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Finding Aid
SDSU-Archives UA 006.11 · Records · 1980-1992, 2005

The Psychology Department Records are composed of materials produced by the department, including banquet programs, departmental newsletters, and a research study poster related to gambling. These records provide a brief glimpse into the department’s public-facing events, internal communications, and research activities.

These materials document aspects of departmental culture, outreach, and research at South Dakota State University’s Department of Psychology. While limited in scope, they reflect the department’s engagement with students and the broader academic community through events, publications, and scholarly inquiry.

South Dakota State University. Department of Psychology
Publications Council Records
SDSU-Archives UA 050.05 · Records · 1933-1970

This collection documents the activities and administrative functions of the Publications Council and its oversight of student publications at South Dakota State College. The records consist primarily of meeting minutes dated 1933 to 1970, which reflect policy decisions, publication approvals, personnel recommendations, and management of The Collegian and the Jackrabbit yearbook. Additional materials include a 1965 advertising questionnaire, 1946 clippings, engraver contracts for the Jackrabbit from 1951 to 1956, financial records for The Collegian from 1957 to 1962 and for the Jackrabbit from 1951 to 1967, and an inventory of Jackrabbit materials dated 1942 to 1952.

The records provide documentation of student publication governance over nearly four decades. They offer evidence of editorial and managerial selection processes, financial and contractual arrangements, and operational oversight of major student publications. The materials support research on the history of student media, administrative structures, and publication practices at South Dakota State College.

South Dakota State University. Publications Council
SDSU-Archives UA 022 · Records · 1884-2011

This collection contains records created and maintained by the Office of Records and Registration, documenting its core functions in academic scheduling, student enrollment tracking, commencement planning, and coordination with academic departments. The bulk of the collection consists of comprehensive course schedules spanning decades, catalogs, commencement programs, and enrollment statistics. Also present are short course circulars, committee meeting minutes (including the Committee of Deans and the Committee on Entrance Requirements), administrative correspondence, procedural manuals, and national reporting data such as IPEDS. The collection also includes records related to software implementation (DataTel STUDENT) and various guides related to registration and student services.

These records offer insight into the administrative and academic operations of South Dakota State University, particularly in how course offerings, student registration, and academic policies evolved over time. They are essential for understanding the university’s response to changing educational needs, technological advancements in registration systems, and national trends in enrollment and reporting. This collection supports research in institutional history, higher education administration, curriculum development, and student services.

South Dakota State University. Office of Records and Registration
SDSU-Archives UA 052.08 · Records · 1999-2000

This collection is composed of pamphlets and flyers produced by the Reel Images Film Society.

South Dakota State University. Reel Images Film Society
SDSU-Archives UA 051.06 · Records · 2001-2005

This collection is composed of materials created by the Remnant Trust, the South Dakota State University Remnant Trust Committee, and the SDSU Archives & Special Collections. The materials include promotional publications produced by the Remnant Trust and documents related to a gala celebration marking the opening of the collection at SDSU. These records reflect the university’s collaboration with the Remnant Trust and its commitment to fostering educational engagement through access to rare and significant works.

The materials document the institutional and public engagement surrounding the introduction of the Remnant Trust collection to South Dakota State University. They highlight both the ceremonial and scholarly aspects of the project, offering insight into the university's efforts to elevate public access to primary texts focused on liberty, human rights, and historical inquiry.

South Dakota State University. Remnant Trust Committee
Residential Life Records
SDSU-Archives UA 031 · Records · 1969-2008

Residential Life Records contains materials related to residential life and food services at South Dakota State University. It includes manuals for resident assistants and student housing staff, food service menus and programs, residence hall handbooks, contracts, and information brochures.

This collection consists of documentation pertaining to Residential Life at South Dakota State University, including residence hall operations, staff training, and food service programs. Materials include resident assistant and housing staff manuals detailing organizational structure, policies, and emergency procedures. Food service content ranges from meal plan brochures and catering menus to special event menus and advisory council notices. Also included are residence hall handbooks, application materials, staff directories, and promotional posters, providing insight into student housing operations and services offered on campus.

This collection provides documentation of the policies, services, and organizational structure of on-campus living and dining at SDSU. It reflects the university’s efforts to support students' residential experience through structured staff roles, varied food service options, and student engagement in residence life governance.

South Dakota State University. Residential Life
Scabbard and Blade Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.11 · Records · 1926-1979

This collection consists of initiation materials, a procedural manual, and meeting minutes for the Scabbard and Blade Company I, 6th Regiment. The manual outlines the society’s annual calendar, initiation procedures, officer duties, correspondence with national headquarters, and other administrative processes. The initiation documents cover nomination procedures, pledge week conduct, and organizational objectives. The minutes detail officer elections, membership rosters, financial reports, and involvement in campus events such as Hobo Day and Spring Sing. Topics also include constitutional amendments, military balls, and scholarship discussions.

These materials provide insight into the leadership training, military traditions, and campus involvement of ROTC cadets at South Dakota State across several decades. They reflect the organization's commitment to service, honor, and fellowship, and its role in shaping the student military experience.

Scabbard and Blade Fraternity
SDSU-Archives UA 051.03 · Records · 1956-1967

This collection is composed exclusively of meeting minutes generated by the Scholastic Standards Committee of South Dakota State University between 1956 and 1967. The minutes document the committee’s deliberations on academic standards, policies governing student performance, and related procedural issues concerning the university’s scholastic regulations during the postwar expansion period. These records provide insights into institutional governance and academic policy development over more than a decade of university growth.

The Scholastic Standards Committee helped to shape the academic integrity of SDSU programs. The documentation found in this collection reflects mid-twentieth century shifts in university administration, faculty oversight, and curricular development. The minutes may be of particular interest to researchers examining higher education policy, faculty governance, or student academic regulations during this period.

South Dakota State University. Scholastic Standards Committee
SDSU-Archives UA 052.11 · Records · 1911-1930

This collection is composed of printed material created by the School of Agriculture at South Dakota State University and includes newspapers, programs, bulletins, and recruitment circulars. Items range in date from 1911 to 1933 and document student activities, curriculum, publicity, and institutional functions.

The Aggie News, issued in 1929 and 1930, was a quarterly newspaper produced by the State Alumni Association of the School of Agriculture. It featured news relevant to students and faculty, including organizational updates and event announcements. The collection includes partial runs only.

Recruitment circulars, dating from circa 1925 to 1930, were distributed by the principal to promote the School of Agriculture. These documents contained promotional text, program highlights, and occasionally included photographs of the campus and students.

The 1911 bulletin contains in-depth information about academic departments, courses of instruction, entrance requirements, administration, instructors, facilities, student expenses, and available scholarships. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the school’s educational offerings at that time.

Other items include commencement programs from 1926 to 1931 and 1933, Junior-Senior Banquet programs from 1914 and 1928, a senior class play program from 1929, and a circa 1912 promotional brochure titled Keepin' Mind School of Agriculture.

This collection illustrates the educational environment, student life, and outreach strategies of the School of Agriculture during the early 20th century. It reflects institutional efforts to recruit students, inform the public, and document academic milestones through print media. The items provide insight into the agricultural education practices and campus culture of South Dakota State University during this formative period.

South Dakota State University. School of Agriculture
SDSU-Archives UA 006.03 · Records · 1922-2014

The School of Communication and Journalism Records collection at South Dakota State University offers a view of the department’s academic, professional, and cultural history. The materials include a wide array of newsletters, pamphlets, programs, posters, reports, and instructional aids that document the department’s evolution, its educational initiatives, and its engagement with both students and the broader journalism community.

The collection features numerous departmental publications such as newsletters and bulletins that provided updates on internships, academic programs, and faculty activities. It includes promotional and commemorative materials from events like Journalism Week, Newspaper Day, the Lusk Lecture, and various banquets and conferences. These materials reflect the department’s commitment to fostering professional development and celebrating milestones in journalism education.

A significant portion of the collection is devoted to student involvement and experiential learning. The South Dakota Observer, a newspaper entirely produced by students—from writing and editing to typesetting and printing—serves as a central artifact of the department’s hands-on approach to journalism training. Other student-centered materials include style guides, course announcements, and workshop pamphlets, which illustrate the department’s emphasis on practical skills and industry standards.

The collection also highlights the department’s efforts to engage with underrepresented communities, particularly through materials related to American Indian journalism and media. Pamphlets and programs from career conferences and symposia underscore the department’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the field.

