, encourages qualities for food and efficient officers, and promotes good fellowship among the cadets. The collection is composed of initiation procedures, a manual and minutes for Company I, 6th Regiment of Scabbard and Blade.

Committee on Scholarly Affairs Records (UA 51.2)

The Committee on Scholastic Affairs would hear, consider and make recommendations on grade appeals, student transfers, academic probation, absences and withdrawal of students. This collection is composed of correspondence, form letters and minutes of meetings.

Scholastic Standards Committee Minutes (UA 51.3)

The Scholastic Standards Committee approved curricula, recommended graduate requirements, established policy, dealt with the scholastics probation and served as an advisory committee to the dean of academic affairs. This collection is composed of minutes of meetings held between 1956 and 1967.

School of Agriculture Records (UA 52.11)

The School of Agriculture was an agricultural high school that taught practical classes to prepare students for life on the farm and in the home. This collection is composed of publications generated by the School of Agriculture, including newspapers, programs, bulletins and recruitment circulars.

School of Design – Department of Visual Arts Records (UA 6.9)

The Department of Visual Arts offers courses in animation, art education, art history, ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, film, illustration, interactive design, graphic design, mobile app design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and web design. The collection is composed of departmental records.

T. W. Schultz Nobel Prize 30th Anniversary Planning Committee Records (UA 51.7)

SDSU committee formed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of T.W. Schultz winning a Nobel Prize in economics. Collection is composed to minutes, correspondence and planning material.

Theodore W. Schultz Collection (MA 22)

The Theodore W. Schultz Collection documents the career and contributions of Nobel Prize-winning economist Theodore W. Schultz (1902-1998), known for his groundbreaking work on human capital and agricultural economics. Born in South Dakota, Schultz’s early experiences on a farm and the agricultural depression of the 1920s influenced his research. After earning degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of Wisconsin, he began his academic career at Iowa State University before joining the University of Chicago, where he played a key role in shaping modern economic theory. His pioneering work on education as an investment in human capital and the role of agriculture in economic development earned him the Nobel Prize in economics in 1979.

The collection spans 1932 to 1992 and includes correspondence, research notes and an extensive selection of his published works, many of which bear his signature. Key publications explore foreign aid, economic development, agricultural productivity and investment in education. The Dale Hoover Collection on Schultz contains annotated drafts and conference papers, highlighting Schultz’s collaborative research process. The collection also includes materials from the Schultz Symposium (1980-81), reflecting continued discussions on his economic theories. As a highly regarded economist and adviser to governments and organizations, Schultz’s work remains influential in shaping policies on education, economic growth and global development.

SDSU Advisory Council Records (UA 50.7)

The SDSU Advisory Council brought about a clearer understanding of the objectives, activities, problems and needs of SDSU as related to the needs of the state of South Dakota. The collection consists mainly of meeting packets that were distributed to members of the council at each meeting.

SDSU Clippings Scrapbooks (UA 52.4)

Artificial collection composed of scrapbooks consisting of newspaper clippings from newspapers and publications from across the state of South Dakota.

SDSU Ephemera Collection (UA 52.9)

An artificial collection consisting of ephemera related to SDSU that does not fit in to the scope any other collections.

SDSU Foundation Records (UA 16)

The South Dakota State University Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of SDSU. The collection is composed of financial statements, newsletters, fundraising promotional material and other publications produced by the South Dakota State University Foundation.

Charles L. Sewrey Papers (UA 53.10)

Charles L. Sewrey taught political sciences, economics and history. This collection consists of collected materials presumably used for research, correspondence and writing and miscellaneous materials. Manuscripts and published works are devoted primarily to anti-Catholicism.

Elmer and Cecile Sexauer Papers (MA 6)

This collection documents the personal and professional lives of Elmer and Cecile Sexauer, featuring materials such as postcards, diaries, scrapbooks and family papers. It provides insight into their travels, family history and involvement in the seed and grain industries.

The collection highlights their contributions to their communities and offers valuable context for understanding early 20th-century American life, including their social networks and experiences.

