David F. Pearson Papers

Identity elements

Reference code

UA 003.01

Level of description

Papers

Title

David F. Pearson Papers

Date(s)

  • 1886-1982 (Creation)

Extent

6.84 linear feet (6 records boxes, 2 flip top document cases, small)

Name of creator

(1916-1990)

Biographical history

David Pearson received a law degree from the University of South Dakota and returned to South Dakota State University in 1957 serving as an Assistant Professor of Economics. In 1959, President Briggs appointed him Special Assistant to the President. He retained his teaching position, attaining Professor status in July, 1965. In 1973, President Briggs named him to the newly created position of Vice President for Administration. In reality, many of the duties Pearson was assigned from 1959 to 1973 were essentially the same as those formally given to him after 1973. In addition, he headed the Greater State Fund, which has grown into what we now know as the SDSU Foundation. David Pearson retired in August, 1980. He died July 10, 1990.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

This collection is composed of files from the office of David F. Pearson while serving as Vice President for Administration. Folders consist mainly of correspondence and files dealing with the F. O. Butler Foundation, the engineering controversy of the early 1970s, and material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial celebration on the campus of South Dakota State University.

The correspondence consists of letters sent and received by David F. Pearson while service was Vice President for Administration.

The F.O. Butler Foundation files are composed of material dealing with the organization of the F.O. Butler Foundation at South Dakota State University. Folders contain approved requests, Articles of Incorporation, campus enrichment, and correspondence files.

The Engineering Controversy files is composed of material dealing with the controversy surrounding the possible removal of the College of Engineering from South Dakota State University in the early 1970s. Folders contain correspondence, analysis, departmental actions, clippings, and master plan material.

The Bicentennial Celebration files is composed of material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial on the campus of South Dakota State University. Folders consist of budget and proposal material, committee minutes, calendar of events, and correspondence.

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

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    Specialized notes

    Alternative identifier(s)

    ID

    UA003.01

    ID

    UA 3.1

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