Instructional resources such as transparencies, slides, and visual aids used in teaching courses on media history and design are also present, offering insight into the pedagogical strategies employed by faculty. Administrative documents, including annual reports and institutional reviews, provide context for the department’s internal development and external recognition, including national awards and accreditations.

This collection is a resource for understanding the history of journalism education in South Dakota and the broader Midwest. It captures the department’s leadership in printing and rural journalism, its dedication to student learning, and its contributions to the professional journalism landscape.

South Dakota State University. School of Communication and Journalism
SDSU-Archives UA 006.02 · Records · 1974-2013

This collection documents the activities of the English Department and its engagement with literature, writing, and regional studies at South Dakota State University. It includes departmental publications such as newsletters, pamphlets, posters, and promotional material for events including the Great Plains Writers’ Conference and the Jerome Norgren Poetry Contest. Also present are proceedings and departmental policies, providing insight into the department’s academic and outreach initiatives.

A significant component of the collection is the Pioneer Women Papers, a series of student research projects produced for the course Women Writers of the Great Plains taught in 1978–1979 by Dr. Ruth Alexander. Supported by a grant from the Modern Language Association’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, the course emphasized the study of regional women writers. These papers offer original biographical and literary research, complemented by photographs, press material, and instructor notes. The collection reflects both the department’s commitment to regional literary scholarship and its efforts to promote student engagement with women's literature from a local perspective.

South Dakota State University. School of English and Interdisciplinary Studies
SDSU-Archives UA 050.07 · Records · 1965-1969

The SDSU Advisory Council Records consist primarily of meeting packets distributed to council members. These packets include membership lists, statistical data, departmental reports and publications, resolutions from previous meetings, presentations, and leaflets summarizing the outcomes of annual meetings. Also included is a 1969 newsletter reporting the results of that year's annual meeting. These materials provide insight into the administrative and advisory functions of the Council and document its role in institutional planning and review at South Dakota State University.

This collection reflects the structure and function of advisory governance at SDSU. It documents faculty and administrative engagement in decision-making processes and offers evidence of historical departmental activities and strategic planning initiatives. The materials serve as a valuable resource for understanding institutional priorities, academic developments, and council deliberations over time.

South Dakota State University. SDSU Advisory Council
SDSU Foundation Records
SDSU-Archives UA 016 · Records · 1967-2023, undated

The South Dakota State University Foundation Records document the fundraising, donor engagement, and promotional activities of the SDSU Foundation from the mid-20th century through the early 21st century. The collection includes financial statements, annual reports, campaign case statements, feasibility studies, newsletters, event invitations, donor recognition materials, and internal publications.

Fundraising campaigns such as It Starts with State, Visions for the Future, Impact Greatness, and Return to Glory are well represented, along with fundraising efforts for specific university programs and facilities, including the Performing Arts Center, Solberg Hall, and the Pride of the Dakotas marching band. Researchers will also find a variety of materials related to alumni and donor engagement, including Foundation Focus, Honor Roll of Contributors, Fellows Update, and Stately Review. Administrative materials include Council of Trustees directories, strategic planning reports, workshop documentation, and investment performance summaries. Promotional content such as flyers, brochures, direct mail pieces, and event programs are included, as well as personal touches like holiday greetings and celebratory publications. A notable item is a historical reflection authored by Keith Jensen on the Foundation’s development at its 50-year mark.

This collection illustrates how the SDSU Foundation has helped shape the university’s academic, physical, and cultural environment through sustained fundraising and relationship-building efforts. Scholars examining the history of institutional advancement, alumni relations, and campaign strategy will find rich documentation of changing practices and priorities over time. The materials also reflect broader regional and national trends in nonprofit management, educational funding, and the role of community support in public university development.

South Dakota State University Foundation
SDSU-Archives UA 050.12 · Records · 1978-2004

The Sigma Xi, SDSU Chapter 139 Records document the activities and history of the South Dakota State University chapter of Sigma Xi, a scientific research honor society. The collection includes a commemorative booklet marking the first 25 years of the chapter, materials related to distinguished lectures and graduate student research awards, newsletters, documentation of the chapter’s involvement in science and engineering fairs, and a historical paper titled Nicolaus Copernicus: His Life and Work by Marian Wnuk, presented under the auspices of Sigma Xi. These records reflect the chapter’s role in promoting scientific research, recognizing scholarly achievement, and engaging the university and local community in scientific discourse.

This collection is significant for understanding the development and contributions of a major scientific honor society at SDSU. It illustrates the chapter's efforts to foster research excellence, support graduate student work, and organize public-facing events such as lectures and science fairs. The materials serve as a record of faculty and student involvement in the broader scientific community and offer insight into the academic culture of SDSU over several decades.

Society of the Sigma Xi
SDSU-Archives MA 089 · Records · 1969-1976

This collection consists of materials created by the Sioux Falls Summer Track Program. It includes schedules, entry forms, meeting minutes, race results, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and other records related to the program’s activities and organization.

SDSU-Archives UA 035.15 · Records · 1947, 1976-1978, 1984

The records of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi Chapter at South Dakota State University, consist primarily of scrapbooks documenting the chapter’s activities from the mid-20th century. These scrapbooks include clippings, photographs, and memorabilia related to society events, projects, and regional journalism. Due to deterioration, the scrapbooks were dismantled for preservation purposes; most materials were photocopied, and items in good condition were retained.

A notable feature of the collection is documentation of the society’s newspaper awards program, which recognized excellence in South Dakota journalism. Honors were given for achievements in local public affairs reporting, community service, editorial writing, and front-page design. Award recipients included the Canova Herald, Hot Springs Weekly Star, Madison Daily Leader, Sioux Valley News, Mobridge Tribune, Vermillion Plain Talk, and Wessington Springs Independent.

This collection offers insight into student-led professional development, regional journalism standards, and the role of collegiate chapters in advancing the mission of the Society of Professional Journalists.

This collection is a resource for researchers interested in journalism history, press ethics, student organizations, and the regional newspaper landscape in South Dakota during the mid-20th century. It also reflects the broader mission of the Society of Professional Journalists to encourage ethical journalism and professional development.

Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi
SDSU-Archives UA 005.09 · Records · 1938-2012, undated

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.

SDSU-Archives MA 050 · Records · 1941-2004

The Sokota Hybrid Producers Records document the activities of the Sokota Hybrid Producers, Inc. from its incorporation in 1944 to its dissolution in 1986. The bulk of the collection consists of Board of Directors minutes, which typically include meeting agendas, minutes, and occasionally newsletters, correspondence, and reports. These records offer insight into the cooperative's governance and strategic decisions over four decades of operation.

In addition to board minutes, the collection contains foundational documents such as articles of incorporation, by-laws, certificates of amendment and dissolution, and a purchase agreement related to Nickerson American Plant Breeders. Financial records are extensive and include corn payments, revolving fund certificates, grower and producer ledger sheets, membership and equity certificates, and a photocopy of the first check issued by the cooperative. Materials related to seed production and marketing include performance test results, annual booklets, grower notes, pricing lists, policy documents, and promotional publications.

Supporting materials include newspaper clippings on Sokota’s history, documents related to South Dakota cooperative law (Chapter 47-15), and memorabilia such as anniversary items, photographs, employee information, branded clothing patches, and seed catalogs. The collection provides a comprehensive view of the operations, legal structure, and community impact of a mid-century South Dakota agricultural cooperative.

Sokota Hybrid Producers
SDSU-Archives UA 005.03 · Records · 1887-2019, undated

The South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Records document the research, administration, and outreach activities of the Experiment Station and affiliated departments at South Dakota State University from its founding under the Hatch Act of 1887 through the early 21st century. The collection includes administrative files, financial records, correspondence, agreements, committee materials, research reports, institutional reviews, terminated project files, and publications. Research documentation reflects work conducted at field stations across the state and includes studies in crop and livestock improvement, soil fertility, pest management, biotechnology, climate adaptation, environmental quality, and rural development.

Institutional reviews and terminated project files—compiled as part of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) review process—evaluate departmental performance and summarize completed or discontinued research efforts. Publications such as bulletins, circulars, and pamphlets synthesize findings for dissemination to farmers, scientists, and the public.

These records provide a view of the development of agricultural research in South Dakota, illustrating how land-grant research evolved in response to scientific, economic, and environmental challenges. They document the Experiment Station’s role in advancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and public policy at the state, regional, and national levels. The collection is valuable for studying institutional accountability, research planning, and the broad impact of public science in the Northern Great Plains.