Harold W. Shunk Papers (MA 3)

Harold W. Shunk (1907-98) was an educator, public servant and historian from Philip, South Dakota. His career included teaching in Tripp County, working on the Rosebud and Cheyenne River Indian reservations, and serving as superintendent for several Bureau of Indian Affairs agencies. After retiring in 1968, he remained active on various educational and governmental boards and contributed to local media in Rapid City.

The collection focuses on the history of the Dakota and Lakota, featuring manuscripts, notebooks, historical lists and personal histories. Key items include transcripts from the Wahehe Heirship hearing, materials on the Dakota Indian Tiospaye system, records of military posts like Fort Laramie and Fort Totten, and accounts of significant events such as the Big Foot massacre and the second Battle of Wounded Knee. Prominent figures include Crazy Horse, Crow King, Spotted Tail, Plenty Horses and Shunk himself.

Sigma Xi, SDSU Chapter 139 Records (UA 50.12)

The scientific research society Sigma Xi is an honorary organization whose purpose is to encourage original investigations in pure and applied sciences. This collection is composed of a history of Sigma Xi at SDSU, newsletters, lecture information, graduate student research award material and science and engineering fair information.

Oscar and Alice Simonson Papers (MA 75)

Oscar E. Simonson (1913-2014) and Alice Margaret Bakken (1918-) were married on June 11, 1938. They made their home and farmed in the Bristol area for 40 years, planting their first crops in the spring of 1939. The collection consists of farm family record books compiled by Alice and Oscar Simonson from June 1, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1979, for their farm in Day County. In these workbooks, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Home Administration, farmers recorded monthly all money taken in and paid out, as well as farm-furnished food, an annual summary and a five-year inventory. The workbooks provide details of a family farm during the mid-20th century. The collection also includes some images of the family and an oral history interview conducted with Alice Simonson in 2016.

Sioux Falls Summer Track Program Records (MA 89)

The Sioux Falls Junior Chamber of Commerce/Jaycee Summer Track Program began in 1969. This program was part of a “1969 Junior Champ track program” scheduled in ten cities in South Dakota and sponsored by the South Dakota Jaycees and Spader Camper Center of Brookings. This collection is composed on material created by the Sioux Falls Summer Track Program. It consists of schedules, entry forms, minutes, race results, clippings, correspondence and other material related to the organization.

Clav Snow Photograph Collection (MA 123)

Photographs were taken by Clav Snow while he attended South Dakota State College in the 1930s. Photographs include images of Hobo Day, Military Field Day Exercises, campus buildings and friends.

Department of Sociology and Rural Studies Department Records (UA 5.9)

The Department of Sociology and Rural Studies' mission is to strengthen and deliver high-quality programs in teaching, research, service and extension, contributing to the quality of life and sustainable development locally, the state, region, nation and world. The collection is composed of publications generated by the Rural Sociology Department, including reports, pamphlets and surveys.

Sokota Hybrid Producers, Inc. Records (MA 50)

Sokota Hybrid Producers Inc. made hybrid seed corn available to farmers in South Dakota and the surrounding states. Composed mainly of Board of Directors' minutes from its incorporation in 1944 to its dissolution in 1986, articles of incorporation, bylaws, purchase agreement, financial material and trademark information.

South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Records (UA 5.3)

The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station's mission is one of the cornerstones of a land-grant university. In addition to enhancing the quality of life in our state, our research directly supports the teaching programs offered by the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences and the educational program delivered by SDSU Extension. The collection is composed of material generated by the stations and includes financial reports, general office records, research, institutional reviews and publications, including some bulletins and circulars. Also included are files related to station biochemistry.

South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum Records (UA 39)

The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is the official state museum that collects, preserves and interprets the history and science of agriculture and rural life in South Dakota. This collection is composed of newsletters, brochures and direct mail related to exhibits.

South Dakota Art Museum Records (UA 38)

Established in 1970, the South Dakota Art Museum acquires and cares for works of art, which preserves the rich and varied artistic legacy of South Dakota. The collection is composed of records related to the director of the museum, exhibition records, Board of Trustees records and Guild records. Folders consist of meeting minutes, correspondence, files related to the operation of the museum, and files and photographs related to gallery exhibitions.

