Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1967-2009 (Creation)
Extent
8.0 linear feet (8 record boxes)
Name of creator
Biographical history
Delmar R. Johnson was born on July 17, 1947, in Mitchell, South Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from South Dakota State University in 1969 and a Master of Education from the same institution in 1991.
Johnson began his career at South Dakota State University in 1969 as a programmer. From 1969 to 1974, he taught mathematics and computer programming. In 1982, he was appointed Co-director of the Computing Center and later became Director of University Computing Services. He served in that role until 2003, when he became Director of Administrative and Research Computing. He played a central role in the development and expansion of the university’s computing infrastructure during a period of significant technological change.
Delmar Johnson retired from South Dakota State University in 2012.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Del Johnson Papers span the period of Delmar R. Johnson’s tenure as Director of University Computing Services (1982–2003) and later as Director of Administrative and Research Computing at South Dakota State University (2003–2012). The collection documents Johnson’s leadership and involvement in the planning, development, and administration of computing infrastructure and services across the university.
The records primarily consist of extensive correspondence, committee files, planning documents, and meeting minutes. Topics include computer capacity and configuration planning, instructional computing initiatives, university-wide technology planning, and the multi-phase network infrastructure rebuild project around 2000. Johnson’s work with campus and statewide advisory councils, including the Computer User’s Advisory Council (CUAC), is also well documented. The collection reflects Johnson’s collaborative efforts with university administrators, academic departments, and external consultants such as Elert and Associates and IBM.
Of particular significance are materials related to strategic technology initiatives, including long-term planning for instructional computing, mainframe consolidation, and integration of computing into research and extension services. The collection also provides historical insight into SDSU's evolving IT governance, security policies, and infrastructure across academic units.
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 descriptions
Notes element
General note
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Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Johnson, Delmar R. (Subject)