South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station
SDSU-Archives UA 039 · Records · 1978-2024

This collection documents the programming, outreach, publications, and interpretive efforts of the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Materials date primarily from the late 20th and early 21st centuries and include annual reports, marketing materials, newsletters, exhibit documentation, event programs, workshop materials, and promotional items. The records reflect the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the history of agriculture and rural life in South Dakota from 1860 to the present.

Included are brochures, flyers, calendars, postcards, and posters related to museum events and exhibits. Exhibits represented in the records include: Dreams Fulfilled and Dreams Forgotten, Groundbreakers, Between Fences, South Dakota Made, FarmHER South Dakota, and several others focusing on agricultural science, machinery, and rural culture. Programs and lectures include the Brown Bag Series, the N.E. Hansen Lecture Series, author events, historical presentations, musical performances, and hands-on workshops such as homebrewing, Dutch oven cooking, scrapbooking, and embroidery preservation.

A variety of outreach efforts are also documented, including direct mail campaigns, community events, holiday promotions, and museum store marketing. Newsletters from both the museum and the Friends of the Museum group offer insight into ongoing operations, donor engagement, and institutional developments. Unique artifacts such as souvenir books, trade cards, historical postcards, and commemorative publications further support the museum’s mission to preserve agricultural heritage.

These records are a resource for their detailed documentation of public history efforts relating to South Dakota agriculture, material culture, and rural life. They provide insight into how a university-affiliated museum engages with diverse audiences through exhibitions, educational programming, publications, and outreach. The collection also reflects broader themes in public history, museology, and rural studies.

South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
SDSU-Archives UA 038 · Records · 1969-2024

This collection consists of administrative, exhibition, and support organization records for the South Dakota Art Museum from its founding through the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The materials document the museum’s internal operations, public programming, physical development, and community engagement, particularly under the leadership of founding director Joseph M. Stuart and subsequent administrators.

Director’s records include materials related to the planning, construction, and expansion of the museum building, including architectural plans, specifications, fundraising materials, and correspondence surrounding the original facility (dedicated in 1970) and later additions in the 1990s. Fundraising records primarily document the Visions for the Future campaign and include profiles, strategies, correspondence, and Board of Trustees involvement. Financial documents include operating budgets, accounting reports, museum shop inventories, and grant records.

Exhibition records constitute a major portion of the collection and comprehensively document the planning and execution of exhibitions from 1970 through the early 2000s. Included are exhibition catalogues, promotional materials, artist correspondence, insurance and shipping documents, photographs, slides, press clippings, and exhibition planning documents such as object labels and installation instructions. The exhibitions span a wide range of themes, styles, and artists, including both national and international figures, as well as a strong focus on South Dakota artists and Native American art. Highlights include recurring biennials, traveling exhibitions, and retrospectives of significant regional artists such as Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe.

Board of Trustees records include meeting agendas and minutes, member biographies, correspondence, reports, committee files, by-laws, ethics policies, and orientation materials. These materials document the museum’s governance and strategic planning over several decades.

The Guild records reflect the activities of the South Dakota Art Museum Guild and include by-laws, handbooks, training materials for docents, correspondence, promotional documents, and event planning records. These materials emphasize the Guild's volunteer and educational role in museum outreach and support.

Other materials include accreditation documentation submitted to the American Association of Museums, annual reports, publications, event planning files, and materials related to special initiatives and commemorative events. The collection also includes significant documentation on the museum’s permanent collections, particularly works by Harvey Dunn, Oscar Howe, and the Marghab Linen Collection.

This collection offers documentation of the development, programming, and administration of the South Dakota Art Museum, the first museum in South Dakota to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. It illustrates the museum’s growth from a state-supported regional institution to a key center for visual arts in the Northern Plains. The records reveal the museum's emphasis on South Dakota’s artistic heritage, particularly through its stewardship of landmark collections and support of Native American and regional artists. The materials also highlight the museum’s role in public education and cultural outreach through exhibitions, publications, events, and docent programs.

South Dakota Art Museum
SDSU-Archives MA 035 · Records · 1923-2011

This comprehensive collection documents the history, leadership, and activities of the South Dakota Association for Family and Community Education (SDAFCE) and its predecessor organizations, including the South Dakota Extension Homemakers Council and affiliated Home Demonstration Clubs. The records span from the early 20th century through the late 1990s and reflect decades of grassroots civic engagement, adult education, and rural community development led by women across South Dakota.

The collection includes administrative records such as constitutions, bylaws, financial statements, chairmen handbooks, guidelines, honorary certificates, and minutes from state and local meetings. It also features extensive newsletters, membership applications, correspondence, cross-stitch patterns, postcards, and program materials. A substantial portion of the collection is composed of club-level documentation—including enrollment records, secretary’s books, and scrapbooks—from Brookings, Moody, Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, Spink, and Clark counties. These materials illustrate the scope of educational projects, cultural programming, safety campaigns, and international outreach efforts conducted by local clubs.

Of particular note are items from the Susan Wilder Scholarship Committee, slide presentations on homemaker history, and artifacts such as wall hangings, podium cloths, gavels, and banners. The records also include documentation of SDAFCE’s collaboration with the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service and participation in national and international homemaker associations.

This collection offers valuable insight into the role of rural women in shaping South Dakota’s educational and civic landscape. It is a vital resource for researchers studying women’s voluntary associations, cooperative extension history, home economics, and local grassroots leadership.

SDSU-Archives UA 046.02 · Records · 1971-1986

These records document the governance and organization of women’s intercollegiate athletics in South Dakota. Administrative materials include affidavits of eligibility, handbooks, certificates, correspondence, financial statements, and meeting minutes that record decision-making processes and coordination with the national Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Event and competition materials include programs and results for basketball, volleyball, and track and field meets, along with documentation for Region 6 tournaments and Division I championships. Photographs, primarily of women’s basketball teams and activities, provide visual documentation of athletic participation during this period. Additional files from the South Dakota Athletic and Recreation Federation of College Women contribute context for statewide athletic governance and institutional engagement.

The records document the development and administration of women’s collegiate athletics during the period surrounding the implementation of Title IX and the transition from AIAW to NCAA oversight. They provide evidence of eligibility practices, governance structures, and competitive opportunities for female student athletes in South Dakota, as well as the relationship between state, regional, and national athletic organizations.

South Dakota Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women
SDSU-Archives MA 007 · Records · 1913-2008

The South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SDAFCS) Records document the evolution of home economics and family and consumer sciences organizations at both the state and national levels. The collection spans from 1913 to 2008 and includes records from predecessor organizations such as the National Association of Extension Home Economists, the South Dakota Home Demonstration Agents Association, the South Dakota Home Economics Association, and the South Dakota Association of Extension Home Economists. Materials include meeting minutes, officer handbooks, annual conference programs, newsletters, reports, correspondence, scrapbooks, constitutions and bylaws, financial records, award documentation, and photographs.

The records trace the activities and organizational changes of home economics professionals, including local and national conference proceedings, program development, and educational initiatives. The earliest materials document the formation of the South Dakota Home Demonstration Agents Association and its leadership, while later records highlight the organization’s transition through multiple name changes, reflecting shifts in the professional scope of family and consumer sciences. Of particular note are correspondence files related to early officers such as Eva Dawes, as well as detailed meeting and committee records from the South Dakota Association of Extension Home Economists, which illustrate the structure and governance of the association from the 1940s through the 1990s.

The collection also contains materials related to professional development and recognition, such as award programs, scholarship information, and membership records. Scrapbooks and photographs document conferences, special events, and member activities. Conference materials and strategic plans from the 1990s and 2000s illustrate the association’s continued focus on leadership, education, and public engagement in family and consumer sciences.

These records document the professionalization and history of home economics in South Dakota, the expansion of educational outreach through the Cooperative Extension Service, and the development of the family and consumer sciences discipline nationally. They provide valuable insight into the leadership, governance, and community service of South Dakota educators, particularly women, who advanced the field through teaching, extension work, and organizational involvement.

South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
SDSU-Archives UA 052.05 · Records · 1911-2008

This collection is composed of the official minutes, agendas, and publications generated by the South Dakota Board of Regents, spanning from 1923 to 2006. Materials were collected by the Office of the President and various departments at South Dakota State University for institutional reference. The minutes document the proceedings and decisions of the Board across multiple decades and include indexes with subject notations in later volumes, enhancing accessibility to specific topics discussed. Supporting documents include fiscal reports, policy updates, meeting agendas, and committee materials from the Board’s work on academic affairs, student affairs, finance, and governance. A significant portion of the publications consists of formal policy guides, faculty leave and tenure documents, athletic rules, and union agreements, such as the University Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement (2005–2008). Of particular note are unique items such as correspondence from SDSU President Carol Peterson and honorary degree documentation for Robert T. Wagner.