South Dakota Association for Family and Consumer Education Records (MA 35)

The purpose of this organization has basically remained the same: to promote the improvement of home and community life. The collection is composed of administrative records for the South Dakota Association for Family and Community Education, including president, secretary and treasurer records, membership records and scrapbooks. Also included are records of various clubs for Brookings County, Moody County, Pennington County, Perkins County and Spink County.

South Dakota Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Records (UA 46.2)

The SDIAWA was formed in 1971 to coordinate athletic activities for women in colleges and universities in South Dakota. It was a subunit of the national Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and belonged to Region VI of that organization. The SDAIAW dissolved on June 15, 1982. The collection contains correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, competition results and governance documents for the South Dakota Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.

South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Records (MA 7)

The South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, founded in 1913 as the South Dakota Home Economics Association, unites professionals in family and consumer sciences to advance education, research and standards in the field. It organizes seminars, conferences and policy guidance and advocates for legislation to improve family life. The association also collaborates with related professional groups to address societal issues impacting the field. The materials in this collection, including newsletters, meeting minutes and correspondence, offer valuable historical insight into the organization's development, leadership and impact on family and consumer sciences in South Dakota.

South Dakota Board of Regents Collection (UA 52.5)

The South Dakota Board of Regents is the constitutional governing board for the six South Dakota universities and two special schools. The collection is composed of minutes and materials published by the South Dakota Board of Regents and collected by the office of the president and various other department at SDSU.

South Dakota Crop Improvement Association Records (MA 29)

The South Dakota Crop Improvement Association acts as a voice of action in all aspects of producing and marketing agricultural crops, including the promotion of agricultural research and education of members. The collection is composed of records of the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association. Records consist mainly of minutes, agendas and programs from meetings, crop shows and banquets.

South Dakota Dairy Association Records (MA 10)

The South Dakota Dairy Association Records document the organization's efforts to support and promote the state's dairy industry from its founding in 1904 until its 1993 merger with the North Dakota and Minnesota dairy promotion councils to form the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

This collection includes administrative records, financial documents, annual reports, meeting minutes and convention programs, illustrating the association’s role in policy advocacy, industry development and professional networking. It also features governance materials, contest records, regulatory documents and memorabilia such as medals and photographs.

These records offer valuable insight into the economic impact of dairy farming in South Dakota and the evolution of industry standards, making them an important resource for researchers in agricultural and rural history.

South Dakota Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Records (UA 50.13)

The Eminent Farmer and Homemaker program began in 1927 by South Dakota State College, now South Dakota State University. The purpose was to recognize and to express appreciation to outstanding farmers, ranchers and homemakers in South Dakota; these people are the outstanding leaders in rural South Dakota. The collection is composed of scrapbooks, photographs, citations and publications related to Eminent Farmer and Homemaker Program and SDSU.

South Dakota EPSCoR Records (UA 56)

The South Dakota EPSCoR program is designed to assist states in establishing a self-sustaining academic research enterprise with the competitive capability that will contribute to the states' economic viability and development. This collection is composed mainly of proposals to the National Science Foundation for research project. Also included are annual and semiannual reports, publications, minutes and some conference material.

South Dakota Farm Bureau Records (MA 26)

South Dakota Farm Bureau is an agriculture organization that serves its members by working to improve the personal, social, economic and political interests of South Dakota’s farm and ranch families. The collection is composed of records of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation and associated groups. Records include minutes, publications, reports and other materials.

South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records (MA 11)

The South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records document the early agricultural reform movement in Dakota Territory, focusing on farmers’ efforts to organize against economic hardships and railroad monopolies. The collection includes an 1887 address by President H.L. Loucks, proceedings from the Alliance’s annual convention that same year and an undated advertisement for "A Book for Farmers – Dunning’s Farm Ledger and Historical Account." These materials reflect the alliance’s advocacy for economic reforms, railroad regulation and farmer education.

