Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1913-2020 (Creation)
Extent
2.0 linear feet (2 record boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative 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.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The College of Engineering Records document the development, administration, instruction, research, outreach, and public engagement efforts of the College of Engineering at South Dakota State University. The materials span from the early 20th century through the early 2000s and include booklets, programs, brochures, correspondence, meeting minutes, periodicals, reports, posters, and photographs.
The collection includes annual reports, course catalogs, and documentation of student-focused programs such as Engineering Expo, Exploration Days, and the Senior Design Conference. A significant portion relates to Engineering and Science Research at SDSU, consisting of researcher-specific summary sheets, reports, and correspondence covering work in engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, and agronomy.
Records reflect student and professional development through honor societies, trade fairs, and seminars on ethics, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Impulse magazine, a recurring periodical published by the college, is well represented and highlights events and accomplishments. Also included are files on the history of the college, the development of its departments and facilities, and its community and industry partnerships.
Biographical files feature individuals such as Harold M. Crothers, Harry and Halvor Solberg, and Guy Lee Boyden. The collection also includes material related to the “engineering controversy” of the 1970s, which involved a proposal to relocate the College of Engineering to another institution. These records, composed mainly of clippings, correspondence, and notes, document a critical moment in the college’s history.
This collection documents the evolution of engineering education at South Dakota State University. It offers insight into the college’s response to statewide and national trends, its contributions to research and workforce development, and its engagement with public and private sectors. The records reflect efforts to expand STEM education, support underrepresented students through programs like the Flandreau Indian School Success Academy, and promote innovation through public exhibitions and outreach. Researchers will find valuable material on institutional history, pedagogy, research, and the impact of engineering education in South Dakota.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Information request form: Ask Us!
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
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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Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.