The collection demonstrates the administrative structure, decision-making processes, and evolving governance of South Dakota’s public higher education system. It is an essential resource for understanding the history and policy shifts within the South Dakota Regental System, particularly as they affected South Dakota State University. Its breadth of coverage offers insight into system-wide coordination, budget planning, faculty relations, and academic policy formation throughout the 20th century and into the early 2000s.

South Dakota Board of Regents
SDSU-Archives MA 029 · Records · 1923-1973, 2000, undated

This collection documents the organizational history and activities of the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association (SDCIA), which was established in 1906 to improve crop cultivation and seed quality in South Dakota. The records span administrative, promotional, and programmatic functions, including extensive documentation of annual meetings, crop shows, and Board of Directors meetings. Committee files—such as those from the Certification, Legislative, and Price Committees—demonstrate the association’s role in shaping seed certification standards and agricultural policy.

Materials include minutes, correspondence, financial reports, membership records, newsletters, reports on certified seed acreage, and documents related to seed testing and varietal development. Photographs depict field days, crop shows, awards, equipment, and promotional displays. Also present are examples of certified seed sacks bearing the slogan “The Emblem of Good Seeds.” The collection is significant for its detailed documentation of agricultural improvement efforts, certified seed promotion, and rural organizational development in South Dakota.

South Dakota Crop Improvement Association
SDSU-Archives MA 010 · Records · 1904-1999

The South Dakota Dairy Association records document its role in shaping the state's dairy industry from the early 1900s to the early 2000s. This collection includes ledgers, administrative materials, financial records, and publications that provide insight into the association's governance, advocacy, and industry impact. Annual reports, meeting minutes, and convention programs spanning a century highlight efforts to promote dairy farming practices, support producers, and establish industry standards.

Significant materials include governance documents such as the association's constitution, amendments, and certificate of incorporation, as well as financial records detailing operations and contests. Convention programs from 1911 to 1999, along with reports on industry regulations, illustrate the association's efforts to foster professional development and policy discussions. The collection also includes medals, photographs, and newspaper clippings, offering a connection to the association's legacy.

These materials provide context for understanding the evolution of South Dakota's dairy industry, reflecting broader agricultural trends, economic contributions, and the collaborative efforts that shaped the state's dairy sector.

South Dakota Dairy Association
SDSU-Archives UA 050.13 · Records · 1927-2012

The South Dakota Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family, and Community Records document the history and recognition of individuals honored as Eminent Farmers and Homemakers in South Dakota from 1927 through the early 2000s. The collection comprises photographs, citations, scrapbooks, banquet and planning materials, and other administrative documents, reflecting the significance of these awards and their institutional history, particularly at South Dakota State University.

The honoree photographs span 1927–1991 and were formerly displayed on the Wall of Fame in Agricultural Hall at SDSU. These portraits, largely measuring 14.5 x 18 inches, include names, years honored, locations, and occasionally occupation or area of interest for farmers. Homemaker identifications typically follow the convention “Mrs. [Husband's Name],” with given names rarely appearing until the late 1980s. Due to light exposure, many photographs were damaged and later removed for preservation. Accompanying negatives (mostly 4x5") created between 1960–1991 document the original captions.

Citations provide biographical information, household or farm management practices, and details on public service and community leadership. Early entries frequently include homesteading stories and narratives of frontier life. Some citations contain transcripts of banquet acceptance speeches. These are arranged alphabetically by honoree.

Three scrapbooks document different time ranges. Scrapbook I (1928–1969) contains business meeting reports, newsletters, correspondence, and obituary clippings. Scrapbook II, titled Sands of Time, spans 1952–1982 and features photographs, minutes (1965–1982), and necrology reports. Scrapbook III, titled History, 1972–1988, includes honoree biographies, event programs, a mailing list of Master Farm Homemakers, and death listings.

Additional materials include banquet and award planning files, correspondence, application forms, minutes, obituaries, draft programs, event themes, and donation and endowment records. Recognition programs, trees planted in honor of recipients, and a map of honorees' geographic distribution further contextualize the impact of the awards. Printers' blocks of honoree portraits and documentation on portrait frames are also present.

This collection offers a unique lens into South Dakota’s agricultural heritage, community values, and gender norms over much of the 20th century. It preserves the legacy of individuals recognized for their contributions to rural leadership, family life, and agricultural advancement, and reflects the ceremonial and institutional practices surrounding their recognition. As a record of statewide honorific traditions and their evolution, the collection is significant to researchers of agricultural history, gender roles in rural communities, South Dakota social history, and commemorative culture.

South Dakota State University. Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family, and Community
South Dakota EPSCoR Records
SDSU-Archives UA 056 · Records · 1978-2005

The records document the development, administration, and evaluation of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research in South Dakota, with an emphasis on proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation and related federal agencies from the late 1970s through the early twenty first century. The materials include advanced development proposals, implementation proposals, component research proposals, preproposals, budgets, cooperative agreements, and addenda. Also present are annual, semi annual, and year end reports, evaluation summaries, site visit documentation, progress and financial reports, publications, newsletters, meeting minutes, conference materials, and correspondence. The collection reflects a wide range of scientific and engineering research areas, including chemistry, biology, geosciences, physics, environmental science, nanotechnology, and interdisciplinary research initiatives. Administrative files document collaboration with state agencies, the South Dakota Board of Regents, participating universities, and national organizations, as well as graduate fellowship programs, assistantships, and outreach and educational activities.

These records document South Dakota’s participation in federally funded research capacity building initiatives and illustrate efforts to strengthen scientific research infrastructure, support faculty and student research, and promote collaboration among higher education institutions. The materials offer valuable evidence of the state’s evolving research priorities, the role of EPSCoR in expanding competitiveness for federal funding, and the integration of research, education, and economic development strategies within South Dakota’s higher education system.

South Dakota EPSCoR
SDSU-Archives MA 026 · Records · 1914-1995

This collection documents the activities and organizational structure of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, with records spanning local county extension reports, internal committee operations, marketing initiatives, and administrative governance. The materials reflect the Bureau's efforts to support and advocate for South Dakota’s agricultural communities through coordinated programming, policy development, and member engagement.

Included are annual and narrative reports from county extension agents in Brookings, Codington, and Hamlin Counties, which illustrate localized outreach and education efforts in collaboration with the Farm Bureau. Federation Records comprise a significant portion of the collection and include documentation from various standing and ad hoc committees—such as the Executive Committee, Women’s Committee, Marketing Committee, and Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee—highlighting the Bureau’s focus on leadership development, legislative advocacy, and agricultural promotion. Bylaws, financial reports, meeting minutes, clippings, and historical narratives provide additional context for the organization’s governance and evolution. Records from affiliated entities such as the Mutual Insurance Company and a Service Company further illustrate the Bureau’s broader cooperative and service functions.

This collection offers valuable insight into the history, priorities, and grassroots organization of the South Dakota Farm Bureau and its role in shaping agricultural policy and community development in the state.

South Dakota Farm Bureau
SDSU-Archives MA 011 · Records · 1887, undated

The South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records document the early efforts of farmers in Dakota Territory to organize against economic and political challenges, particularly those posed by railroad monopolies. The collection includes an 1887 address by President H. L. Loucks and proceedings from the Alliance's annual convention, reflecting the organization's advocacy for agricultural and economic reforms. Additionally, an undated advertisement for A Book for Farmers Dunning's Farm Ledger and Historical Account highlights the practical and educational resources valued by the farming community.

These records provide insight into the broader Farmers' Alliance movement, which emerged in Dakota Territory in the early 1880s in response to declining wheat prices and perceived railroad injustices. The movement gained traction with the formation of the Dakota Farmers' Alliance in 1885, expanding rapidly across the region. The documents in this collection offer valuable historical context on the Alliance's objectives, leadership, and strategies during a critical period of agrarian activism in South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmer's Alliance
SDSU-Archives MA 012 · Records · 1914-2009

The South Dakota Farmers Union Records provide a comprehensive account of the organization's history, advocacy, and role in shaping agricultural policy from the early 20th century to the early 2000s. The collection documents the Union's efforts to support family farmers, promote cooperative enterprises, and influence state and national agricultural legislation. Materials include organizational records, correspondence, meeting minutes, financial statements, educational materials, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and publications.