The South Dakota Farmers’ Alliance emerged in the early 1880s, influenced by the National Farmers’ Alliance and driven by declining wheat prices and growing opposition to railroad policies. The movement gained momentum in 1885 with the formation of the Dakota Farmers’ Alliance in Huron, rapidly expanding across the region. These records provide insight into the Alliance’s objectives, leadership and strategies, offering valuable context for researchers studying agrarian activism, economic policy and rural political movements in South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmers Union Records (MA 12)

The South Dakota Farmers Union Records document the organization’s history, advocacy and contributions to agricultural policy and rural development from the early 20th century to the early 2000s. The collection includes organizational records, correspondence, meeting minutes, financial statements, legal documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings and publications. These materials highlight the Union’s role in supporting family farmers, promoting cooperative enterprises and shaping legislative initiatives at both the state and national levels. Significant topics include agricultural legislation, cooperative movements, rural electrification, political campaigns and economic policies affecting South Dakota farmers.

The collection’s audiovisual materials include recorded speeches, radio programs, interviews and films featuring key figures such as Ben Radcliffe, George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey and Eleanor Roosevelt. The Cooperative Legacy Project provides an oral history of the cooperative movement through over 110 hours of interviews with Farmers Union leaders and grassroots activists. Additionally, local union records, educational initiatives and extensive photographic documentation capture the union’s grassroots organizing and impact on rural communities. The South Dakota Farmers Union Records serve as a valuable resource for researchers studying agricultural policy, rural advocacy and cooperative enterprises in South Dakota.

South Dakota Humanities Council Records (MA 17)

This South Dakota Humanities Council Records provides a comprehensive record of the South Dakota Humanities Council's activities, grants, proposals, research, publications and correspondence from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It documents the council's extensive efforts to advance humanities education, cultural engagement and community outreach throughout South Dakota. Key materials include documentary and educational films focused on Native American culture, South Dakota history and environmental issues, along with research on reservation life, ethnic groups, rural development and regional history. The archive also contains proposals and records related to funding for humanities projects, correspondence with educational and government institutions, and detailed financial documents ensuring transparency in the council's operations.

The collection also includes meeting minutes, publications and promotional materials that highlight the Council's ongoing initiatives and outreach efforts. Special projects, such as the South Dakota Festival of Books and Chautauqua programs, are well-documented, along with photographs capturing events and educational activities. Through its extensive records of meetings, proposals and community-based cultural projects, this archive offers significant insight into the development of humanities education, state-level cultural policies and community engagement in South Dakota, making it an invaluable resource for researchers exploring the region's cultural history and the evolution of its humanities landscape.

South Dakota Social Science Association Records (MA 45)

The South Dakota Social Science Association was an organization of professional sociologists and students from colleges and universities in South Dakota. The collection is composed of correspondence, clippings, programs, treasurer's reports, publications, abstracts and reports, meeting minutes and meeting planning material, including arrangements for speakers at annual meeting.

South Dakota State Poetry Society Records (MA 72)

The South Dakota State Poetry Society was formally organized on Oct. 5, 1927. The collection is composed primarily of board meeting information, publications by the organization including Pasque Petals, publications by South Dakota poets and the 2015 Poet Laureate recommendation to the governor.

South Dakota Water Resources Institute Records (UA 5.11)

The South Dakota Water Resources Institute at South Dakota State University provides leadership on evolving water concerns and problems being faced by South Dakota citizens through research, educational opportunities for students and professionals and community outreach.

This collection is composed of departmental records of the institute, as well as collected reports dealing with the Missouri River Basin Project.

Stakota Club Records (UA 35.12)

The Stakota Club promoted pep and spirit at university basketball and football games. This collection is composed of minutes from meetings and the club constitution, which includes several revised copies. Also included are some activities conducted by the Stakota Club, correspondence and a list of secretarial duties.

State University Theatre Records (UA 66)

The State University Theatre Records are composed of programs, posters, season ticket brochures and photographs from the plays, musicals and revues produced by the group.

Doner Auditorium Green Room

Beryl Stewart Papers (MA 14)

Rhea Beryl DeHaven Stewart (1899-1961) was a South Dakota educator, writer and advocate for literature and education. After beginning her teaching career at 16, she earned degrees from Northern State Teachers College and the State University of Iowa. She taught English and drama at Aberdeen Central High School. In 1943, she left teaching but remained active in writing and educational advocacy, serving on the South Dakota Board of Education (1947-59) and as a delegate to President Eisenhower’s Conference on Education in 1955.

