This collection is composed of records generated by the Department of Sociology and Rural Studies at South Dakota State University. It documents a wide range of departmental activities, research initiatives, and academic programs from the mid-20th century into the early 21st century. Materials include course enrollment data, curriculum development files, correspondence, publications, program evaluations, exit exams, faculty resources, and student support materials. The records also contain numerous state-level statistical reports on public health, demographics, education, poverty, and Native American communities in South Dakota, as well as audiovisual materials, program proposals, and inter-institutional agreements.
Of particular note are publications and reports addressing rural poverty, community development, education of culturally diverse populations, Native American history and governance, and public attitudes toward genetically modified organisms. The collection also includes materials related to federal and state census activities, university outreach initiatives, graduate program administration, and professional development.
These records document the department’s role in shaping public policy and rural development through applied research and outreach. They offer valuable insight into demographic trends, health behavior data, Native American education, and institutional responses to social issues in South Dakota. The collection serves as a resource for researchers in rural sociology, public health, Native studies, educational policy, and regional planning.