A significant portion of the collection pertains to the Union's legislative and political engagement, featuring records from state and national conventions, speeches, campaign materials, and lobbying efforts. These materials illustrate the Union's role in advocating agricultural policy reforms, rural economic development, and cooperative business models. Key figures such as Ben Radcliffe, George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, and Eleanor Roosevelt are represented in convention proceedings, recorded speeches, and radio broadcasts. The 1972 Supreme Court case on public school funding through property tax is also documented through clippings, correspondence, and legal evidence.

The audiovisual materials consist of 13 audiocassettes, 156 open reel tapes, 6 wire recordings, and 34 16mm motion picture films, spanning from 1948 to 1992. These recordings capture state and national conventions, radio programs, speeches, and advertisements, along with footage of state camp activities, tours, picnics, and parades. Many of the materials promote legislative initiatives and endorse political candidates. In 2018, the South Dakota Farmers Union audiovisual collection was digitized with the support of a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources. Due to the fragile state of many recordings, the Archives partnered with George Blood L.P. to ensure high-quality digital preservation in sustainable formats.

The Cooperative Legacy Project, spearheaded by Chuck Groth, communications director for the South Dakota Farmers Union from 1972 to 2008, provides an in-depth oral history of the cooperative movement in South Dakota. This project includes over 110 hours of digital audio interviews with Farmers Union members, cooperative managers, and farm organization leaders. The interviews, recorded in MP3 and WAV formats, are supplemented by documents, scanned photographs, and rough transcriptions, offering insight into the history and impact of the cooperative movement.

The collection also includes publications from the National Farmers Union and various state organizations, as well as South Dakota Farmers Union-produced materials such as convention programs (1938-1983), policy statements (1954-1988), handbooks, and brochures. The photographic collection, comprising over 33,000 photographs and negatives, documents youth programs, conventions, picnics, tours, and key moments in the organization's history, as well as images published in the South Dakota Union Farmer.

Records from local unions throughout South Dakota provide insight into grassroots organizing efforts, consisting of charter records, attendance logs, minutes, and correspondence, with some materials accompanied by photographs. This material includes essential governance documents such as constitutions, by-laws, speeches, scrapbooks, and advertising materials, with Farmers Union annual convention minutes spanning from 1926 to 1946.

This collection serves as an resource for researchers studying agricultural policy, rural advocacy, cooperative movements, and the political and economic history of farming in South Dakota and the United States. Through its extensive documentation of legislative efforts, community programs, and cooperative business models, the South Dakota Farmers Union Records provide a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of American agriculture.

South Dakota Farmers Union
SDSU-Archives MA 017 · Records · 1970-2017

The South Dakota Humanities Council Records document the administrative, financial, and programmatic history of the organization from its founding as the South Dakota Committee on the Humanities through the early twenty-first century. The records illustrate the Council’s mission to promote public engagement with the humanities, support community-based programs, and manage federally funded initiatives in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Materials include administrative correspondence, meeting files, financial records, grant proposals, publications, program documentation, and audiovisual materials. Correspondence features communications with Council members, partner institutions, public officials—including Governors George S. Mickelson and William J. Janklow—and representatives of the NEH. Meeting records document the activities of the Council, Executive Committee, Membership Committee, and Program Committee, with sessions held across the state in cities such as Pierre, Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, Mitchell, Rapid City, and Aberdeen.

Financial records form a substantial portion of the collection and include audits, ledgers, balance sheets, vouchers, receipts, and statements of receipts and disbursements. These materials document the Council’s fiscal management, including re-grant activity, Reading Series and Resource Center expenditures, and accounting for the affiliated South Dakota Humanities Foundation. Audit reports and NEH compliance plans demonstrate adherence to federal and state grant requirements.

Grant and project files comprise a major component of the collection, containing proposals, applications, reports, correspondence, fiscal records, and publicity materials. Topics represented include Native American language and cultural preservation, South Dakota history, literature, women’s studies, rural depopulation, arts, and media. Projects include “Lakota Language Project,” “Lost Bird of Wounded Knee,” “Living Roots of Music,” “Oscar Micheaux Film Festival,” “Barn Again!,” “Choices for the 21st Century,” “Vietnam War: A Season of Remembrance,” “Yesterday’s Tomorrows,” “Staking a Claim: The People, Places, and Stories of Mining in the Black Hills,” and “Text, Discourse, Grammar: A Summer Institute for Lakota Language Teachers.”

Program files document the Speakers Bureau, Reading Series, Chautauqua, and other statewide initiatives. These include funded and rejected proposals, correspondence, scholar and coordinator packets, study guides, evaluation forms, and promotional materials illustrating the Council’s efforts to expand public access to the humanities. Later program records include files for Prime Time Family Reading, Key Ingredients, Farm and Ranch Stories, Between Fences, We the People, One Book South Dakota, The Big Read, and the South Dakota Festival of Books. Publications such as The Human Adventure, What’s Up, Perspectives on South Dakota, Report to the People, and the South Dakota Humanities Council Newsletter document Council outreach, publicity, and communication with the public.

The collection also includes audiovisual and photographic materials depicting Council programs, community events, and participants from approximately 1980 through 2005. These visual records provide evidence of public engagement through lectures, exhibits, and cultural festivals sponsored by the Council.

This collection offers a comprehensive record of the South Dakota Humanities Council’s growth from a state committee to a central public humanities organization. It reflects the Council’s collaboration with the National Endowment for the Humanities, its role in administering grant funds, and its leadership in advancing humanities programming throughout South Dakota. The materials document the Council’s influence in promoting cultural preservation, education, and civic dialogue, particularly within rural and Native American communities, and serve as an essential resource for studying the development and impact

South Dakota Humanities Council
SDSU-Archives MA 030 · Records · 1899-2000

The South Dakota Nurses’ Association Records document the activities, governance, and advocacy efforts of the state’s principal professional nursing organization from the early 20th century through the late 1990s. The collection includes extensive materials from SDNA committees, task forces, board meetings, conventions, and district branches. Committee and task force files contain meeting minutes, correspondence, surveys, reports, and materials related to ongoing projects, reflecting the association’s focus on education, practice standards, health care policy, and labor conditions. Of particular note are the Economic and General Welfare Committee and SDNA’s Continuing Education Approval and Recognition Program (SD-CEARP), which offer insight into labor advocacy and professional development in South Dakota nursing.

The collection features broad correspondence from SDNA leadership, including the board of directors and district presidents, as well as communication with state agencies, legislators, and national nursing organizations. Reports include annual summaries from committees and districts, financial audits, and documentation of major initiatives such as Project Motion and the Economic Security Program. Membership materials track recruitment, retention, and survey results across districts. Extensive district-level documentation includes bylaws, officer lists, newsletters, and reports.

Other highlights include material from SDNA’s annual conventions, National Nurses Day celebrations, and Nurses Day at the Legislature, along with lobbying files detailing the association’s legislative priorities and partnerships. Project files document SDNA’s participation in state and national efforts, including public health outreach and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, and audiovisual materials preserve the visual history of nursing in South Dakota.

Collected publications cover a wide range of nursing-related topics, including continuing education, standards of practice, nursing history, and health care legislation. The collection also holds records from affiliated organizations such as the American Nurses Association, South Dakota Board of Nursing, South Dakota League for Nursing Education, and other health-related groups. Physical artifacts, including uniforms, caps, and commemorative items, offer tangible connections to the nursing profession’s heritage in the state.

This collection offers insight into the evolution of nursing in South Dakota. It serves as a vital resource for studying professional development, health care advocacy, women’s leadership, public health policy, and the organizational history of nursing. The records document how South Dakota’s nurses helped shape statewide standards, responded to national trends, and promoted both education and workplace rights in a changing medical landscape.

South Dakota Nurses' Association
SDSU-Archives MA 109 · Records · 1999-2020

This collection contains a brief history of the South Dakota Nurses Foundation and meeting minutes from the Board of Directors spanning 1999 to 2019. The Foundation did not meet in 2001, and no minutes exist for that year. Topics addressed in the minutes include membership, financial matters, funding, community engagement, research grants, scholarships, and other organizational concerns.

The collection documents the development and governance of a key support organization for nursing professionals in South Dakota. It provides insight into the Foundation’s role in advancing nursing education, research, and public health initiatives across the state.

South Dakota Nurses Foundation
SDSU-Archives MA 120 · Records · 1969-2021

This collection is composed of local and national records of the South Dakota Paint Horse Club, a non-profit organization affiliated with the American Paint Horse Association. The records document the club’s mission to promote the paint horse breed through administrative oversight, public outreach, and event coordination.

