Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The first catalog of South Dakota State University included a proposed engineering curriculum. A full course of study was outlined, and by 1891, the university’s two graduates were both engineering students. Early instruction focused on civil and mechanical engineering, while electrical engineering was taught through the Department of Physics, briefly known as the Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering. By 1900, growing enrollment led to the creation of separate departments for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
In 1924, the university reorganized into five divisions—precursors to modern colleges. The Engineering Division offered degrees in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Physics and mathematics were housed in the General Science Division, while agricultural engineering was initially in the Agriculture Division. All eventually became part of the Engineering Division, now the College of Engineering.
In 1976, due to declining enrollment and budget concerns, the South Dakota Board of Regents proposed consolidating engineering education at the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City. The proposal, known on campus as the Engineering Controversy, was never implemented but generated significant opposition and renewed support for the College of Engineering at SDSU.
In 1986, the College established the Engineering and Environmental Research Center to serve the university, industry, and citizens of South Dakota. The center launched several initiatives, including the Engineering Extension Service, the Office of Remote Sensing, the South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program, the University/Industry Technology Service, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Jerome J. Lohr, who enrolled in 1955 as a civil engineering student, has had a lasting impact on the College of Engineering through his leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy. In recognition, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved renaming the college the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering on June 20, 2013.