This collection documents the professional and administrative activities of David Pearson at South Dakota State University from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. The bulk of the materials consists of chronological correspondence files dating from 1976 to 1982, reflecting Pearson’s role in university administration and his involvement in institutional planning, policy discussions, and external relations.
A significant portion of the collection relates to the “Engineering Controversy,” a major issue in South Dakota higher education concerning the organization, funding, and location of engineering programs within the state. These materials include correspondence, reports, cost analyses, enrollment data, legislative documents, and records associated with the development of a statewide academic master plan. Also included are meeting records, departmental actions, news clippings, and Pearson’s notes, which document the political, educational, and economic dimensions of the controversy from the 1960s through the mid-1970s.
The collection also contains records related to South Dakota State University’s participation in the United States Bicentennial celebration (1973–1977). These materials include correspondence, committee records, proposals, financial documents, outreach planning, and publicity materials, illustrating the planning and coordination of commemorative events and institutional involvement at the state and national levels.
Additional materials include oversize correspondence and subject files. Together, the collection provides insight into university governance, statewide higher education planning, and institutional initiatives during a period of administrative growth and public engagement.

The David B. Doner collection is comprised primarily of a scrapbook documenting Doner’s career in higher education administration, alumni relations, and civic service. The scrapbook includes numerous newspaper clippings and approximately twenty certificates related to his professional and public roles. Photographic content consists of black and white photographs, including approximately eight images of South Dakota State University, eight images documenting alumni activities, thirty six personal snapshots, and a group of nine large format and thirteen smaller glossy photographs depicting public figures and events. Identified individuals represented include Governor Foss, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Senator Karl Mundt, and Christy Christesen. Additional materials include five menus or programs, two letters, one telegram, the publication Stadium for State dated circa 1959, and approximately eight photographs documenting travel and sightseeing. The collection also includes five loose black and white family photographs taken on March 19, 1949, in Iowa City, Iowa.

The collection documents David B. Doner’s professional life and public service, particularly his long tenure at South Dakota State College and South Dakota State University. It offers evidence of mid twentieth century university administration, alumni relations, civic engagement, and institutional culture, as well as visual documentation of university events, public figures, and Doner’s personal and family life. The scrapbook reflects Doner’s prominent role in the history of SDSU and his connections to state and national leaders.