Materials include foundational documents such as by-laws, certification of incorporation, directories, contracts, and meeting minutes, as well as extensive correspondence, financial statements, and memoranda. The collection also features Hoofprints, the club’s official newsletter, which contains updates on officers, show schedules, membership, and organizational developments.

Additional records pertain to programs, futurity events, horse shows, stallion auctions, and national and regional events, including participation in the South Dakota State Fair and the Rapid City Convention. Newspaper articles, awards, rule books, and documentation related to club governance and judging are also present. Audiovisual content includes taped meetings.

These materials illustrate the club’s significant role in promoting the paint horse breed both within South Dakota and nationally from its founding in 1970 through its closure in 2021.

South Dakota Paint Horse Club
SDSU-Archives MA 027 · Records · 1955-2020

The South Dakota Resources Coalition consists of administrative material and subject files. The administrative material consists of meeting minutes, committee files, correspondence, financial and membership records and publications. The subject files consist of research SDRC has performed throughout the years, mainly to assist them in their lobbying efforts. The subjects deal mainly with environmental issues as they relate to South Dakota.

South Dakota Resources Coalition
SDSU-Archives MA 045 · Records · 1936-1978

The South Dakota Social Science Association Records document the organization’s annual meetings from the late 1930s through the 1970s. The collection includes correspondence, clippings, programs, meeting minutes, treasurer’s reports, abstracts, publications, and planning materials related to the coordination of these events. Notably, materials detail speaker arrangements, conference themes, and academic presentations.

Each annual meeting was hosted at a different college or university in South Dakota and focused on timely regional and national topics in the social sciences, such as population change, state governance, education, Native American issues, natural resource development, and mental health. Folder contents typically note the meeting’s date, location, and discussion themes.

This collection documents statewide academic collaboration and for highlighting the evolving role of social sciences in addressing public policy and educational challenges in South Dakota.

South Dakota Social Science Association
SDSU-Archives MA 037 · Records · 1891-2013

The South Dakota State Climate Office Records document over a century of weather and climate data collection across South Dakota and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. The bulk of the collection consists of daily weather observation sheets submitted by volunteer reporting stations, recording data such as precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind, and solar radiation. The detail and scope of observations vary based on the equipment available at each site. Materials are organized geographically by reporting location, including towns, research farms, and natural landmarks.

In addition to climatological data, the collection includes administrative and research materials such as master’s theses, grant proposals, legal case documentation involving weather data, radar output, storm and cloud photography, and drought and tree ring analysis. Specialized forms, including B-91 climatological reports, are also present, along with materials relating to significant weather events such as flooding and droughts.

This collection offers insight into long-term regional climate trends. It is a valuable resource for environmental research, agricultural planning, legal reference, public safety, and historical climatology.

South Dakota State Climate Office
SDSU-Archives MA 072 · Records · 1926-2015

This collection documents the activities and literary contributions of the South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS). Materials include foundational records such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, board meeting minutes, and correspondence, including letters from board member Deb Gangloff. Additional content consists of newsletters, flyers, photographs, and poetry writing tips by Audrae Visser and Susan Chambers.

The collection features publications by the SDSPS, including multiple editions of Four Quarters to a Section, Prairie Poets, Voices of South Dakota, and indexes such as the Sixty-Year Comprehensive Index of Pasque Petals. Numerous works by South Dakota poets are represented, including chapbooks, anthologies, and contest-winning pieces. A substantial portion comprises issues of Pasque Petals, the society’s official journal. Also included is the 2015 Poet Laureate nomination for Lee Ann Roripaugh.

The records reflect the evolution of poetry and literary engagement in South Dakota, highlighting the society’s role in fostering a statewide community of poets. Through its extensive publications and support of local voices, the SDSPS has served as a cornerstone of the region’s literary culture.

South Dakota State Poetry Society
SDSU-Archives UA 005.11 · Records · 1951-1996

The South Dakota Water Resources Institute Records consist of departmental publications, reports, administrative materials, and collected research related to water quality, irrigation, and resource management. Materials include annual reports, operating budget documentation, informational pamphlets, and photographic records. A significant portion of the collection pertains to the Missouri River Basin Project, encompassing a wide range of technical reports, feasibility studies, environmental impact statements, and planning documents. These reports address critical issues such as irrigation development, water quality standards, aquifer management, flood control, channel degradation, hydrology, and the economic and environmental implications of water resource use.

This collection documents the Institute’s role in advancing water research and policy in South Dakota and the broader Missouri River Basin region. The records reflect federal-state collaboration under programs like the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program and include contributions to state and national discussions on sustainable water use, agricultural irrigation, and environmental protection. The depth and breadth of the Missouri River Basin Project materials provide valuable insights into mid- to late-20th century water management initiatives and the scientific, economic, and political challenges surrounding them. Researchers interested in water resource development, environmental policy, agricultural engineering, and regional planning will find the collection especially valuable.

South Dakota State University. Water Resources Institute
Stakota Club Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.12 · Records · 1962-1969

This collection primarily consists of meeting minutes and several versions of the Stakota Club constitution. The minutes document roll calls, pledges, club business, and the nomination and election of officers. Also included are records of club activities, correspondence, and a list of secretary duties from 1967–1968.

These materials provide insight into the internal operations, leadership structure, and spirited activities of a co-ed student organization that promoted school spirit at South Dakota State University from the 1940s through the 1960s.

South Dakota State University. Stakota Club
SDSU-Archives UA 066 · Records · 1931-2019

The collection documents theatrical activity associated with State University Theatre and is composed of programs, posters, season brochures, schedules, newsletters, correspondence, and photographs related to plays, musicals, revues, one act productions, touring productions, and special events. Materials date primarily from the early 1930s through 2019, with some undated items. The collection reflects annual seasons, individual productions, student showcases, revue series such as Rabbit Rarities and Capers, touring one act performances, festival participation, and organizational activities including Alpha Psi Omega events. Production documentation spans a wide range of dramatic literature, musical theatre, classical works, contemporary plays, experimental theatre, and locally developed productions, illustrating curricular, extracurricular, and public performance activity over time.

This collection documents theatrical production and performance at the university, offering insight into the evolution of campus theatre programming, student and faculty involvement, repertoire selection, and public engagement. The materials support research into theatre education, performance history, student organizations, and cultural life at the institution and contribute to understanding regional and academic theatre development across the twentieth and early twenty first centuries.

State University Theatre (South Dakota State University)
Station Biochemistry Records
SDSU-Archives UA 005.03.07 · Records

Records related to South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Biochemistry consist of administrative files, research, and publications.

South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station
SDSU-Archives UA 019 · Records · 1907-2018

This collection consists of administrative records generated by SDSU’s Student Affairs Division and its predecessor units. It includes detailed biennial and annual reports submitted to the university president, providing insights into organizational structure, budget planning, student service initiatives, and campus life development. The biennial reports are particularly rich in historical and operational content, covering budget requests, staffing changes, departmental goals, and specialized student services such as counseling, orientation, student records, scholarships, and placement services.

Additional materials include planning documents, strategic initiatives, student handbooks, orientation materials, diversity and inclusion programs, alcohol education efforts, and retention studies. Records from committees (e.g., Student Affairs Council, System Retention Committee), campus-wide assessments (e.g., NCA Self-Study), and events (e.g., Hobo Day, Scholars Receptions) are also represented, highlighting the division’s broad engagement in university life.

This collection provides documentation of how student services have been conceived, implemented, and evaluated at SDSU across decades. It is especially valuable for researchers studying the evolution of higher education administration, student development, and campus policy regarding diversity, wellness, and academic support. The records offer institutional context for broader changes in student affairs nationally, including the expansion of student support services, accountability initiatives, and demographic shifts in student populations.

South Dakota State University. Division of Student Affairs
SDSU-Archives UA 029 · Records · 1962-2006

This collection consists of materials produced by Student Health and Counseling Services at South Dakota State University. It includes flyers, pamphlets, newsletters, handbooks, and posters related to student wellness initiatives. Topics include immunization clinics, alcohol awareness, insurance options, body image support, and campus events like the Wellness Fair and National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. The collection highlights the department’s efforts to promote physical and mental health, encourage responsible behavior, and provide accessible health resources to students.

These records reflect the university's commitment to supporting student well-being through outreach, education, and accessible services. They document the evolution of health promotion strategies and the campus response to issues such as alcohol use, mental health, and preventative care.

