Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Papers
Title
Hilton M. Briggs Papers
Date(s)
- 1935-2001 (Accumulation)
Extent
14.84 linear feet (11 records boxes, 1 half document case, 2 oversize boxes)
Name of creator
Biographical history
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.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed of the personal papers of Hilton M. Briggs. It is composed of material related to his retirement as president of South Dakota State University and his life after his retirement. It also contains recognition materials in the form of plaques, certificates, and trophies. Included are many files related to his induction to the Saddle and Sirloin Club portrait collection. Also included are biographical materials, clippings, correspondence, writings, photographs, and scrapbooks.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related Archival Materials
- UA 1 President's Office Records, South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Online Content
- SDSU President's Collection, Digital Library of South Dakota
Publications
- Modern Breeds of Livestock, Hilton M. Briggs, New York, Macmillan, 1949. Archives: SF105.B68m
- Seventeen years: a report from South Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, 1975. Archives: S537.S6 S6095