This collection preserves Stewart’s literary and professional legacy, including her manuscripts, published works, correspondence and scrapbooks. Her essays, poems and short stories appeared in numerous literary and rural publications, earning national recognition and awards. The collection also features her involvement in literary organizations such as the National League of American Pen Women and the South Dakota Press Women. The scrapbooks document her career through correspondence, critiques and clippings, providing insight into her influence on literature and education in South Dakota. This archive serves as a valuable resource for understanding Stewart’s contributions as a writer, educator and advocate for the arts.

Joseph and Signe Stuart Papers (UA 536.65)

Joseph and Signe Stuart worked and taught in Brookings for several decades. Signe Stuart was a professor of art at SDSU from 1972 to 1994, and Joe Stuart served as director and curator at the South Dakota Art Museum. The collection is composed of the work history of Joseph and Signe Stuart. Materials consist of lecture notes, correspondence, retirement material, material related to Signe's Badlands intermedia performance at South Dakota State University, art exhibition material, photographs, videos, sketches and biographical information.

Student Affairs Division Records (UA 19)

The Division of Student Affairs at SDSU enriches the students' overall educational experiences through the delivery of quality services and programs, as well as by providing intentional learning experiences in global awareness, leadership and social responsibility. The collection is composed of annual and biennial reports as well as publications, material related to TRiO Programs, and materials from the Student Affairs Council and other committees and task forces that work with Student Affairs.

Student Essays (UA 52.2)

An artificial collection consisting of student essays written between 1890 and 1900.

Student Health and Counseling Services Records (UA 29)

Student Health focuses on the delivery of outpatient primary care, medical consultation and referral, wellness education, human sexuality services and health insurance programs. The collection is composed of various flyers, pamphlets and newsletters produced by Student Health and Counseling Services.

Student Ledger, South Dakota State College (MA 36)

This collection is composed of a ledger maintained by an unknown student at South Dakota State College during World War II. The ledger contains a detailed list of student expenses.

Collected Student Organization Files (UA 35)

Artificial collection composed of material about various student organizations on the campus of SDSU.

Student Research Papers (UA 52.10)

The student research papers is an artificial collection, which consists of papers written by graduate degree candidates.

Student Union and Activities Records (UA 32)

Student Health focuses on the delivery of outpatient primary care, medical consultation and referral, wellness education, human sexuality services and health insurance programs. The collection is composed of various flyers, pamphlets and newsletters produced by Student Health and Counseling Services.

Students' Association Records (UA 37)

The Students’ Association is the primary organization representing the interests, needs and concerns of students on campus. This collection is composed of administration records, minutes and agendas of the association and associated committees, including the Board of Control, financial records and subject files. Folders may include constitutions, bylaws, correspondence, clippings and reports.

Summer Session Office Records (UA 50.15)

The director of the Summer School carried out the policies directing the summer session program and authorized the various activities inherent in the summer session program as delegated to the director by the university president. This collection is composed of summer session report written by the director of the Summer Session.

Technology and Security Division Records (UA 42)

The Office of Information Technology provides the technology, skills and services that contribute to and support the land-grant mission of SDSU. This collection is composed of the records of the Office of Information Technology and includes files from the computing services, vice president's office, information technology services and classroom technologies services.

Clark S. Thomas Student Expense Notebook (MA 73)

Notebook of Clark S. Thomas documenting his personal expenses while attending South Dakota State College.

Verl Thomson Papers (MA 68)

Verl Thomson was a South Dakota broadcaster who worked for the first broadcast radio station in Sioux Falls in 1924 and later went on to be an announcer and program director for KSOO, KELO and an announcer for NBC in Chicago. The collection contains a copy of Virginia Thomson’s theses about Verl Thomson and memorials and tributes to Thomson.

Valerian Three Irons American Indian Collection (MA 104)

Valerian Three Irons, was an American Indian Studies professor and diversity association at SDSU from 1997-2011. He donated the "Listen to Indians" microfiche to the Archives in 2004.

The “Listening to Indians” project was planned, executed and directed by Samuel I. Meyers as part of the New York Times Oral History program. The project was funded by the New York Times Oral History program and completed in 1978. Members of many American Indian tribes are represented.

Title III Strengthening Institution Program Grant Records (UA 52.12)

The Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant was called Activity V and their role was to improve institutional management and student services by networking the academic community on campus. This collection is composed material related to the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program Grant.

Alfred G. Trump, Jr. Papers (UA 53.39)

Alfred G. Trump, Jr (1907-94) was the head librarian at South Dakota State College in 1948 and was named director of its libraries in 1959. He held this position until his retirement in 1972. He continued as its archivist emeritus until 1977 and was also instrumental in the logistical challenges of its move of from Lincoln Library to the Hilton M. Briggs Library in 1977. The papers consist mostly of materials related to Trump’s retirement from the South Dakota State University Library, including scrapbooks and programs. Other items in the collection include certificates and plaques.

TLN Productions Discover America, South Dakota Videos (MA 61)

Collection contains videos documenting events and scenery in South Dakota. The footage is taken of Lake Andes, the Fort Randall Casino, Aberdeen and the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe in South Dakota.

University Center Records (UA 50.16)

SDSU offers degrees at an off-campus center in southeastern South Dakota. This collection is composed of class schedules, student handbooks and articles.

University College Records (UA 10)

The mission of University College is to help SDSU students succeed academically and encourage lifelong learning. The collection is composed of general college records generated by the College of Registration and the College of General Studies and Outreach Programs.

University Marketing and Communications Records (UA 40)

Marketing and Communications supports the advancement activities of South Dakota State University's Foundation, Alumni Association and Admissions Office. The collection is composed of items published by University Relations, with most of the material being Today at State, Faculty Bulletin, University Bulletin, SDSU Update and E-Connect. Also included is a small amount of material dealing with the graphic identity of the university.

University Program Council Collection (UA 033)

The University Program Council is designed to serve as the primary programming organization at SDSU and is composed of various committees for programs and special projects or events. The collection is composed of posters, newsletter, clippings, programs, pamphlets, brochures and publications for events sponsored by the University Programs Council, including the arts, concerts, Hobo Day and other special events.

Helen J. Van Zante Endowment Collection (UA 50.8)

The Helen J. Van Zante Endowment supported visiting professors on such subjects as housing, home furnishings and household technology. This collection consists of material related to design forums and visiting artist professorships held at SDSU in relation to the Van Zante Endowment in connection with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Department of Visual Arts.

Veterans Advising Records (UA 28)

The Veterans Advising office was set up following World War II to assist the veterans in making the transition to college, as well as assist them with paperwork and monetary support. This collection is composed of certificates for tuition and records of tuition waived for war veterans and a pamphlet explaining the G.I. Bill for veterans published by South Dakota State College.

Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Records (UA 5.13)

The mission of Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences is to protect and improve the health of animals, the viability of the South Dakota livestock industry and the welfare of society through high-quality diagnostic, research, Extension and teaching activities. The collection is composed of newsletters, reports, photographs and booklets from conferences, symposiums and workshops of the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.

The Vigil of South Dakota Records (MA 94)

The Vigil in South Dakota was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1992 by Mary Perpich and Norman Gambill. The collection mainly includes the organization’s involvement with the issue of censorship of “The Portrait of a Marriage” by Educational Telecommunication and responses to the debate over censorship in South Dakota.

Audrae Visser Papers (MA 52)

Audrae Visser is an American educator and poet and was poet laureate of South Dakota from 1974-2001. The collection is composed primarily of correspondence with Charles Woodard, Visser’s poetry and prose writings, and photographs.

School of Design – Department of Visual Arts (UA 6.9)

The Department of Visual Arts offers courses in animation, art education, art history, ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, film, illustration, interactive design, graphic design, mobile app design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and web design. The collection is composed of departmental records.

Vivian V. Volstorff Papers (UA 53.12)

Vivian Volstorff was dean of women, director of student activities and professor of history. This collection consists of material from Volstorff’s time as dean of women, records from her work with campus organizations, planning documents, and personal information and correspondence. Also included are Volstorff’s many speeches and writings, including research and drafts for her book, "Winds of Change."

Robert T. Wagner Papers (UA 53.31)

Robert T. Wagner was president of SDSU from 1985-1997. Papers related to his career at SDSU as a teacher and administrator.

Richard C. Wahlstrom Papers (UA 53.26)

Richard C. Wahlstrom was a professor at SDSU who served as head professor in the Department of Animal Husbandry. He later served as the department head of animal husbandry for eight years. He holds the prestigious title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus at SDSU as well. The collection is comprised mainly of articles written by Wahlstrom and associates as well as speeches and talks given by Wahlstrom relating to his research involving the swine nutrition.

Grace Wangberg Collection (MA 98)

Grace Wangberg was a South Dakota State student in the late 1940s and graduated from SDSU in 1950 with a B.S. degree. She was a home economics teacher in the early 80s.

Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center Records (UA 8.7)

The Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center conducts research, education and outreach activities through principal investigators who are faculty members in the Engineering College. This collection is composed of center records, the atmospheric, environmental and water resources Ph.D. program records, research projects and the Huron Recharge project records.

Women Artists in Collaboration Records (MA 21)

The Women Artists in Collaboration Records document the formation and activities of a dynamic group of women artists in Brookings, South Dakota. Established in 1985 following a presentation sponsored by the Brookings Women’s Center, the group fostered a collaborative artistic environment, with membership evolving annually based on participation. Financial support from Friends of the Arts and the Brookings Women’s Center helped sustain their projects and performances.

The collection, compiled by co-founder Marilyn Richardson, primarily consists of correspondence (1986-90), financial records (1987-90), and project materials (1985-89), which provide insight into the group's creative process and organizational efforts. Notably, the project records document performance concepts and the nature of artistic collaboration. Additional materials include clippings, guest books (1987), meeting records (1986-87), member biographies and programs, as well as two scrapbooks (1985-87, 1988) featuring photographs and memorabilia from performances. This collection is significant for its documentation of grassroots artistic collaboration and the role of women in the arts community of Brookings.

Women's Studies Program Records (UA 6.17)

The Women's Studies Program was an interdisciplinary program enabling the student to select courses dealing directly or indirectly with women, including the development of feminism, women's changing roles in the family, religion, the labor force and politics. The collection is composed of Women’s History Month material, Woman of Distinction Awards Tea material, sponsored programs and material describing the Women’s Studies minor.

Young Men's Christian Association Records (UA 35.13)

The Young Men's Christian Association promoted the growth of Christian faith and furthered good character, citizenship and leadership. The collection is composed of secretary’s and treasurer’s books, a handbook for members programs for lecture courses, programs for plays, the YMCA Entertainment Series, a student conference and installation banquets.

Gertrude Stickney Young Papers (MA 8)

The Gertrude Stickney Young Papers document her significant academic, historical and civic contributions to South Dakota. A longtime faculty member at South Dakota State University and author of historical works, Young played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s intellectual environment and preserving the state’s history. Key works in the collection include "South Dakota: An Appreciation" (1944) and "Dakota Again" (1950), which reflect her dedication to local history. Additionally, her other writings, such as "Dr. Frederick A. Stafford in Dakota, 1884-1922" and "William Joshua Cleveland, 1845-1910," highlight her broad historical interests.

The collection also contains clippings, correspondence and manuscripts, including personal items and works like "Glimpses of South Dakota State College" (1957). Other materials document her involvement in local organizations and her collaborations with figures like Ada Caldwell. This collection is a valuable resource for understanding the cultural, educational and civic history of South Dakota, as well as Young's lasting influence on the state's historical scholarship.

Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor (UA 35.14)

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor promoted an earnest Christian life among its members, to increase their mutual acquaintance and to make them more useful in the service of God. The collection is composed of the secretary’s books, the constitution and bylaws for the society, and a small booklet of prayer meeting topics.

Marcus S. Zuber Papers (MA 40)

Zuber (Jan. 10, 1912-) was well known for his contributions to corn breeding. His development of tools and techniques and genetically improved populations or inbreds resulting from his research was released to hybrid corn breeders for utilization and improvement of hybrids grown by farmers. The collection is composed of scrapbooks documenting Marcus S. Zuber's years of corn breeding research.