South Dakota State University. Student Health and Counseling Services
SDSU-Archives UA 032 · Records · 1915-2006

This collection comprises publications and records produced by the Office of Student Activities at South Dakota State University. It includes handbooks, pamphlets, calendars, flyers, correspondence, directories, and photographs documenting student life, organizations, and services. Materials cover areas such as new student orientation, cultural programming, student enrichment, minority student support, university events (e.g., Freshmen Days, Parents Day), and administrative functions like central reservations and the information exchange. Visual materials depict student organizations and campus events.

The collection offers insight into student engagement, campus culture, and organizational development over time. It reflects the evolving role of student affairs in promoting inclusion, leadership, and community, and serves as a valuable resource for understanding the student experience at SDSU.

South Dakota State University. Department of Student Union and Activities
SDSU-Archives UA 052.12 · Records · 1995-2001

This collection documents the administration, evaluation, and financial oversight of the Title III Strengthening Institution Program Grant during the mid-1990s to early 2000s. It includes financial records such as account statements, expenditure reports, and year-end summaries spanning 1995 to 2001. Administrative content includes internal and external correspondence, forms, policies and procedures manuals from 1995 and 1996, and documents from Activity V, a grant initiative focused in part on married student housing. Materials related to assessment and compliance include the original development grant application (1995), annual and quarterly evaluation reports, an external consultant site visit report, and project performance reviews. A substantial portion of the collection is devoted to evaluation tools and feedback, including surveys distributed to faculty and students, project evaluation datasets, and summaries of meetings with grant activity directors. Supporting materials and miscellaneous documentation such as reports, notes, and undated presentations round out the collection. The documents collectively reflect the planning, implementation, and institutional impact of Title III funding at South Dakota State University.

These records help researchers understand how federal Title III grants were utilized to support institutional development and student services at SDSU. They provide insight into program design, administrative strategies, and accountability measures for strengthening educational infrastructure, particularly during a period of strategic planning and assessment in the late 20th century. The documentation of Activity V illustrates a focus on nontraditional student needs, such as housing for married students, while the numerous evaluation instruments demonstrate a systematic approach to institutional self-assessment and continuous improvement.

Alternative Financing Program (U.S.)
University Center Records
SDSU-Archives UA 050.16 · Records · 2003-2009

This collection is composed of class schedules, student handbooks, advertisements, and a newspaper article titled USDSU plan to expand published by the Argus Leader. The class schedules likely reflect course offerings and institutional calendars for the University Center campus in Sioux Falls, while the student handbooks provide policies, academic regulations, and student resources. The included advertisement and article document public discourse surrounding the expansion of South Dakota State University's presence in Sioux Falls under the USDSU initiative, offering contextual insight into regional higher education planning and institutional development.

The collection provides a view of academic operations, student life, and institutional outreach associated with SDSU’s activities in Sioux Falls. It reflects broader discussions about access to public higher education in South Dakota and the state’s efforts to expand degree offerings beyond the Brookings campus. The inclusion of class schedules and student handbooks documents the services and structure of the University Center, while the press coverage adds a valuable public perspective on its expansion and strategic importance.

South Dakota State University. University Center
University College Records
SDSU-Archives UA 010 · Records · 1978-2010

The University College Records document the development, administration, and activities of South Dakota State University’s University College and its predecessor units responsible for general registration, academic advising, career planning, student success initiatives, and assessment. The materials span from 1968 to 2018 and include annual reports, program reviews, self-studies, statistical data, course materials, advising handbooks, strategic planning documents, assessment summaries, enrollment reports, accreditation materials, workshop files, faculty profiles, student profiles, and records related to academic support services. The records also document relationships with state agencies, job service programs, workforce development councils, and higher education centers. Formats include correspondence, reports, handbooks, schedules, posters, brochures, tallies, budgets, data summaries, meeting materials, institutional reviews, and electronic files.

These records provide documentation of the evolution of academic advising, general studies programming, student support services, and career planning at South Dakota State University. They reflect institutional responses to statewide workforce initiatives, accreditation requirements, changing general education standards, and student success priorities. The collection is significant for understanding the administrative history of University College, the development of advising and retention strategies, and SDSU’s participation in statewide and regional higher education collaborations.

South Dakota State University. University College
SDSU-Archives UA 040 · Records · 1929-202

This collection consists of publications and printed material produced by the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Marketing and Communications unit, formerly known as University Relations. The records span several decades and reflect the unit's central role in internal and external university communications. The materials document institutional messaging, campus updates, and promotional efforts intended for various audiences, particularly faculty, staff, prospective students, alumni, and the public.

Major components of the collection include high-frequency campus communication pieces such as Today at State, Faculty Bulletin, University Bulletin, SDSU Update, E-Connect, and SDSU Newsline. These serials provided regular updates on lectures, events, job postings, policy changes, and campus news. They underwent several title and format transitions reflecting changes in communication technology and strategy:

  • 1944–1970: Faculty Bulletin
  • 1971–1977: University Bulletin
  • 1978–2004: SDSU Update
  • 2000–2004: E-Update (briefly printed, then online)
  • 2004–2007: E-Connect (online only)
  • 2007–present: SDSU Newsline (emailed and web-published)

Today at State, a daily bulletin printed during the academic year from 1971 to 2007, was directed toward campus faculty and staff, serving as a primary channel for time-sensitive updates.

Additional materials in the collection include Calling Home from South Dakota State University, Impact State, Arts at State newsletters, research and promotional reports (e.g., SDSU Marketing Strategy, Graphic Identity Manual), event guides, market research, and publications related to specific colleges and campus initiatives. Issues of College Home from SDSU Magazine, special event planning documents, donor recognition materials, and visual promotional content such as postcards, banners, and merchandise catalogs further illustrate the university’s evolving branding and outreach strategies.

This collection also includes content documenting significant institutional moments such as the SDSU Centennial, branding initiatives, and building dedications. It offers insight into how SDSU has communicated its mission, academic offerings, and institutional priorities to various stakeholders over time.

This collection is a resource for their comprehensive documentation of South Dakota State University’s official communications, branding evolution, internal messaging, and public outreach. They reflect administrative priorities, institutional culture, and university-community relationships. These materials are particularly useful for researchers studying higher education marketing, land-grant university identity, and institutional communication trends over the 20th and 21st centuries.

South Dakota State University. University Marketing and Communications
SDSU-Archives UA 033 · Records · 1886-2005

The University Program Council Records document the wide range of cultural, educational, and social programming organized by the UPC at South Dakota State University. Spanning various media formats—including posters, newsletters, clippings, programs, brochures, and calendars—these records capture performances and events such as concerts, dances, theatrical productions, films, lectures, festivals, and major campus traditions like Hobo Day. The materials are arranged across three boxes and cover both recurring and one-time events, reflecting UPC's central role in campus life and student engagement.

These records provide insight into student life, entertainment trends, and the evolving cultural landscape at SDSU. They showcase the efforts of student leaders to build community and enrich the collegiate experience through diverse programming. The collection also documents the institutional history of major campus traditions and celebrations.

South Dakota State University. University Programs Council
SDSU-Archives UA 036 · Records · 1983-2018

This collection documents the founding, development, administration, and academic programming of the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College at South Dakota State University from its establishment in 1999 through the early 2000s. The records reflect the efforts of President Peggy Gordon Elliott and key faculty members, including Bob Burns and Harriet Swedlund, to transform SDSU’s honors program into a formal college aligned with national standards of academic excellence.

Materials include early conceptual planning, internal proposals, mission statement drafts, budget projections, strategic plans, curriculum development, and student and faculty handbooks. Extensive documentation exists for course designations, independent and directed studies, colloquia (notably Honors 303), and various academic enrichment opportunities such as the Griffith Honors Forum Lecture Series and national scholarship preparation. Faculty engagement is documented through course proposals, mentoring efforts, and travel grants. Student engagement is represented through surveys, orientation materials, recruitment strategies, alumni feedback, and graduation lists.

The records also reflect broader institutional collaboration and outreach, including residential life integration, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, multicultural initiatives such as the USDA Multicultural Scholarships, and the Developing Native American Scientists (DNAS) program. Documents related to the Bison Research Project and cross-cultural academic programs reveal the College’s role in fostering interdisciplinary and community-based research, particularly in partnership with tribal communities and national grant programs (e.g., FIPSE, USDA Higher Education Challenge Grants).

The collection also includes meeting minutes from the University Honors Committee and the Honors Program Committee, reports to university leadership, course catalogs, faculty correspondence, assessment plans, and annual reports. Noteworthy are the lectures and events featuring figures such as Ken Burns, Ellen Dissanayake, and Terry Waite, as well as programs like the Lakota Nation Service Learning initiative.

This collection is a resource for documenting the institutionalization of honors education at South Dakota State University and its alignment with national models of high-impact undergraduate education. It offers insight into the university’s strategic investment in academic rigor, interdisciplinary engagement, and inclusivity in higher education. The breadth of programs, collaborations, and pedagogical approaches preserved here illustrate SDSU’s evolving commitment to student excellence, faculty innovation, and community impact.

SDSU-Archives UA 028 · Records · 1917-1964

The collection is composed of certificates and records documenting tuition support provided to veterans enrolled at SDSC. The World War I certificates verify veterans’ eligibility for state-funded tuition under South Dakota’s Veteran’s Free Tuition Law and confirm amounts owed by the state. Each certificate provides service and residency details, discharge status, and confirmation of attendance without payment of tuition.
Also included are 575 individual records documenting tuition waivers for veterans, listing personal and service information, college enrollment and attendance data, administrative status with the Veterans Administration, and whether the student continued after benefit expiration.

This collection provides insight into South Dakota’s early efforts to support veterans’ higher education, particularly through legislative and federal initiatives like the Veteran’s Free Tuition Law and the G.I. Bill. It also serves as a record of individual veteran students at SDSC, illustrating the university’s role in postwar readjustment and the impact of government support on access to education for servicemen.

South Dakota State University. Veterans Affairs Office
SDSU-Archives UA 005.13 · Records · 1928-2019

This collection is composed of materials published or sponsored by the Veterinary Science Department at South Dakota State University, including items issued in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service. The records consist of printed booklets, reports, newsletters, and photographs. Much of the material derives from professional conferences, symposia, and workshops addressing livestock and companion animal health, including topics such as bovine and swine diseases, equine medicine, feedlot management, nutrition, veterinary toxicology, and zoonotic diseases. Also included are publications from the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL), such as Animal Health Matters newsletters and annual reports, as well as documentation related to diagnostic testing, facility development, and educational outreach.

The photograph series includes images of faculty, students, domestic animals affected by disease, and various South Dakota landscapes. Notable faculty depicted include Moxon, Olson, and Franke. Images document conditions such as selenium and alkali poisoning in livestock.

The records document the Veterinary Science Department’s long-standing role in veterinary education, public outreach, and animal disease research in South Dakota. The materials reflect the department’s efforts to advance animal health through research, diagnostics, and extension programming, particularly in relation to food animal production. The inclusion of ADRDL reports and publications highlights the department’s contributions to regional biosecurity and public health. These records are valuable for studying the development of veterinary science in the Upper Midwest and for understanding the land-grant mission in action through applied research and education.

South Dakota State University. Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
SDSU-Archives MA 094 · Records · 1992-2005

The Vigil in South Dakota Records document the organization’s mission, goals, and advocacy related to issues of censorship in South Dakota, particularly involving public broadcasting. Materials in Box 1 include internal documents such as mission statements, strategic plans, and board meeting minutes for Educational Telecommunications. The collection also contains correspondence and newspaper articles concerning the censorship of the television program Portrait of a Marriage and broader controversies in South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Included are responses and publications from allied organizations—such as People for the American Way, Friends of Public Broadcasting, and the Sioux Empire Gay/Lesbian Coalition—highlighting community and organizational perspectives on free speech, the arts, and representation in media. Legal and administrative records, including nonprofit reports and incorporation documents, provide insight into the group’s structure and advocacy efforts.

This collection is valuable for researchers studying freedom of expression, LGBTQ+ representation in media, and grassroots activism in South Dakota during periods of public debate over censorship. It documents both local and national responses to broadcast content controversies and highlights the advocacy strategies employed by organizations working to defend civil liberties in public media.

Vigil of South Dakota
SDSU-Archives UA 006.09 · Records · 1907-2013

This collection is composed of materials produced by the Visual Arts Department at South Dakota State University and reflects the department’s educational, creative, and promotional activities. It includes programs, posters, pamphlets, mailers, photographs, newsletters, institutional reviews, and documentation of faculty, student, and alumni exhibitions. Notable events represented include the Annual Juried Student Exhibition, the Alumni Exhibition, faculty exhibitions, and a variety of senior shows. Also present are records related to the Ritz Gallery, including retrospective exhibitions, thematic showcases, and promotional materials.

The collection contains examples of student academic work, including projects from Art History courses—such as the Wacipi and September 11th Projects—and features contributions from visiting artists and faculty, including international visitors and presenters. Additional items of interest include a scrapbook created by members of the Delta Phi Delta Art Fraternity, which contains clippings, memorabilia, and original artwork, as well as photographs of early art faculty such as Ada B. Caldwell and Maud Goddard.

This collection is significant for documenting the evolution of art education and visual culture at SDSU, highlighting the department’s emphasis on both academic study and public exhibition. It provides insight into student and faculty creativity, the development of art curricula, and the broader role of the arts on campus and beyond.

South Dakota State University. Department of Visual Arts
SDSU-Archives UA 008.07 · Records · 1939-2004

This collection documents the activities of the Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center and affiliated academic and research programs, including the Atmospheric, Environmental, and Water Resources (AEWR) Ph.D. program, collaborative research projects, and the Huron Recharge Project. The AEWR program was a joint doctoral program between South Dakota State University and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, established in the early 1990s and phased out in 2004. Materials include program proposals, correspondence, assessment documents, course and promotional materials, and reports related to program development, accreditation, and inter-university collaboration.

The research project files span a variety of topics related to water resources engineering, such as groundwater recharge, wastewater management, water quality monitoring, and bridge infrastructure. The Huron Recharge Project records include agreements, water testing data, progress reports, technical memoranda, and regulatory documents reflecting groundwater recharge efforts and interagency cooperation in Huron, South Dakota.

The records reflect SDSU’s contributions to water resource engineering education and applied research in the Northern Great Plains and beyond. The collection highlights regional, national, and collaborative initiatives in water management, infrastructure design, and environmental engineering. The AEWR Ph.D. program exemplifies inter-institutional efforts to address critical water and environmental challenges through advanced education and research. The Huron Recharge Project provides valuable insight into groundwater recharge methodologies and local water quality monitoring in South Dakota.

South Dakota State University. Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center
SDSU-Archives MA 021 · Records · 1985-1990

The Women Artists in Collaboration Records document the activities and creative work of the group, primarily through materials collected by co-founder Marilyn Richardson. The collection consists of correspondence (1986-1990), financial records (1987-1990), and project materials (1985-1989), which provide insight into the group's operations and artistic collaborations. The project records are particularly significant as they detail performance concepts and the collaborative process.

Additionally, the collection includes clippings, guest books (1987), meeting records (1986-1987), member biographies, and programs, offering context on the group's membership and events. Two scrapbooks (1985-1987, 1988) contain photographs and memorabilia, documenting performances, and the group's artistic impact. This collection highlights the group's creative contributions and organizational history.

Women Artists in Collaboration
SDSU-Archives UA 035.13 · Records · 1897-1933

This collection includes organizational records and event materials documenting the activities of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) at South Dakota State University. It features administrative ledgers and various programs that reflect the group's role in campus religious life, student leadership, and extracurricular activities. Also included are secretary’s and treasurer’s books, a handbook for members, and programs for lecture courses, plays, the YMCA Entertainment Series, student conferences, and installation banquets.

The secretary’s books include minutes of meetings, membership records, and loose materials such as correspondence and notes. The treasurer’s books document financial transactions and also contain information related to membership, gym cards, subscriptions, and lecture courses.

The materials provide valuable insight into the mission, governance, and student engagement of the Young Men’s Christian Association at South Dakota State University. They reflect the organization’s broader goals of spiritual development, social fellowship, and the promotion of Christian values in campus life.

South Dakota State University. Young Men's Christian Association
SDSU-Archives UA 035.14 · Records · 1887-1902

This collection consists of records from the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor at South Dakota State University. Materials include the constitution and bylaws (with amendments), secretary’s books, and a booklet of prayer meeting topics. The secretary’s books serve as the primary recordkeeping source and include minutes of meetings and membership information. These records offer insight into the religious and social activities of young Christians on campus, their organizational structure, and the devotional themes they explored.

The collection documents the efforts of Christian youth to foster fellowship and spiritual development through organized prayer meetings, governance, and communal responsibilities. It reflects early 20th-century student religious life and offers context for broader Christian youth movements in American higher education.

South Dakota State University. Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor