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Finding Aid
SDSU-Archives UA 051.05 · Records · 1981, 2005-2006

This collection is composed of materials produced and collected by the 125th Anniversary Planning Committee to document and coordinate the celebration of South Dakota State University’s quasquicentennial in 2006. The materials span a wide variety of formats and functions, including committee minutes, correspondence, event programs, publications, photographs, memorabilia, and audio-visual media. Records are arranged across three boxes and reflect the collaborative efforts of university departments, alumni, Cooperative Extension offices, and external partners to commemorate the institution’s history and accomplishments.

Key materials include documentation of the Anniversary Gala, such as scripts, video greetings, and a commemorative DVD, as well as campus-wide and statewide celebrations, including birthday parties, Extension Service events in over 20 counties, and public commemorations. A special emphasis is placed on “Survey of Accomplishments” submitted by departments, colleges, and administrative units, highlighting milestones and achievements since SDSU was granted university status in 1964.

The collection also contains a number of commemorative items such as a replica of the Coughlin Campanile (crafted with original limestone), event buttons, party hats, branded noisemakers, and logo memorabilia. Publications such as Calling Home from SDSU, STATE alumni magazine, and a commemorative calendar further illustrate the cultural and institutional impact of the university over 125 years.

Of historical significance is a House Concurrent Resolution from the South Dakota Legislature recognizing SDSU’s contributions to the state, as well as retrospective narratives like John E. Miller’s “Reminiscences of SDSU” and a summary of the 100th Anniversary in 1981. The inclusion of taped interviews with prominent political and institutional figures, along with cable TV panel discussions, adds a rich audiovisual dimension to the record of institutional memory.

South Dakota State University. 125th Anniversary Planning Committee
Academic Affairs Records
SDSU-Archives UA 002 · Records · 1902-2019

The Academic Affairs Records document the historical development of curriculum, faculty governance, institutional planning, and administrative decision-making at South Dakota State University from 1902 to 2018. The collection includes materials from the Office of the President, the Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs, and various university committees. Topics covered include curricular changes, accreditation, faculty and departmental standards, budget planning, student organizations, and institutional milestones.

The bulk of the collection consists of administrative records—correspondence, budgets, strategic planning files, and committee minutes—reflecting academic policies and decisions. Notable topics include Resolution 21 and the Governor’s 5% budget reduction plan, which document financial restructuring and resource allocation. Materials also cover major events such as campus development projects, anniversaries, and faculty recognition.

Program review files form a substantial portion of the collection, detailing internal and external evaluations of academic departments submitted to the Board of Regents. These reviews are closely tied to accreditation efforts and strategic planning. Specialized accreditation reports from 1998 to 2017 assess institutional compliance with academic standards.

Records on curriculum development highlight the role of the Provost’s office in shaping academic offerings, including new course proposals, program modifications, general education revisions, and course standardization through the Common Course Numbering system. Faculty governance is represented through committee minutes, departmental reviews, and performance evaluations, including documentation from the Bush Faculty Development Project.

The collection also preserves the history of commencement at SDSU, with programs, scripts, honorary degree documentation, faculty awards, photographs, baccalaureate invitations, and diplomas dating back to 1902.

Additional subject files address topics such as Division I Athletics, the Resource Allocation Model (RAM), and the Student Project Implementation initiative, which aimed to enhance academic and student support services.

Overall, this collection offers a comprehensive view of SDSU’s academic evolution and institutional governance, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, administrators, and historians studying the university’s history and its role in higher education.

SDSU-Archives UA 003 · Records · 1987-1989, 2010

This collection includes a file on South Dakota State University’s 1987–1989 strategic plan, providing insight into institutional priorities and administrative decisions of the period. It offers context for understanding historical strategies and their long-term effects. The collection also contains an open house invitation for the retirement of Vice President Mike Reger, marking a leadership transition and acknowledging his contributions to the university.

South Dakota State University. Vice President for Administration
SDSU-Archives UA 050.06 · Records · 1923-1961

This collection contains records of the Administrative Council at South Dakota State University and its predecessor, the Council of Deans. The materials consist primarily of meeting minutes documenting administrative procedures, institutional policy decisions, student disciplinary matters, and operational issues. A small amount of correspondence is included, mainly related to student readmissions and follow-up communication on council actions. The records span 1923 to 1961 and reflect the development of the university’s internal governance structure during this period.

The collection documents administrative decision-making at SDSU during a period of organizational growth and transition. The minutes provide evidence of how academic policies, campus regulations, and student matters were handled, while the correspondence offers context for specific actions. The materials are useful for research on university governance, administrative practices, and institutional responses to academic and student issues.

Admissions Office Records
SDSU-Archives UA 020 · Records · 1886-2013

The Admissions Office Records document the student recruitment, enrollment procedures, and promotional activities of South Dakota State University (SDSU) from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The materials reflect the office’s evolving role in attracting prospective students, facilitating application and admission processes, and promoting the university's academic and social environment.

This collection offers a view of how SDSU developed and communicated its institutional identity over time. From early bulletins issued by the South Dakota Agricultural College to modern recruitment media, the records show shifts in marketing strategies, outreach to diverse student populations, and growing emphasis on personalized admissions experiences. They are a valuable resource for researchers studying higher education marketing, enrollment trends, and student engagement in a land-grant university context.

South Dakota State University. Office of Admissions
SDSU-Archives UA 008.08 · Records · 1954-1999

This collection is composed of brochures, newsletters, and program materials related to the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University. The records document academic programs, outreach events, and engineering innovations within the department. Included are promotional materials for Agricultural Systems Technology and Food and Bio-Materials Engineering, invitations to departmental banquets and events such as the Annual ABE Hobo Day Celebration, and facility-related documents such as those on the Agricultural Engineering Building. The collection also contains brochures highlighting SDSU-developed electric agricultural equipment like the Chore-tric battery-powered loader and Electric Choremaster. A notable item is the pamphlet Model Farm A.D. 2076, produced for the American Revolution Bicentennial Horizons ’76 Project.

These records reflect the evolution and public engagement of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at SDSU. They highlight the department's commitment to applied research, educational outreach, and innovation in sustainable agricultural technologies. The inclusion of materials on SDSU-developed equipment and futuristic planning efforts underscores the department's role in advancing agricultural engineering in South Dakota and beyond.

South Dakota State University. Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Alpha Zeta Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.18 · Records · 1919-1982

The Alpha Zeta Records document the history and activities of the South Dakota Chapter of Alpha Zeta, an honorary agricultural fraternity established at South Dakota State College in 1924. The collection encompasses extensive correspondence related to the chapter’s formation, including the original 1924 charter certificate, and various versions of local and national constitutions and by-laws. It contains newsletters, brochures, and publications such as the Alpha Zeta Newsletter (1948–1960), Prairie Winds alumni newsletters (1980s), and reports from national biennial conclaves dating from 1929 to 1966.

Included are comprehensive reports from the South Dakota Chapter to the national fraternity spanning 1931 to 1987, such as monthly meeting minutes, semester membership and initiate reports, and officer reports. The collection also preserves local materials: pledge and new member manuals, membership directories, examination records, songs, awards certificates, and memorabilia like banners and scrapbooks.

Photographic materials consist of loose color and black-and-white photos documenting initiations, social events, awards ceremonies, and group portraits from the late 20th century. Membership cards, both individual and blank, dating from 1924 onward are also part of the collection.

This archival resource provides a rich and detailed record of the chapter’s evolution, its members, and its role within agricultural education and leadership development over nearly a century.

This collection is a resource for the study of agricultural education, student leadership development, and fraternal organizations at South Dakota State University and nationally. It offers valuable insights into the social, academic, and community-oriented functions of Alpha Zeta as a prominent agricultural fraternity. The records reflect the local chapter’s commitment to fostering agricultural leadership, academic excellence, and service, documenting its growth, challenges, and community involvement through multiple decades.

Alpha Zeta
SDSU-Archives MA 016 · Records · 1956-2017

The Altrusa Records collection documents the activities of Altrusa International District Seven and the Altrusa International Club of Brookings, South Dakota, from 1956 to 2017. The materials include administrative, financial, and event records that reflect the organization’s leadership, service projects, and regional conferences. The collection contains minutes, reports, treasurer’s records, correspondence, membership lists, strategic plans, bylaws, handbooks, and administrative files. A significant portion of the collection consists of materials from annual District Seven Conferences and Presidents’ Workshops held from 1956 to 1995, including programs, reports, banquet menus, and minutes. Also included are records of local Brookings club activities such as the Literacy Lunch, Harvest and Harmony, Wild Game Dinner, Bridge Marathon, and mini-grant programs. The collection documents the organization’s community service efforts, literacy initiatives, and regional leadership development within Altrusa International.

This collection provides documentation of Altrusa International District Seven and the Brookings club’s community engagement, leadership development, and literacy advocacy efforts in the upper Midwest. It illustrates the role of a women’s service organization in promoting education, philanthropy, and civic participation from the mid-twentieth century into the early twenty-first century.

Altrusa International
Alumni Association Records
SDSU-Archives UA 017 · Records · 1892-2022

This collection primarily consists of printed materials and publications produced by the Office of the Director of the Alumni Association. Included are event programs, brochures, newsletters, flyers, mailers, and postcards related to reunions, banquets, alumni awards, and other gatherings. A significant portion of the collection is devoted to STATE: A Magazine for SDSU Alumni and Friends, Rabbit Ears, and the Jackrabbit Insider e-newsletters. Also included are alumni directories, promotional items, greeting cards, and certificates of distinction such as the Campanile Climbers Award of Merit. Photographs (Box 3) depict alumni activities and events. Notably, some material addresses institutional concerns, such as correspondence related to the possible removal of the College of Engineering from SDSU.

The Alumni Association Records documents the relationship between South Dakota State University and its alumni. The collection provides insight into alumni engagement strategies, institutional memory, and campus traditions. It is especially valuable for researchers interested in university history, the development of alumni relations, and the cultural identity of SDSU over time. Materials such as reunion memorabilia, award programs, and alumni publications preserve a strong sense of community and shared history among SDSU graduates.

South Dakota State University. Alumni Association
SDSU-Archives MA 015 · Records · 1935-2007, undated

This collection documents the activities and governance of the American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch, offering valuable insight into the organization's role in promoting education, women's rights, and community engagement. It includes reports, minutes, newsletters, programs, bylaws, and correspondence, though no series is complete.

The collection provides documents related to the branch's administrative functions, including annual reports, bylaws, financial and fundraising activities, and meeting minutes from both regular and executive board sessions. These records highlight the decision-making processes, organizational priorities, and project initiatives undertaken by members. Membership lists and reports on various projects further illustrate the group's impact on local and national issues.

Of particular significance is the documentation on accreditation efforts, project initiatives, and study groups, which reflect the branch's commitment to education and social advocacy. The history of the Brookings Branch contains valuable narratives on its founding and key figures, including Vivian Volstorff, who played a crucial role in the branch's accreditation, and Gertrude Stickney Young, its first president. The collection also includes correspondence, news clippings, and a scrapbook that was dismantled for preservation purposes, offering researchers insight into the branch's evolving role in civic engagement.

Newsletters and event programs further illustrate the organization's outreach efforts and evolving priorities over time. Fundraising records, member surveys, and policy documents provide context for the branch's financial and strategic decision-making. Photographs, brochures, and promotional materials add a visual dimension to the collection, offering a deeper understanding of the group's public presence.

This collection is a valuable resource for researchers studying women's organizations, grassroots activism, and local history. It sheds light on the Brookings Branch's contributions to educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and broader societal issues, making it an essential reference for those examining the intersection of gender, education, and civic engagement.

American Association of University Women. Brookings Branch
SDSU-Archives UA 063.03 · Records · 1991-2014, undated

The American Indian Student Association Records are composed mainly of materials documenting the activities of the Native American Club and its successor organization at South Dakota State University. The records date primarily from the early 1990s through 2014 and include administrative files, financial records, correspondence, meeting notes, recruitment materials, photographs, posters, and audiovisual media. A major component of the collection documents the South Dakota State University Wacipi, which was created and organized by the Native American Club and represents the largest and most prominent activity reflected in the records. Materials related to the Wacipi include photographs, financial records, budgets, audiovisual recordings, posters, evaluations, logs, and contest documentation. The collection also includes documentation of other club activities such as hand games, picnics, basketball tournaments, travel, and community outreach events, as well as general club finances and budget requests submitted to the Student Association. Formats include paper records, photographs, VHS cassettes, CDs, DVDs, micro audiocassettes, and a photo album.

This collection documents Native American student organization activity, cultural programming, and student leadership at South Dakota State University. It is particularly significant for its extensive documentation of the SDSU Wacipi, illustrating the role of Native American students in preserving and promoting Indigenous cultural traditions within a university environment. The records also provide insight into student organization governance, funding, and campus engagement, as well as the transition from the Native American Club to the American Indian Student Association.

South Dakota State University. American Indian Student Association
SDSU-Archives UA 063.01 · Records · 1995-2014, undated

This collection documents the activities and role of the American Indian Student Center at South Dakota State University primarily between 2000 and 2012. The materials reflect student life, cultural programming, outreach, and support activities sponsored or coordinated by the center. Records include audiovisual materials such as audiocassettes, microcassettes, video recordings in multiple formats, compact discs, and digital video, as well as photographs and photographic negatives. The audiovisual and photographic materials document events, meetings, seminars, ceremonies, fundraisers, trips, and collaborative activities with student organizations, including the Native American Club and Wacipi related events. Also included are a limited number of flyers, brochures, handouts, and email communications that provide contextual information about center sponsored programs and student engagement initiatives.

The American Indian Student Center Records documents Indigenous student experiences and cultural life at South Dakota State University in the early twenty first century. The collection offers evidence of the center’s role in fostering community, supporting student retention, and promoting cultural visibility through educational programs, social events, and travel experiences. These materials contribute to the historical record of Native American student services, student organizations, and cultural expression within a land grant university setting and support research on Indigenous higher education, student advocacy, and campus based cultural programming.

SDSU-Archives UA 005.05 · Records · 1926-2019

This collection is composed primarily of publications produced by the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University. Materials include field day programs, research reports, newsletters, promotional materials, short course guides, and proceedings from symposia and professional meetings. Subjects represented span a wide range of animal science topics, including livestock and poultry production, animal husbandry, rangeland management, feed processing, animal welfare, and carcass evaluation. Events such as the Cottonwood Research Station Field Day, Livestock Feeders' Day, Poultry and Hatcherymen’s School, and the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium are documented, as well as student- and industry-focused materials such as scholarship notices and recruitment brochures.

These records provide insight into the research, outreach, and educational initiatives of SDSU’s Department of Animal Science, reflecting the department’s role in advancing livestock and rangeland practices in South Dakota and the region. The collection illustrates the university’s historical engagement with producers, students, and the broader agricultural community through practical education, scientific research, and public service.

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South Dakota State University. Department of Animal Science
SDSU-Archives UA 009.02 · Records · 1963-2006

The Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design Records (UA 9.2) consist of departmental materials including program evaluation reports, course announcements, posters, programs, and fact sheets related to apparel merchandising activities. A significant portion of the collection documents the Adaline Snellman Hsia Historic Costume and Decorative Arts Collection, including correspondence, clippings, photographs, donor records, publicity materials, collection histories, endowment information, and exhibit materials.

This collection documents the academic programs, public engagement, and historic costume holdings of the department, highlighting its contributions to fashion education, preservation of textile history, and regional cultural exhibitions. It provides insight into the department’s role in promoting fashion scholarship and community outreach.

South Dakota State University. Department of Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design
SDSU-Archives UA 035.01 · Records · 1887-1924

The materials in this collection document the organizational structure and cultural activities of the Athenian Literary Society. Included are the constitution and by-laws, meeting minutes, graduation programs, and play programs—both independently produced and in collaboration with other literary societies. These materials provide insight into the society’s internal governance and its contributions to campus cultural life.

The collection highlights the role of the Athenian Literary Society in fostering literary, theatrical, and oratorical skills among students. Its collaborations with other societies illustrate a broader tradition of cooperative intellectual and cultural engagement in early campus life.

South Dakota State College. Athenian Literary Society
SDSU-Archives UA 005.06 · Records · 1977 circa-2003, undated

This collection consists of materials published by the Department of Biology and Microbiology at South Dakota State University. It includes pamphlets, newsletters, posters, and lectures related to departmental activities, academic programs, and public outreach. Topics represented in the collection include the Bio-molecular Sciences Enhancement Program, environmental management initiatives at SDSU, graduate education in biology, and public seminars. These materials document the department’s efforts to promote scientific education, research, and community engagement.

South Dakota State University. Department of Biology and Microbiology
SDSU-Archives NA 004 · Records · 1985-2006

The Brookings Reconciliation Council Records document the activities, concerns, and advocacy efforts of the Brookings Reconciliation Council in Brookings, South Dakota, from approximately 1985 to 2006, with the bulk of the material dating from 1993 to 2003. The collection reflects the Council’s work to promote understanding, reconciliation, and improved relations between Native and non-Native communities in the region.

Materials include correspondence, meeting minutes, press releases, reports, collected publications, and conference materials addressing civil rights, education, economics, government relations, land issues, language, sovereignty, traditions, and violence affecting Native communities. The records also document public discussions and initiatives related to sports team mascots, reconciliation conferences, and community events. Additional materials highlight collaborations with organizations such as the Native American Club and Northern Plains Tribal Arts, as well as references to notable individuals and institutions. Photographs and undated resources further illustrate the Council’s outreach and educational efforts.

Together, the records provide insight into local and regional reconciliation initiatives, community dialogue, and advocacy related to Native American issues in eastern South Dakota during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Brookings Reconciliation Council (Brookings, S. D.)
SDSU-Archives MA 031 · Records · 1920-1999

The records document the activities, administration, and history of the Brookings Rotary Club from 1920 to 1999. Materials include foundational documents such as the 1920 charter, by-laws, and constitution; correspondence, committee reports, and assignments from the 1960s through the 1990s; district conference planning and reports to the District Governor spanning 1957–1999; and membership directories from 1943–1999. The collection also contains certificates, awards, attendance records, banquet programs, president’s plans, and a book project. Extensive newsletters titled Rotary Cog date from 1920–1998, along with clippings, photographs, and a club history compiled between 1955 and 1995. Additional materials include a songbook, records of Rotary Foundation scholarship activity, and summaries of club plans and objectives.

The collection provides documentation of the Brookings Rotary Club’s organizational development, community involvement, and participation in Rotary International programs over nearly eight decades. It reflects local leadership, service initiatives, and the continuity of civic engagement in Brookings, South Dakota.

Brookings Rotary Club (Brookings, S.D.)
SDSU-Archives UA 035.02 · Records · 1985-1994

This collection documents the activities of the Brookings Veterans Society and includes correspondence, accounting records, constitution and by-laws, membership information, forms, and newsletters. The largest portion of the collection relates to the Society’s annual book sale fundraiser and includes price lists, ledger sheets, publicity materials, and sign-up forms. Also included are materials related to meetings, room reservations, and the South Dakota Association of Collegiate Veterans Convention.

The records provide insight into the organizational, fundraising, and outreach efforts of veteran students at South Dakota State University. The prominent focus on the book sale highlights the group's self-sustaining fundraising initiatives, while the broader documentation reflects their integration into campus life and the veteran community.

Brookings Veterans Society (Brookings, S.D.)
Career Center Records
SDSU-Archives UA 027 · Records · 1975-2008

This collection is composed primarily of printed materials produced by the Career Center (formerly the CAP Center) at South Dakota State University. It includes newsletters such as Career Matters Update and CAP Center Employment News, flyers for events like Career Week, job fairs, etiquette dinners, and mock interview sessions. The collection also features brochures and pamphlets on job-seeking skills, resumes, and interviewing, as well as materials related to tutoring programs, academic support, and proficiency exam help sessions. Thirty color photographs document Career Center events and activities.

These records document the role of the Career Center in preparing students for employment and academic success. They reflect the university’s commitment to career readiness through experiential learning, career counseling, and student support services. The materials provide insight into the types of services offered and the ways in which the university engaged students in professional development throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

South Dakota State University. Career Center
SDSU-Archives UA 006.05 · Records · 1974-2007

This collection is composed primarily of issues of the Beaker Breaker, a newsletter published by the Chemistry Department from 1978 to 1987. It also includes departmental publications such as the Chemistry Newsletter and Notat-IONS, as well as informational pamphlets, news releases, and program materials related to departmental events and lecture series. Featured events include the Henry A. Lardy Distinguished Lecture Series in Chemistry and the Joseph F. Nelson Mentorship Seminar in Chemistry and Biology. Additional materials include biographical files, correspondence, and documentation on departmental history, student awards, and specialized laboratories such as the Ice Core and Environmental Chemistry Lab.

These records offer insight into the academic culture, outreach, and scientific community of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at South Dakota State University during the late 20th century. The newsletters and lecture series reflect departmental priorities in education, research, and public engagement, while the historical and biographical materials contribute to a broader understanding of the department’s development and impact.

South Dakota State University. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
SDSU-Archives UA 008.01 · Records · 1900, 1949, 1970-1971, 1973, 1992-1994, 2001

This collection primarily consists of instructional material related to the Solid Waste Engineering and Management course at South Dakota State University. The materials include correspondence, course syllabi, lab schedules, lecture notes, exams, and documentation on topics such as landfill design and operation, leachate management, municipal solid waste systems, decomposition processes, and relevant environmental regulations. These materials were likely created by Professors Dwayne Rollag and Vernon Schaefer, who coordinated the course during the early 1990s.

Additional items in the collection pertain to departmental activities and general engineering topics. These include brochures, fact sheets, conference materials, seminar announcements, and departmental records. Notable items include a certificate awarded to the Civil Engineering Department for a 1949 Hobo Day parade float and a campus survey field notebook likely dating to around 1900, based on references to early campus structures.

This collection offers insight into civil and environmental engineering education at SDSU, particularly in the area of solid waste management. It reflects evolving academic approaches to environmental infrastructure and regulation during the 1990s. The inclusion of early surveying records and historical department memorabilia contributes to the broader institutional history of engineering at South Dakota State University.

South Dakota State University. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
SDSU-Archives UA 006 · Records · 1953-2017

This collection consists of records generated by the administrative offices of the College of Arts and Sciences at South Dakota State University. Materials include correspondence, brochures, bulletins, committee records, meeting minutes, statistical reports, and mission statements, as well as publications related to campus events and academic programs. A substantial portion of the collection comprises newsletters issued under various titles—including Arts at State, College of Arts & Science Newsletter, Focus on Arts at State, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!, What's Up, and Transformation Magazine—which document college activities, achievements, faculty initiatives, and student engagement.

These records provide insight into the organizational structure, communication strategies, and evolving academic and cultural identity of the College of Arts and Sciences. The newsletters, in particular, serve as a valuable chronicle of internal developments, outreach efforts, and the college's role within the broader university community over time.

South Dakota State University. College of Arts and Sciences
SDSU-Archives UA 007 · Records · 1938-2019

This collection documents the academic programs, administrative functions, and collaborative initiatives of the College of Education and Human Sciences and its predecessor, the College of Education and Counseling. Materials include newsletters, brochures, reports, correspondence, meeting agendas and minutes, promotional materials, and publications. Of particular note are extensive accreditation records submitted to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), program development files for graduate and undergraduate degrees in education and counseling, and documentation of curriculum planning and professional training.

The collection also includes records of a collaboration between South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, initiated in 2002 with the appointment of a joint dean. This joint effort, aimed at unifying teacher education across both campuses, is represented through brochures, press materials, and conference proceedings, including documentation from the No Child Left Behind Faculty Institute.

Other notable components include materials on student and faculty development, academic conferences, school partnership initiatives, and self-study reports for the dietetics program. A series of dean portraits and institutional publications such as the Education & Counseling Newsletter, Education & Human Sciences Magazine, and Enhancing Human Potential Magazine provide insight into the college’s leadership, outreach, and evolution.

The collection reflects the transformation and expansion of teacher and counselor education at SDSU, highlighting its responsiveness to state and national accreditation standards, collaborative educational models, and evolving professional training. It is particularly valuable for studying the development of educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and institutional partnerships in higher education.

South Dakota State University. College of Education and Human Sciences
SDSU-Archives UA 009 · Records · 1884-2008

The Family and Consumer Sciences Records document the development, administration, academic programming, and public engagement of the College of Home Economics and its successor, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, at South Dakota State University. Spanning the early 20th century through the college’s reorganization in the early 21st century, the records include curriculum materials, committee minutes, faculty resources, newsletters, brochures, workshop materials, program evaluations, and student organization records. Key topics include the establishment and evolution of the core curriculum, graduate programs, student and faculty achievements, and community outreach such as the SDSU Laboratory Preschool and the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program.

Historical documentation includes comprehensive narrative histories compiled by faculty and alumni, alumni newsletters, and self-study reports. The collection also contains annual and biennial reports, federal reports submitted to the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and documentation of special initiatives such as nutrition education, early childhood development, and Native American student engagement. A large body of photographs—both loose and from dismantled scrapbooks—depict faculty, students, events, facilities, and departmental activities across decades.

Included are portraits of deans, building plans, program brochures, and thesis titles from across the United States, reflecting the college’s academic and national context. Records from the post-1990s period also trace the administrative transition of the college and its departments into broader units within SDSU, particularly the School of Health and Human Sciences and the Ness School of Management and Economics.

This collection documents the evolution of home economics education in South Dakota, particularly at a land-grant institution. As one of the earliest such programs in the nation, SDSU’s Department of Home Economics (later the College of Family and Consumer Sciences) played a pivotal role in expanding educational and professional opportunities for women, promoting applied science, and integrating academic programs with community service. The records provide valuable insight into changes in curriculum, pedagogy, gender roles, and public health priorities from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. They also chronicle the institutional reorganization and broader trends that led to the dissolution of the college and the integration of its programs into new interdisciplinary structures.

South Dakota State University. College of Family and Consumer Sciences
College of Nursing Records
SDSU-Archives UA 012 · Records · 1916-2023

The Nursing Records at South Dakota State University document the development, administration, academic programs, outreach, accreditation, and activities of the College of Nursing from its early years through the present. The collection includes reports, annual and biennial reviews, catalogs, newsletters, bulletins, faculty and student handbooks, and policy guidelines. It covers curriculum materials, course outlines, syllabi, and student records across various programs, including Clinical Nursing, General Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Rural Nursing, and the RN Upward Mobility Program. Accreditation files include self-studies, evaluation reports, and materials related to site visits and National League for Nursing standards. The records also contain legal agreements and contracts with clinical sites, meeting minutes from committees and faculty, research studies, surveys, grant proposals, conference proceedings, photographs, and scrapbooks documenting ceremonies, faculty, students, and alumni activities.

This collection documents nursing education at SDSU, reflecting statewide and national developments in nursing training, health care delivery, and professional standards. It provides insight into the evolution of nursing curricula, outreach to underserved and rural populations (including Native American communities), accreditation history, and faculty and student life. The records are a valuable resource for researchers studying the history of nursing education, public health initiatives, women’s education, and the university’s impact on South Dakota’s health care workforce and infrastructure.

South Dakota State University. College of Nursing
SDSU-Archives UA 013 · Records · 1890-2008

This collection consists primarily of newsletters, magazines, and periodicals produced by the College of Pharmacy, including College of Pharmacy magazine, Focus on the College of Pharmacy newsletter, and Jackrabbits Script & Scope. Additional materials include annual reports, event programs (such as Doctor of Pharmacy Hooding Ceremonies and White Coat Ceremonies), historical records, clippings, student handbooks, research presentation abstracts, and memorabilia, notably a glass pharmacy beaker. These records document the College’s academic programs, student life, professional development activities, historical milestones, and contributions to pharmacy education.

The Pharmacy Records offers insight into the evolution of pharmacy education at South Dakota State University, highlighting the College’s role in preparing pharmacy professionals, advancing pharmaceutical research, and engaging with the broader healthcare community. It preserves a rich record of the College’s academic traditions, professional recognition, historical development, and community partnerships, making it a useful resource for researchers interested in the history of pharmacy education, healthcare training, and institutional history in South Dakota.

South Dakota State University. College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions
Commerce Department Records
SDSU-Archives UA 006.15 · Records · undated

The Commerce Department Records consist of a pamphlet produced by the Department of Commerce at South Dakota State College promoting business training for rural South Dakota, as well as an offprint from the college catalog describing the department’s offerings. These materials reflect the department’s early 20th-century efforts to provide practical commercial education, including both business and secretarial training, tailored to the needs of rural communities.

These records illustrate the role of the Department of Commerce in advancing vocational education in South Dakota, particularly in rural areas. They highlight the institution's commitment to practical training in business methods, supporting regional economic development and workforce preparation during the early 1900s.

South Dakota Agricultural College. Commerce Department
SDSU-Archives UA 051.02 · Records · 1948-1955

This collection is composed of correspondence, form letters, and meeting minutes generated by the Committee on Scholarly Affairs at South Dakota State University. The records provide insight into the committee’s administrative functions and decision-making processes. The correspondence and form letters document communication between committee members and various academic units, while the minutes reflect the committee’s deliberations and actions regarding scholarly standards, academic policy, and curricular affairs.

The Committee on Scholarly Affairs shaped academic policy and maintaining scholarly standards within the university. These records are significant for understanding the governance of academic programs and the internal operations of faculty-led oversight committees. They may be useful for researchers studying institutional policy development, faculty governance, and the historical context of academic administration at SDSU.

South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Committee on Scholarly Affairs
SDSU-Archives UA 006.01 · Records · 1931-2018

This collection consists of materials produced by the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre at South Dakota State University. The records document departmental activities and student engagement in theatre, speech, and broadcasting. Included are course offerings, recruitment materials, newsletters, and pamphlets, as well as a variety of printed and audiovisual materials related to theatre productions and public performances.

A substantial portion of the collection pertains to the Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre programs, including playbills, posters, postcards, calendars, season schedules, ticket stubs, and production programs. Noteworthy items include bound volumes covering Prairie Repertory Theatre's summer seasons from 1971 to 2002, containing clippings, photographs, and promotional materials. Also present are materials related to the State College Theatre, the Footlight Club, experimental theatre, and university-affiliated broadcasts such as those from Radio KSDJ.

The collection provides insight into the evolution of theatre and communication instruction at SDSU, as well as the department's longstanding role in student life and cultural programming. It highlights the university's commitment to performance-based education and public outreach, documenting decades of theatrical productions, speech education, and media engagement on campus and in the broader South Dakota community.

SDSU-Archives UA 015 · Records · 1924-2008

The Continuing and Extended Education Administrative and Distance Education Records at South Dakota State University document the development, administration, and delivery of off-campus and distance learning programs from the mid-20th century into the early 21st century. The collection includes brochures, newsletters, flyers, schedules, course listings, correspondence, planning documents, conference and workshop materials, University Week for Women records, and reports. It covers a wide range of programs, from undergraduate and graduate courses to specialized workshops and conferences on topics such as agriculture, leadership, health, education, technology, and public policy. Also included are administrative materials related to scheduling, data entry, enrollment statistics, and partnerships like the Electronic University Consortium and the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance.

This collection reflects SDSU’s longstanding commitment to educational outreach, innovation in distance learning, and service to diverse student populations across South Dakota and beyond. It provides valuable insights into the evolution of continuing education, the expansion of online and hybrid learning, the university’s role in regional workforce development, and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities. Programs like University Week for Women and the Tax Update Workshops highlight the institution’s engagement with community needs and its adaptability to social and economic changes.

South Dakota State University. Office of Continuing and Distance Education
SDSU-Archives UA 005.04 · Records · 1915-2021

This collection comprises records generated by the Cooperative Extension Service, encompassing a variety of materials related to administrative functions, 4-H programming, personnel communications, news releases, and specialized initiatives such as the South Dakota AgrAbility Project.

The Administrative Records include correspondence with R. Milton Rich, Area Development Specialist, discussing the adult education program in 1964 and proposals for dividing continuing study, extension, and terminal education. Also included are Cooperative Extension Impact Statements for the West District and a history and philosophy of the service, reflecting the broader administrative and strategic goals of the Extension Service.

The 4-H Publications focus primarily on materials directed at 4-H club members and leaders across the state. These include newsletters, project guides, forms, reports, and informational pamphlets. Notably, the collection contains a state commemorative document marking the centennial of 4-H, as well as club member record books from the 1930s, offering insight into the historical development of 4-H programs in South Dakota.

Personnel Communications are a collection of published materials distributed to extension personnel statewide. These materials were initially bound, though their arrangement became more organized over time, with later items categorized by subject starting around 1977. Topics include 4-H, agricultural economics, animal science, home economics, horticulture/forestry, veterinary science, and more. Some news releases are included in this series, reflecting the Extension Service's outreach efforts. In 2004, this material was microfilmed and is now arranged first chronologically by year, then alphabetically by title.

News Releases consist of items distributed to the media by Extension Services, covering a wide range of topics related to agricultural education and outreach from 1939 to 1948. These materials were also microfilmed in 2004 and are arranged chronologically by year and alphabetically by title.

The Publications series contains a variety of materials produced by the Extension Service, including circulars, handbooks, leaflets, newsletters, and reports. These publications provide insight into Extension's educational outreach across numerous disciplines, such as agriculture, home economics, and youth development.

The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a significant initiative documented in the collection. Established under the 1990 Farm Bill, the project aims to support individuals with disabilities and their families through education and assistance. The South Dakota AgrAbility Project is a cooperative effort between South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, Easter Seals of South Dakota, and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, and the collection includes materials related to this important program.

This collection provides a comprehensive view of the Cooperative Extension Service's educational, outreach, and community-building efforts in South Dakota, with a focus on 4-H, agricultural practices, disability support, and rural development initiatives. Materials are housed at an off-site facility, and requests to view the collection must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Some items are available in microfilm.

South Dakota State University. Cooperative Extension Service
SDSU-Archives UA 049 · Records · 1969-2021

This collection documents the activities and governance of the Council of Higher Education (COHE) at South Dakota State University in its role as the collective bargaining representative for faculty. Materials include multiple agreements between COHE and the South Dakota Board of Regents (SD BOR), as well as constitutional documents, correspondence, committee records, faculty feedback, and proposed contract amendments. Also included are newsletters issued by COHE and affiliated organizations, highlighting ongoing negotiations, legislative developments, and organizational updates.

The collection features documentation on faculty salary agreements and regression studies, workload policies, shared governance, and institutional planning during times of budgetary constraint. Membership records, including lists, notes, and committee materials, are also present, offering insight into faculty involvement and union organization. Notable items include the Mickelson Bill, SDSU’s plan of action to preserve collective bargaining rights, and joint statements from COHE and public universities.

These records illustrate the history and evolution of faculty labor relations in South Dakota higher education, especially at SDSU, and reflect broader efforts to formalize faculty working conditions and shared governance through collective bargaining.

Council of Higher Education (S.D.)
SDSU-Archives UA 051.04 · Records · 1959-1969

This collection is composed of reports produced by the Curriculum Evaluation Committee at South Dakota State University. Included are a final report detailing the committee’s findings and recommendations, an institutional profile of SDSU’s doctoral program as assessed by faculty and administration, and an institutional report prepared for accreditation evaluation. These documents reflect the committee’s role in reviewing academic programs, assessing institutional effectiveness, and supporting accreditation processes.

The records provide insight into SDSU’s curriculum assessment and strategic planning processes during periods of academic review and accreditation. The inclusion of reports concerning doctoral programs and institutional self-evaluation indicates the committee’s role in shaping graduate education and meeting external standards for institutional quality and accountability. These records serve as a resource for understanding how academic priorities, faculty input, and accreditation requirements influenced the university's academic development.

South Dakota State University. Curricula Evaluation Committee
Dairy Club Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.03 · Records · 1972-2008

This collection includes annual reports, multiple issues of the Dairy Digest periodical, awards banquet programs, and a scrapbook compiled in 1985. The Dairy Digest began as a newsletter and evolved into a formal periodical in the early 1990s, providing updates on the Dairy Department and Dairy Club activities.

The records document the ongoing activities, achievements, and growth of the Dairy Club at South Dakota State University. The Dairy Digest serves as a valuable historical resource capturing departmental news and student involvement over time, while the scrapbook offers a visual and narrative glimpse into the club’s past.

Dairy Club (South Dakota State University)
SDSU-Archives UA 005.07 · Records · 1898-2019

The Dairy Science Department Records are cmposed of departmental records, publications and Dairy Husbandry records which consist of correspondence, reports, registry materials, receipts, bills, inventories, statements, photographs and miscellaneous items.

The administrative records are composed of clippings, correspondence, policy manuals, photographs/negatives, bulletins, leaflets, newsletters, programs, reports and miscellaneous items. Included is material on cooperative education, creamery short courses, Diary Industry Week, Dairy Princess judging, and a history of the Dairy Science Department, which was revised in 1994-95. An item of note is a scrapbook from the early 1900, which contains clippings of dairy related material. Some unusual items included are two small milk cartons used by the Dairy Science Department.

The photographs were collected by the Dairy Science Department over the years. These photographs cover a wide range of topics, from barns and local creameries, to ice cream and yogurt. Some photographs are of experiments conducted by the Dairy Science Department, including bloat procedures, diseases bovine udders and a vitamin D deficiency/sun deprivation experiment. Some items of note include glass plates for experiment station bulletin publications. Ask the Special Collections staff for assistance in viewing these photographs. Folders and arranged in alphabetical order.

The Dairy Husbandry records are composed of correspondence and general office files which include reports, registry materials, receipts, bills, inventories, statements, photographs and miscellaneous items. The bulk of this collection is correspondence from companies and area dairy farmers to and from the head of the Dairy Husbandry department during the years covered. Other items in this collection show the day to day operation of the department. An item of note is correspondence from Ben Reifel while he was a student at SDSC looking for employment.
Items such as receipts, daily creamery reports, test supervisor's reports for advanced registry and feed record report cards were sampled and a small collection kept indicating how the reports were filled out and what they were used for. The photographs were separated and are housed in the photograph collection. Folders are arranged in alphabetical order and there under chronologically.

South Dakota State University. Department of Dairy Science
SDSU-Archives UA 052.03 · Records · 1884-1895

This collection is composed of original records of the Dakota Agricultural College Board of Regents, documenting foundational governance activity between 1884 and 1895. It includes a ledger of official minutes detailing key decisions and organizational structures during the college's formative years. Topics covered include the selection of the first president, establishment of committees to oversee academic programs, finances, building construction, land management, and admissions. The ledger also records the development of early budgetary and curricular frameworks, with later entries incorporating presidential reports. A notation at the conclusion references a second volume of minutes, but its location is currently unknown.

Additionally, the collection contains a petition signed by students, requesting the dismissal of an English/History professor—offering early evidence of student engagement with faculty performance and governance.

These records offer critical insight into the early administrative and academic formation of South Dakota State University during its era as Dakota Agricultural College. The materials illustrate the priorities and challenges of a newly established land-grant institution in the late 19th century, highlighting student activism, governance practices, and institutional planning. The collection is especially significant for scholars interested in the history of higher education in South Dakota, land-grant college governance, and student-faculty relations in early American universities.

Dakota Agricultural College Board of Regents
SDSU-Archives MA 054 · Records · 1949-1994

This collection consists of records from the Zeta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society in South Dakota. Materials include chapter meeting minutes, handbooks, membership lists, and budget documents. Also included are miscellaneous materials and the bylaws and rules for the Alpha Pi State organization.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society
Department of Music Records
SDSU-Archives UA 006.04 · Records · 1900-2018

The Music Department Records document the educational, performance, and promotional activities of the South Dakota State University Music Department from the early 20th century through the early 21st century. The collection includes newsletters, correspondence, concert and recital programs, posters, photographs, student writings, memorabilia, and administrative materials related to departmental ensembles and music curriculum.

The bulk of the collection consists of concert and recital programs for university ensembles—including the Concert Choir, Statesmen, University Women’s Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Symphonic Band, Civic Symphony, and the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band—as well as student and faculty recitals. These materials capture performances held on campus, throughout the region, and on national and international tours. Many programs include performer rosters, program notes, translations, and accompanying newspaper clippings. Recurring events such as The Messiah, the Spring Festival of Music, Madrigal and Yuletide Feastes, and Friday Forum lecture-recitals are well represented. Materials from the Brookings Chamber Music Society further highlight collaborations with guest artists and touring ensembles.

Other items in the collection include early letterhead, alumni newsletters, promotional t-shirts, and photographs depicting choral groups and other student ensembles. Administrative files document planning for concerts and festivals, as well as the department’s broader public engagement.

This collection provides a record of music education and performance at SDSU, illustrating changes in curriculum, repertoire, and student involvement over time. It reflects the university’s role in cultivating musical talent and fostering cultural enrichment on campus and in the wider community.

South Dakota State University. Department of Music
SDSU-Archives UA 018 · Records · 1887-2018, undated

This collection documents the financial operations and budget planning activities of South Dakota State University from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The records include accounting documentation, correspondence, vouchers, payroll, ledgers, reports, deposit receipts, internal management reports, and budget requests. These materials span numerous funding sources such as the Adams Fund, Hatch Fund, Morrill Fund, Experiment Station Fund, General Fund, Endowment Fund, and State Fund, as well as internal and external operational budgets and appropriations.

The records offer detailed insights into the fiscal administration of the university’s academic, agricultural, and residential programs. Particularly notable are materials related to the early management of campus dormitories (1908–1910), ledgers on tuition and fees dating back to the 1880s, and correspondence between university officials and state and federal agencies, including the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Records reflect a wide array of university functions—from student labor and faculty payroll to equipment purchases and travel expenses—and include budget requests for major divisions such as the Agricultural Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension Service, and SDSU Auxiliary Services.

This collection is a resource for understanding the financial history and institutional development of South Dakota State University. It provides essential documentation of how public funds, federal appropriations, and internal budgets were allocated to support higher education, research, and infrastructure at a land-grant university. The materials also highlight the university’s relationship with state and federal governments, especially during the periods of expansion in the early 20th century and post-World War II. Researchers interested in public higher education finance, agricultural funding through federal programs, and South Dakota’s educational policy history will find this collection particularly valuable.

South Dakota State University. Division of Budget and Finance
SDSU-Archives UA 042 · Records · 1967-2018

The records in this collection document the development, planning, administration, and operations of the Division of Technology and Security at South Dakota State University. The files reflect the evolution of computing services and information technology on campus and include material from various units such as the Office of Information Technology, Computing Services, the Vice President’s Office, Information Technology Services, and Classroom Technologies Services. Spanning multiple decades, the records offer insight into university-wide initiatives related to academic computing, infrastructure planning, student support, administrative operations, and faculty development.

The collection contains a comprehensive run of the Computing Services newsletter, many of which include subject indexes. Other materials include annual reports, technology strategic plans, budget documents, user manuals, training guides, and documentation related to major computing initiatives such as the Y2K preparations and response. Meeting minutes from the Computing Directors Council, Computer User’s Advisory Council, Computer Center Directors Council, and the Technology Affairs Council provide insight into decision-making and policy development. Also represented are Board of Regents-level plans and inter-university collaborations such as the Electronic University Consortium.

A significant portion of the collection focuses on classroom and instructional technology, including manuals, guides, audiovisual resource lists, and newsletters from the Instructional Media Center and Audio-Visual Center. Materials from the Student Computing Services unit include training manuals, handbooks, newsletters, orientation documents, and reports on student satisfaction and support. Technology training is documented through records of the Technology Training Team and Train-the-Trainer initiatives.

The collection also includes documentation on server infrastructure, campus network access, bandwidth analysis, virus protection, policy development, computer lab operations, and specialized planning such as the Strategic Information Technology Plan for a 21st Century Lead-Forward Land-Grant Institution. Additional topics covered include ergonomics, flexible work schedules, international student employment in IT, and the Student Technology Fellows Program.

These records are a resource documenting computing services and information technology planning in a higher education environment, reflecting the shift from mainframe computing to decentralized, networked systems and the growing integration of technology into teaching, research, and administration.

South Dakota State University. Division of Technology and Security
SDSU-Archives UA 050.14 · Records · 1975-2004

This collection documents the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair (ESDSEF) and its affiliation with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), highlighting South Dakota State University’s commitment to promoting youth involvement in STEM education. The records span multiple decades and include materials generated by fair administrators, faculty sponsors, student participants, and national science fair organizations. The collection provides a comprehensive record of the structure, planning, and execution of science fairs held at the local, regional, and international levels.

Materials include SDSU-produced programs, brochures, and informational packets for teachers and students, detailing schedules, participant guidelines, and educational outreach strategies. Judging procedures and award documentation are extensive, with files covering evaluation criteria, awards distribution, and artifacts such as first, second, and third place trophies, gold, silver, and bronze medals, and commemorative pins. Budget and planning records offer insight into event logistics, including correspondence, expense reports, and scrapbook documentation. A range of photographs and memorabilia complement these administrative files.

The collection also contains extensive documentation from ISEF, including directories of affiliated fairs, rule books, finalist packets, student forms, travel and housing instructions, and press materials. Of particular significance is the nearly uninterrupted run of published ISEF abstract books for the 26th through the 54th fairs, which preserve records of student research from across the country and internationally. Additional ISEF materials include miscellaneous brochures, judging instructions, and tour information. One program from the 65th ESDSEF and a ball cap from the 50th ISEF are also present.

While the majority of the collection focuses on science fair operations and participation, minimal information is available on Sigma Xi. The Sigma Xi content consists only of scattered planning notes and proposals, indicating a minor advisory or sponsorship role in the fair’s administration.

The collection documents SDSU’s leadership in regional STEM outreach, its connection to national science education efforts, and its long-term support of student inquiry and achievement in science. The fair records reflect evolving scientific interests among youth, institutional engagement in community education, and South Dakota’s participation in global STEM networks.

Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair
Economics Club Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.17 · Records · 1951-2012

This collection documents the activities and membership of the South Dakota State University Economics Club through newsletters, constitutions, reports, brochures, photographs, and event materials. It includes detailed records of annual awards banquets, senior brochures highlighting graduating members, and photos from various club trips to cities such as Denver, Milwaukee, Omaha, Minneapolis, and Wyoming. The collection also captures the club’s participation in campus traditions like Hobo Day, including floats, parades, and related celebrations, as well as social events such as summer arts festival booths, fall picnics, and Christmas parties. Newspaper articles and club fliers further illustrate the club’s presence and engagement within the university community.

This collection provides valuable insight into the social, academic, and extracurricular life of Economics students at SDSU. It highlights the club’s role in fostering professional development, camaraderie, and community involvement among Economics students and faculty. The variety of materials documents not only formal club operations but also the broader cultural and social experiences that shaped student life, making it a rich resource for studying campus traditions, student engagement, and the history of Economics education at SDSU.

South Dakota State University. Economics Club
SDSU-Archives UA 008.10 · Records · 1962-1971

This collection is composed of records related to the proposed removal of the College of Engineering from South Dakota State University in the early 1970s as part of a statewide higher education reorganization. The materials document the development of the South Dakota Academic Master Plan by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, particularly the work of Committee D, which focused on the roles of individual institutions. Contents include committee minutes, preliminary and final reports, correspondence, curriculum reports, enrollment statistics, financial data, alumni and faculty responses, and critical reviews. The collection also includes supporting documents such as legislative materials, public commentary, institutional responses, and research on engineering education in South Dakota and nationally.

These records provide insight into a pivotal moment in South Dakota higher education history, particularly the intense debate over the recommendation to consolidate SDSU’s College of Engineering with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The collection highlights the institutional, political, and economic factors that shaped higher education policy in the state, as well as community, faculty, and legislative efforts to preserve engineering education at SDSU. It is a valuable resource for studying educational planning, university governance, and regional higher education development.

South Dakota State University. Engineering controversy
SDSU-Archives UA 008.06 · Records · 1985-2001

This collection is composed of newsletters and informational brochures produced by the Engineering Extension program at South Dakota State University. Materials document training courses, safety initiatives, and outreach efforts, including the S.T.A.T.E. (Safety Training and Technical Education) program, OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Consultation services, and specialized courses such as the Truck and Equipment Maintenance Shop Safety course. The materials were created for administrators, managers, safety officers, and others involved in maintaining safe workplace environments.

The collection reflects SDSU's land-grant mission by highlighting Engineering Extension’s role in advancing workplace safety and technical education across South Dakota. Through consultation services and targeted training programs, the extension helped employers meet regulatory standards and improve occupational health practices, contributing to economic development and public well-being.

South Dakota State University. Engineering Extension
SDSU-Archives UA 008.05 · Records · 1963-2008

This collection documents the programs, activities, and outreach efforts of the Engineering Resource Center at South Dakota State University. Established in 1986, the Center supported research, education, and technology transfer through initiatives such as the Office of Remote Sensing, the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, the South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program, the University/Industry Technology Service, and the Essential Networking and Training for Entrepreneurship (ENTRE) program. Materials include newsletters, brochures, reports, course and program descriptions, applications, technical documentation, correspondence, and photogrammetry images.

Significant content is derived from the Office of Remote Sensing, originally founded in 1969 as the Remote Sensing Institute, which used satellite imagery and GIS technologies to support natural resource management across South Dakota and beyond. Included are aerial thermography materials, technical reports, equipment documentation, stereoscopes, and extensive sets of photogrammetry and aerial images of locations such as Brookings, Big Bend Dam, Meriden, Missoula, and numerous unidentified areas.

The collection also contains documentation from NASA-affiliated Space Grant activities, particularly in the form of award announcements and outreach newsletters. Other series include information on local transportation engineering support, entrepreneurship training, and collaborations between SDSU and industry stakeholders across the state.

The Engineering Resource Center Records reflect SDSU’s leadership in applied engineering, remote sensing, transportation planning, and economic development during the late 20th century. They are particularly valuable for documenting the university’s role in NASA's Space Grant program, South Dakota's infrastructure planning, and the integration of satellite and aerial imaging in environmental monitoring. The collection also illustrates efforts to connect academic research with public service and private-sector needs through interdisciplinary collaboration.

South Dakota State University. Engineering Resource Center
SDSU-Archives UA 043 · Records · 2000-2004, 2010

The Environmental Health and Safety Office Records consists of materials related to workplace safety and emergency preparedness at South Dakota State University. The contents include a pamphlet titled Life Safety at South Dakota State University, which outlines procedures and best practices for responding to emergencies in the workplace. The material reflects the Environmental Health and Safety Office’s role in promoting campus-wide safety awareness and compliance with life safety standards.

This record documents the university’s efforts to educate faculty, staff, and students on emergency protocols, underscoring the institution’s commitment to a safe campus environment. It is valuable for understanding institutional safety policies and emergency response planning.

South Dakota State University. Office of Environmental Health and Safety
SDSU-Archives UA 024 · Records · 1904-2008

This collection documents the establishment, development, and ongoing activities of the Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition at South Dakota State University. It includes records related to the Endowed Chair, Distinguished Lectureship, Visiting Professorship, and collected publications, as well as a substantial body of personal papers and professional materials created or compiled by Dr. Ethel Austin Martin.

The Endowed Chair records primarily relate to the creation and development of the E.A. Martin Program and its associated academic positions. These files include financial documents, progress reports, human nutrition committee records, and the formal memorandum of agreement with Dr. Martin. Also present are materials pertaining to the Basic Course in Nutrition, including syllabi, textbook selections, course materials, and research. A significant portion of these records consists of correspondence, working papers, and statements authored by Dr. Martin and university staff as they shaped the chair's role in advancing nutrition education and research.

The Distinguished Lecturer records reflect the administration of annual lectureships hosted on campus, supported by Martin’s endowment. These events featured nationally recognized experts in nutrition, each selected for their excellence in a particular area of the field. The files include materials related to lecture planning, speaker selection, publicity, programs, announcements, audio recordings, and documentation of campus and community engagement. Dr. Martin was actively involved in shaping the lecture series, and her correspondence and notes provide insight into the intellectual goals and collaborative spirit of the program.

The Visiting Professorship component represents a unique multidisciplinary initiative that brought leading scholars to SDSU for short-term residencies. Visiting professors provided lectures, led discussions, and worked closely with faculty and students across various departments. These records include program development files, planning committee materials, evaluations, publicity, audio and video recordings, and correspondence with and about visiting scholars. The structure of this program, supported by a rotating task force of faculty and the Human Nutrition Fund Committee, encouraged cross-disciplinary inquiry and contributed to broadening the scope of human nutrition research and education on campus.

The collected publications series contains journal articles, books, newsletters, and proceedings related to nutrition. Most of these materials were gathered by Dr. Martin or the program in support of the Basic Course in Nutrition. They provide context for evolving conversations in the field and reflect the intellectual foundation of the program’s educational goals.

This collection is a resource for understanding the development of nutrition as a multidisciplinary academic and applied field at South Dakota State University. Dr. Ethel Austin Martin’s visionary leadership and generous endowment supported decades of scholarly engagement, educational innovation, and public outreach in human nutrition. The records document the collaborative processes behind major academic programs and events, and preserve the legacy of a pioneering nutritionist who profoundly influenced the direction of nutrition education and research in South Dakota and beyond.

South Dakota State University. Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition
SDSU-Archives UA 041 · Records · 1958-2021

This collection documents the operations, services, and development of Facilities and Services (formerly the Physical Plant) at South Dakota State University. Records span a wide range of topics including campus infrastructure, departmental services, safety, sustainability initiatives, and administrative operations.

Materials include documentation related to academic buildings, the Central Farm Barn, campus maps, organizational charts, departmental profiles, annual and construction reports, service guides, work order forms, and forms related to signage, carillon performances, and parking permits. Security-related content includes multiple security reports, police department information, and campus safety pamphlets, along with historical and regulatory documentation concerning parking and traffic from 1958 to 1991.

Guidelines and procedures for central mailing services are detailed, along with newsletters, announcements, and facts about the Physical Plant’s operations. Notably, the collection contains a historic restroom hand and face dryer from Wecota Hall.

A significant portion of the collection focuses on sustainability efforts at SDSU. This includes correspondence, reports, brochures, posters, planning documents, recycling guides, committee records, and budget materials related to environmental stewardship. Topics covered include the university’s recycling and waste management initiatives, sustainability curriculum and events such as Green Fest and the Wellness Fair, and documentation of SDSU’s recognition as a STARS Silver Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The collection also includes a record of outreach programs such as the Spruce Up SDSU campaign and Tiny House Tours.

The collection provides insight into the evolution of campus facilities management at SDSU, reflecting institutional priorities in infrastructure maintenance, security, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. It documents both daily operations and long-term planning, highlighting the department’s role in supporting the university’s physical and ecological footprint.

South Dakota State University. Facilities and Services
Faculty Association Records
SDSU-Archives UA 050.02 · Records · 1946-1972

The Faculty Association Records document the organizational, administrative, and advocacy activities of the South Dakota State College (later South Dakota State University) Faculty Association from its founding in 1946 until its dissolution in 1972. The collection includes constitutions and by-laws, minutes, correspondence (primarily from or to the association's acting head), and committee records.

The records reflect the association’s advisory role and its efforts to address faculty-related concerns including appointment, rank and promotion, tenure, salary studies, insurance, retirement, sabbatical leave, travel expenses, outside activities, and faculty honors. Committees played a central role in the association’s work, and while their names evolved over time, they consistently focused on faculty welfare and institutional policy input. Also included are materials related to the selection of a college president, evaluation of public higher education in South Dakota, and membership and financial records. The bulk of the collection spans the years 1952 to 1960, with some earlier and later documents included for continuity.

This collection is significant for understanding faculty governance, institutional change, and the professional concerns of academic staff during the mid-20th century at South Dakota State.

South Dakota State University. Faculty Association
SDSU-Archives MA 070 · Records · 1952-1963

This collection documents the operations, governance, and dissolution of the Faculty Housing Company, Inc., which provided housing for faculty members. The records span the organization’s founding through its termination and include corporate, financial, administrative, and promotional materials.

Materials include articles of incorporation, deeds, meeting minutes (including annual and board of directors), correspondence with and letters to stockholders, leases, legal instruments, and financial statements. Architectural records such as floor plans and building documents are also present, along with brochures, posters, and information related to appliances used in housing units. The collection includes project photographs and documents pertaining to the company's dissolution. President’s bulletins, quarterly reports to the State Securities Commission, and miscellaneous items further reflect the company’s activities and compliance practices.

Faculty Housing Company, Inc. (Brookings, S.D.)
Faculty Meeting Records
SDSU-Archives UA 050.03 · Records · 1885-1981

This collection contains the official minutes of faculty meetings held at South Dakota State University from the institution’s early years through the 1980s. The records are largely complete, with notable gaps between Fall 1898–Spring 1903 and June 1907–March 1918. The minutes document the administrative, academic, and policy-related discussions and decisions made by the faculty. In addition to the meeting notes, some files include supplemental materials relevant to agenda topics, such as student petitions or brochures from campus events. While the tone of the records is generally formal and procedural, the documentation provides insight into the evolving structure of faculty governance, campus concerns, and institutional development over time.

These records serve as a primary source for understanding the historical governance of South Dakota State University, the role of faculty in institutional decision-making, and the administrative evolution of the university. They are particularly valuable for tracing faculty engagement, responses to student concerns, and the shifting format and purpose of faculty meetings across decades.

South Dakota State University. Faculty Meeting
Faculty Round Table Records
SDSU-Archives UA 050.04 · Records · 1901

The Faculty Round Table Records consist of foundational administrative documents related to the formation and governance of the Faculty Round Table at South Dakota State University. The collection includes a handwritten ledger containing the group’s original by-laws and minutes from its first meeting. These by-laws outline the organization's name, mission, membership requirements, officer roles, and procedures for conducting meetings. A typewritten version titled "Tentative Rules Governing Faculty Round Table" presents similar content, providing a clearer reference for organizational structure and protocol.

This collection offers insight into the early governance and self-organization of faculty at SDSU, reflecting the values, administrative priorities, and participatory culture of the academic community during the group’s inception. The documents serve as valuable primary sources for understanding faculty governance practices, professional engagement, and institutional development.

South Dakota Agricultural College. Faculty Round Table
SDSU-Archives UA 004 · Records · 1957-2011

This collection consists of records related to the Faculty Senate and associated university committees that carry out the Senate’s functions. While some committees are permanent, most change annually based on the evolving priorities of the Senate and the university community. Committee responsibilities can be found in the Faculty/Faculty-Student Committees Handbook.

Materials include meeting minutes, correspondence, reports, clippings, membership files, handbooks, subject files, and publications. The collection documents issues concerning academic affairs, academic freedom and tenure, curricular improvements, the Committee on Elections, the Conference of Senates, and the Senate’s constitution.

Also included are files compiled on subjects of interest to or under the purview of the Academic Senate, likely submitted by reporting committees. These files focus on both faculty and student matters at South Dakota State University. Faculty-related materials cover staff evaluations, faculty-Senate relations, meeting records, faculty rules, and the Faculty Senate. Student materials include proposals on career development, student governance, and Student Senate records.

The collection further contains documents on academic appeals, faculty controversies, curriculum issues, tuition and fees, collective bargaining, accreditation, classified employees, the Resource Allocation Model (RAM), and Senate-sponsored programs and resolutions, including material related to Resolution 21.

South Dakota State University. Faculty Senate
Faculty Women's Club Records
SDSU-Archives UA 050.01 · Records · 1917-2004

This collection documents the history, administration, and activities of the Faculty Women’s Club at South Dakota State University from its founding in 1917 through its evolution into the SDSU Club in the late 1990s. The records provide comprehensive insight into the organization’s efforts to foster community among faculty women, support students through scholarships and loans, and contribute to both campus and civic life.

Materials in the collection include constitutions (and proposed revisions), minutes, president’s reports, newsletters (The Grapevine), directories, clippings, financial records—including a loan fund ledger—programs, photographs, and scholarship information. These documents reflect the club’s governance structure, its broad range of social and educational programming, and its fundraising efforts for student support. The collection also includes flyers, calendars of events, and publicity materials for faculty receptions, teas, luncheons, and scholarship benefit events such as style shows. Records of interest groups (e.g., antique group, horticulture, gourmet cooking) and projects such as the Campanile restoration and support for the Memorial Art Center are also present.

The collection holds several club histories and includes documentation of the auxiliary Newcomers Club, which welcomed new faculty families. This includes a separate history, meeting minutes, and materials such as newsletters and artifacts (e.g., rubber stamps and a gavel). Artifacts from the Faculty Women’s Club itself include a gavel and official stamps used for communication.

Of particular note is material from the club’s 75th anniversary in 1993, which included a style show highlighting the club’s history. A script and video recording of the event are included.

The collection also contains records from the SDSU Club beginning in 1998, including brochures, posters, and invitations that document its continuation of social and academic support programming with expanded, coeducational membership.

These records are a resource for understanding the changing role of women in higher education, the development of faculty social networks, and student support services at South Dakota State University throughout the 20th century.

South Dakota State University. Faculty Women's Club
Financial Aid Office Records
SDSU-Archives UA 023 · Records · 1922-2004

The records in this collection primarily consist of informational pamphlets and materials related to student financial aid and scholarships administered or promoted by the Financial Aid Office. Included are materials for general scholarships, memorial scholarships (e.g., George Stanley Hazard, John R. Andersen, John W. Headly), the Rhodes Scholarship, the Vietnam War Memorial Scholarship, and specific scholarships for the School of Agriculture. Additional content covers high school scholarship recognition and general information about financial aid programs at SDSU.

These records document the efforts of SDSU to support student access to higher education through financial aid and scholarships. They highlight the university’s partnerships with memorial donors, state institutions, and national organizations, providing insight into evolving student support services and educational funding.

South Dakota State University. Office of Financial Aid
SDSU-Archives MA 002 · Records · 1908-1928

Composed of miscellanies from both the era of the Forum and the time of the Ethical Culture Club. Materials from the latter era consist of the record of meetings from the years 1908-1910. Material for the latter years includes the minutes of meetings, a copy of the constitution, some miscellaneous materials and a history of the club written by William Powers.

Ethical Culture Club (Brookings, S.D.)
Gamma Sigma Delta Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.16 · Records · 1955-2009

The Gamma Sigma Delta Records, South Dakota State University Chapter, document the establishment, development, and activities of the Honor Society of Agriculture at SDSU from its founding in 1958 through the late 20th century. The collection encompasses constitutions, handbooks, membership lists, banquet and conclave programs, newsletters, financial and account records, and detailed histories of the chapter and national society. Significant materials include records of national and international conclaves held at SDSU, banquet planning and programs, award documentation including the International Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award received by Dr. Oscar E. Olson, and memorabilia such as society jewelry and photographs. The collection also contains audiovisual materials, including a VHS tape highlighting the society.

These records are for research on professional agricultural fraternities, student leadership, agricultural education, and community-building in higher education. They provide insights into the recognition of academic and professional achievement in agriculture, the evolution of student organizations, and the broader role of Gamma Sigma Delta in promoting agricultural excellence.

Gamma Sigma Delta
SDSU-Archives MA 028 · Records · 1912-2000

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Dakota (GFWC of SD) Records document the organizational, civic, and cultural activities of the state’s women’s club movement from the early 20th century through the late 20th century. The collection provides insight into statewide club administration, local club initiatives, civic improvement efforts, and the promotion of public service, education, arts, and women’s leadership.

The records include administrative materials such as constitutions and by-laws, directories, newsletters (The South Dakota Clubwoman), handbooks, program suggestions, publications from GFWC departments, legislative alerts, project guidelines, and conference materials. District V records are particularly robust, containing minutes, correspondence, club reports from various South Dakota communities, and membership data.

A substantial portion of the collection pertains to GFWC Brookings and the Brookings Civic League, including minutes, reports, scrapbooks, photographs, and documentation of programs such as the FREE Enterprise Program and Youth Improvement initiatives. These materials reflect community-based projects, public health and education support, and civic engagement.

The records also extensively document the Memorial Art Center Campaign, including architectural plans, correspondence, fundraising and financial records, publicity materials, and historical background. This segment captures the GFWC’s central role in establishing what became the South Dakota Art Museum on the campus of South Dakota State University.

Photographic materials span nearly 1,300 images and depict club events, members, and sponsored activities. The collection as a whole illustrates the GFWC of SD’s lasting impact on civic life, education, and cultural development across South Dakota.

This collection documents a grassroots civic organization, women’s leadership, and public service in South Dakota. It offers valuable source material for researchers studying women’s voluntary associations, local history, civic improvement movements, and the evolution of cultural institutions in the state.

General Federation of Women's Clubs of South Dakota
Geography Club Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.04 · Records · 1972-2006

This collection documents the activities and promotion of the Geography Club and the South Dakota State Geography Convention, highlighting event planning, recruitment efforts, and historical perspectives on the convention’s role in geography education.

It includes programs, news releases, and commemorative books from the annual convention, along with flyers for club recruitment and events. Also featured is an article by Edward Patrick Hogan that explores the history of the convention.

Together, these materials offer valuable insight into how the Geography Club supports academic and professional development for students and emphasize the convention’s significance as a distinctive educational event that unites geographers from diverse backgrounds.

Geography Club (South Dakota State University)
Geography Department Records
SDSU-Archives UA 006.13 · Records · 1973-2021, undated

The Geography Department Records are composed of materials documenting the academic, administrative, and outreach activities of the Geography Department at South Dakota State University. The collection includes departmental budgets, internal and external program reviews, institutional self-studies, and graduate program self-studies, reflecting the department’s development and evaluation over time. It also contains newsletters, correspondence, and materials related to academic events, including lectures, conferences, and the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence. Of note are files related to Dr. Edward P. Hogan and a booklet on graduate studies in geography, as well as local research materials such as House Types in Brookings, SD: A Visible History. These records provide insight into curriculum development, departmental planning, and the promotion of geographic research and education.

This collection documents the growth and professionalization of the Geography Department at SDSU, including its engagement with national geographic organizations, its role in regional research, and its contributions to geographic education and applied science. Materials related to the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence and the honoring of Dr. Hogan highlight both technological innovation and individual scholarly impact within the department.

South Dakota State University. Department of Geography
SDSU-Archives UA 006.19 · Records · 2004-2006

The Global Studies Records consist of materials related to the development and promotion of the Global Studies Program at South Dakota State University. Included are informational pamphlets describing the major and minor offerings, and documents associated with the introductory course, GIST 201: Introduction to Global Studies. Materials include promotional brochures, correspondence, course announcements, and a draft syllabus.

These records document the early efforts to establish and promote interdisciplinary global education at SDSU following the program's launch in 2004. They reflect the university's commitment to producing globally literate graduates and fostering understanding of international issues and cultural diversity.

South Dakota State University. Global Studies Program
Graduate School Records
SDSU-Archives UA 011 · Records · 1921-2006

The Graduate School Records document the administration, activities, and development of graduate education at South Dakota State University. The collection includes Graduate Faculty and Graduate Council meeting minutes, records from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and various administrative materials. Contents consist of newsletters, pamphlets, brochures, information sheets, posters, schedules, announcements, correspondence, long-range planning reports, regulations, and curricular records. Materials cover topics such as graduate program offerings, faculty policies, research activities, graduate student events, and the establishment and evolution of the Graduate Division.

These records provide insight into the governance, policy-making, and academic development of graduate education at SDSU. They document the growth of graduate programs, faculty involvement, research support initiatives, and the university’s commitment to advancing scholarly activity and innovation. The materials are valuable for understanding the institutional history of graduate education, as well as the broader impact of graduate research and scholarship at SDSU.

South Dakota State University. Graduate School
Greek Council Records
SDSU-Archives UA 034 · Records · 1980-2007

This collection consists of clippings, newsletters, and flyers related to fraternity and sorority life at South Dakota State University. It includes materials from Alpha Xi Delta, Ceres, Chi Omega, FarmHouse, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (including Thoughts from SD Theta), Sigma Phi Epsilon, and general recruitment efforts.

The materials offer insight into Greek life programming, recruitment strategies, and student engagement from the perspective of individual chapters, reflecting the culture and community involvement of SDSU's fraternities and sororities.

South Dakota State University. Greek Council
SDSU-Archives UA 006.08 · Records · 1888-2011

This collection consists of materials produced by or related to the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) at South Dakota State University. It includes newsletters, pamphlets, programs, posters, and administrative documents that reflect the department’s academic offerings, facilities, outreach, and recreational programming. Notable items include early athletic schedules and field day programs, materials from the SDSU Wellness Center, reports and self-studies related to athletic training education, and documents concerning intramural, recreational, and intercollegiate athletics. The collection also contains departmental histories, budget records, policy manuals, and publications such as the SDSU Ramblin’ Rec News. These materials document the development and administration of physical education and recreation at SDSU and illustrate the department’s role in promoting student wellness, athletic training, and campus engagement through sport and physical activity.

South Dakota State University. Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
SDSU-Archives UA 050.11 · Records · 1971-1977

The Higher Education Faculty Association, SDSU Branch Records document the activities and governance of the South Dakota State University branch of HEFA from its formation through its eventual dissolution. The records include ballots, board of directors meeting materials, bulletins, correspondence, lobbying documents, meeting minutes, newsletters, official notices, and synopses of activities. These materials reflect the branch’s internal organization, communications, advocacy efforts, and broader role in statewide faculty representation.

These records provide insight into the efforts of faculty at SDSU to address professional concerns during a period of rising activism in higher education. They capture the branch's involvement in issues such as faculty rights, due process, communication with administrative bodies, and the push for collective bargaining. The collection also illustrates the transition from HEFA to the Council of Higher Education–NEA as the recognized representative body, making it a valuable resource for understanding faculty governance and labor relations in South Dakota's public higher education system during the 1970s.

SDSU-Archives UA 014 · Records · 1886-2023, undated

The Hilton M. Briggs Library Records document the administration, operations, and development of the library at South Dakota State University. The collection includes administrative files, cataloging records, collection development files, committee minutes, financial documents, library serials records, off-campus relations, reports, publications, newsletters, photographs, policies, and materials related to circulation, interlibrary loan, reserves, acquisitions, bindery, and special events. Committee records cover groups such as the Social Committee, Publicity Committee, Collections and Connections Committee, Exhibits and Arts Committee, Staff Development Committee, University Library Committee, and Faculty and Staff Library Committees. Materials span library services, staffing, budgeting, technology initiatives, outreach, strategic planning, and special collections management.

This collection odocuments the growth and transformation of Hilton M. Briggs Library from its dedication in 1977 through subsequent decades. It reflects the library’s evolving role in supporting academic programs, research, outreach, and technology integration. The records illustrate the library’s response to campus needs, statewide collaborations, and national trends in academic librarianship, making it a valuable resource for understanding the development of higher education libraries, library administration, and information services in South Dakota.

Hilton M. Briggs Library
Home Economics Club Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.05 · Records · 1923-1979

The Home Economics Club Records highlight the club’s role in fostering professional and social development among home economics students. They offer insight into the club’s operations, its affiliation with national organizations, and its contributions to the broader academic and community context.

The records consist of secretary books (including meeting minutes and the club constitution), scrapbooks, newsletters, handbooks, general club information, and materials from the American Home Economics Association. The secretary books date from the club's inception through 1956, documenting the organization’s activities, governance, and development.

South Dakota State University. Home Economics Club
SDSU-Archives UA 009.01 · Records · 1921-1981

The Home Management and Practice Cottage records are composed of photographs and historical materials documenting the Home Management program at South Dakota State College. The collection includes baby books and anecdotal materials compiled by Grace Wasson Bonnell for Dean Alice Rosenberger, which feature photographs and narratives of children who participated in the Home Management baby program. Also included is a history of the program and documentation related to the planning and development of the Family Resource and Management Center, a modern successor to the original Practice Cottage. Photographic content is housed in two boxes and spans various stages of the program’s evolution.

This collection highlights the practical training approach central to home economics education in the early to mid-20th century, illustrating how domestic science was taught through immersive, hands-on experiences. The inclusion of baby programs and residential training underscores the period's educational emphasis on applied family management skills. These records offer valuable insight into women’s education, social roles, and professional preparation in domestic sciences at a land-grant institution.

South Dakota State College. Practice Cottage
SDSU-Archives UA 044 · Records · 1996-2009

This collection documents the functions and activities of the Human Resources Office at South Dakota State University and includes materials primarily related to employee management, benefits, training, and policy dissemination. Records include personnel handbooks, employee orientation materials, annual and sick leave guidelines, and documents related to recruitment and appraisal systems for Career Service and Civil Service employees.

Also included are meeting minutes and program materials from the Career Service Advisory Council, Civil Service Advisory Council, and Faculty Senate, as well as internal communications such as HR Messenger newsletters. Materials relating to equal opportunity, non-discrimination, harassment prevention, and inclement weather policies are present, along with documents supporting employee education and financial planning. The series also contains information regarding the implementation of web-based time entry systems and proposed updates to personnel policies.

These records are a resource documenting the evolution of human resource policies and practices at the university, the institution's compliance with employment laws, and its efforts to support employee development and workplace equity.

South Dakota State University. Human Resources Office
SDSU-Archives UA 030 · Records · 1971-2018

The International Affairs Office Records document the development and management of international initiatives at South Dakota State University (SDSU). These include administrative materials, international agreements, student and faculty exchanges, faculty development seminars, study abroad programs, and collaborative projects with institutions worldwide. The collection is especially rich in documentation concerning three primary university partners: Manchester Metropolitan University (England), Chungnam National University (South Korea), and Yunnan Normal University (China). Additionally, it includes extensive material on global collaborations spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.

The records consist of administrative records and documentation of SDSU’s international activities from the late 1980s onward. The collection is organized into several series, with a significant focus on SDSU’s partnerships with three international institutions: Manchester Metropolitan University, Chungnam National University, and Yunnan Normal University.

Administrative records include reports, newsletters, correspondence, clippings, and documents related to strategic planning, program funding, internationalization initiatives, and internal committees. This series reflects the university's evolving efforts to globalize curricula, foster faculty engagement in international education, and support international students and visiting scholars.

The collection’s core consists of records related to study abroad and faculty exchange programs. These include agreements, planning documents, photographs, correspondence, reports, and faculty reflections. Files relating to Manchester Metropolitan University document health and pharmacy exchange programs, official visits, and collaborative seminars. Material from Chungnam and Yunnan includes detailed accounts of exchange experiences, seminar documentation, and memorabilia.

A final component comprises materials from SDSU's international engagement with over 30 countries and regions, including agreements, institutional visits, travel itineraries, student and faculty reports, and special programs. Subjects covered range from agricultural development and educational reform to language immersion and cultural exchange.

This collection is a vital resource for understanding SDSU’s internationalization efforts over several decades. It offers a comprehensive view of how academic institutions build global partnerships, support cultural exchange, and integrate international perspectives into higher education. The depth and breadth of documentation highlight SDSU’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural collaboration. The collection is also historically significant in illustrating changing global academic trends, regional partnerships, and U.S. international education policy at the institutional level.

South Dakota State University. Office of International Affairs
Jackrabbit Athletics Records
SDSU-Archives UA 046 · Records · 1901-2023

The Jackrabbit Athletics Records document the history, administration, and activities of South Dakota State University's athletics programs. The materials cover a wide range of sports and administrative functions from the early years of athletic participation to the university's transition to NCAA Division I status.

The collection includes administrative files related to academic advising, compliance, development, equipment, facilities, marketing and promotion, operations, the Jackrabbit Sports Network, and the ticket office. These are represented through annual reports, brochures, event programs, handbooks, newsletters, photographs, mascot design materials, and promotional mailers. Physical artifacts include banners, jerseys, t-shirts, and caps.

Records of the Athletics Committee consist of extensive meeting minutes and budget files. These documents provide insight into the financial and policy decisions guiding SDSU athletics.

Sport-specific files include materials on baseball, men's and women's basketball, cross country, equestrian, football, gymnastics, rodeo, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. These records contain media guides, fact books, programs, clippings, record books, and photographs. Cross country and track and field are especially well represented, with detailed documentation of results, workout plans, training strategies, and performance research.

The publications series features long-running serials such as the Rabbit Report (1978 to 2014) and The Bum (1956 to 2017). While incomplete, these publications offer a chronological narrative of SDSU athletics, including coverage of team performance, individual athletes, and university sports culture.

Other notable contents include materials related to special events such as the Beef Bowl, Festival of Champions, Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo, and Jackrabbit Jamboree. There are also records documenting strategic planning for the transition to Division I, including the Division I Study and related correspondence.

The collection also reflects broader aspects of campus athletics, such as intramural sports, recreational programming, student wellness, and athlete recognition.

This collection provides a view of the development of collegiate athletics at South Dakota State University. It is a valuable resource for researchers studying the history of intercollegiate sports, athletic program administration, the student-athlete experience, gender in sports, sports marketing, and the evolution of athletics at land-grant institutions.

South Dakota State University. Jackrabbit Athletics
SDSU-Archives UA 008 · Records · 1913-2020

The College of Engineering Records document the development, administration, instruction, research, outreach, and public engagement efforts of the College of Engineering at South Dakota State University. The materials span from the early 20th century through the early 2000s and include booklets, programs, brochures, correspondence, meeting minutes, periodicals, reports, posters, and photographs.

The collection includes annual reports, course catalogs, and documentation of student-focused programs such as Engineering Expo, Exploration Days, and the Senior Design Conference. A significant portion relates to Engineering and Science Research at SDSU, consisting of researcher-specific summary sheets, reports, and correspondence covering work in engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, and agronomy.

Records reflect student and professional development through honor societies, trade fairs, and seminars on ethics, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Impulse magazine, a recurring periodical published by the college, is well represented and highlights events and accomplishments. Also included are files on the history of the college, the development of its departments and facilities, and its community and industry partnerships.

Biographical files feature individuals such as Harold M. Crothers, Harry and Halvor Solberg, and Guy Lee Boyden. The collection also includes material related to the “engineering controversy” of the 1970s, which involved a proposal to relocate the College of Engineering to another institution. These records, composed mainly of clippings, correspondence, and notes, document a critical moment in the college’s history.

This collection documents the evolution of engineering education at South Dakota State University. It offers insight into the college’s response to statewide and national trends, its contributions to research and workforce development, and its engagement with public and private sectors. The records reflect efforts to expand STEM education, support underrepresented students through programs like the Flandreau Indian School Success Academy, and promote innovation through public exhibitions and outreach. Researchers will find valuable material on institutional history, pedagogy, research, and the impact of engineering education in South Dakota.

South Dakota State University. Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
SDSU-Archives UA 006.16 · Records · 1985, 1991, 1999

The Latin American Studies Records consist of materials related to the interdisciplinary Latin American Area Studies Program at South Dakota State University. The collection includes issues of Latin American Area Studies News, documents from the South Dakota chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (La Llunura), course materials for LAAS 302 (Latin American Politics), and general administrative or promotional items concerning the program. These materials reflect the program’s efforts to foster cross-disciplinary engagement and highlight Latin American social, political, and cultural issues through teaching, outreach, and academic communication.

This collection documents the early development and outreach of the Latin American Area Studies Program at SDSU, which was established in the 1970s to support interdisciplinary education and international awareness. The materials illustrate the program's vocational and educational goals, its integration with various academic disciplines, and its role in preparing students for careers involving Latin America. The presence of course materials and newsletters provides insight into the program’s curriculum, faculty interests, and community engagement over time.

South Dakota State University. Latin American Area Studies Program
SDSU-Archives UA 005.12 · Records · 1921-2017

The Little International Records consist of promotional materials related to the annual Little International Agricultural Exposition organized by South Dakota State University students. The collection includes news releases, posters, and official catalogs or programs for numerous years of the exposition, ranging from the 42nd to the 95th events. These materials document the planning, participants, featured events, and evolution of one of the largest student-run agricultural expositions in the United States.

This collection offers insight into the history, growth, and student involvement in Little International. The catalogs and promotional items highlight the changing scope of agricultural education, student leadership, and public engagement through decades of exposition history. They are an important resource for understanding student traditions at SDSU, as well as the broader cultural and educational role of collegiate agricultural events.

South Dakota State University. Little International Agricultural Exposition
SDSU-Archives UA 008.03 · Records · 1970s-2009

This collection consists of materials related to the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at South Dakota State University. It includes promotional posters and brochures, email correspondence, newsletters, and a policy statement regarding mathematics placement. Topics covered include mathematics tutoring services, placement procedures, and general departmental information.

The materials document the department’s efforts to support student success through placement policies and tutoring, and provide insight into how the department has communicated with students and the broader university community.

South Dakota State University. Department of Mathematics and Statistics
SDSU-Archives UA 008.02 · Records · 1967-2011

This collection consists of materials related to the South Dakota State University Electrical Engineering Department, including brochures, programs, newsletters, and documentation of department events and milestones. Notable contents include materials from the 100th Anniversary of Electrical Engineering at SDSU, which features a CD containing digital photographs and event data from the anniversary reception and banquet. The collection also contains Christmas newsletters intended for alumni, highlighting departmental updates and outreach efforts. Additional items include documentation from the Center for Power Systems Studies, the Underground Cable Conference, and various ceremonies such as the A.D. Francis Recognition Luncheon and the Harold C. Hohbach Endowed Professorship investiture.

This collection provides insight into the institutional history, alumni engagement, and professional outreach of the Electrical Engineering Department at SDSU. It documents key events, honors, and academic partnerships that reflect the department’s contributions to engineering education and industry collaboration, particularly in the field of power systems.

South Dakota State University. McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
SDSU-Archives UA 008.04 · Records · 1950, undated

This collection consists of a program from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) conference held at South Dakota State University in 1950 and invitations to retirement banquets for faculty members Ken Christianson and Clayton Knofczynski. The materials reflect professional engagement and departmental recognition of long-serving faculty.

The ASME conference program highlights SDSU’s historical involvement in national engineering discourse, while the retirement banquet invitations document faculty contributions and departmental milestones. Together, these materials offer insight into the professional culture and institutional history of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

South Dakota State University. Department of Mechanical Engineering
SDSU-Archives UA 006.07 · Records · 1888-2010

This collection documents the history and activities of the Military Science Department and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at South Dakota State University (SDSU), with materials spanning the late 19th century through the early 21st century. It is arranged into three series: Departmental Records, ROTC Records, and Military Organization Scrapbooks.

The Departmental Records contain materials related to military instruction at SDSU that are not specific to ROTC. These include clippings, correspondence, programs, catalogs, and artifacts, such as cadet hats dating from the 1880s and 1920s, and dance cards from early 20th-century military balls. Notable items include clippings on General Omar Bradley and registers of U.S. Military Academy graduates from 1802 to 1978.

The ROTC Records comprise extensive documentation of both Army and Air Force ROTC programs. Materials include newsletters, photographs, event programs, posters, certificates, enrollment data, and memorabilia. Topics covered include military balls, commissioning ceremonies, field training, recruitment, and alumni recognition. Highlights include a 48-star U.S. flag used by the ROTC color guard prior to 1958 and photographs of field exercises at South Dakota training sites.

The Military Organization Scrapbooks feature chronologically arranged scrapbooks created by the Pershing Rifles, Company K, 2nd Regiment, and their sister unit, the Pershingettes, Company K-2, dating from 1964 to 1978. These include photographs, news clippings, and organizational commentary.

The collection documents the evolution of military education at SDSU, the transition to formalized ROTC training following the National Defense Act of 1916, and the continuing presence of ROTC on campus. It reflects both institutional history and the personal experiences of cadets and alumni, including notable figures such as General Omar Bradley and Brigadier General Keith W. Corbett.

South Dakota State University. Department of Military Science
Miltonian Literary Society
SDSU-Archives UA 035.06 · Records · 1887-1931

The Miltonian Literary Society Records (UA 35.6) document the activities of one of SDSU’s earliest student organizations. The collection includes the society’s constitution, secretary reports, meeting minutes, and play programs. Also included are loose papers found in a ledger dating from 1903–1931, which contain clippings, notes, membership records, reports, and a 1916 oration on Booker T. Washington.

These records provide insight into early student life, literary culture, and rhetorical education at SDSU, highlighting the role of literary societies in promoting public speaking, drama, and intellectual engagement.

South Dakota State University. Miltonian Literary Society
SDSU-Archives UA 006.06 · Records · 1957-2003

The Modern Languages and Global Studies Department Records consist primarily of departmental newsletters, particularly Campanile, published between 1974 and 1995. The collection also includes course announcements for Chinese, Japanese, and Russian; departmental pamphlets; programs from awards banquets; and materials related to special events, such as the French Revolution Bicentennial celebration. Additional documents include a departmental history covering 1885–1927, standing rules from 1957 outlining departmental policies and procedures, and issues of RALI News focused on remote access language instruction.

These records document the development of foreign language instruction and cultural programming at South Dakota State University. They reflect the department's evolving curriculum, outreach initiatives, and administrative structure, offering insight into its role in promoting global studies and language education across the university community.

South Dakota State University. Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies
SDSU-Archives UA 047 · Records · 2002-2003

This collection documents multicultural programming and student support initiatives coordinated through the Office of Multicultural Affairs at South Dakota State University. Materials primarily relate to events and programs designed to support students of color and promote diversity on campus. Included are event schedules and promotional materials for Black History Month, the Festival of Cultures featuring the Lex Exodus Reggae Band, and activities related to the Minority Peer Mentor Program. Specific items include flyers for the Minority Peer Mentor Program and its Summer Options Workshop, and a broadside advertising a campus lecture by speaker Adilah Barnes. These materials reflect efforts by the university to celebrate cultural diversity, foster inclusion, and provide academic and social support for underrepresented students.

South Dakota State University. Office of Multicultural Affairs
SDSU-Archives MA 046 · Records · 1979-2018

The records of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Big Sioux Chapter document the chapter’s administrative, membership, and promotional activities. The collection includes meeting minutes, membership rosters, donation correspondence, national and state convention materials, certificates, award plaques, photographs, promotional items, and informational brochures. Notable items include the chapter’s foundation certificate, chapter banner, and national award plaque.

These materials provide insight into the chapter’s advocacy efforts, organizational structure, and engagement with federal retirees in the Brookings, South Dakota area. The collection also highlights the contributions of local members, particularly Curt and Eunice Stensland, and reflects the chapter’s connection to broader NARFE initiatives.

National Association of Retired Federal Employees (U. S.)
SDSU-Archives MA 051 · Records · 1938-2003

The National Federation of Music Clubs Aeolian Club Records document the activities, administration, and musical contributions of the Aeolian Club, a member organization of the National Federation of Music Clubs. The collection includes record books, yearbooks, annual reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, and financial records reflecting the club’s organizational history and operations. Materials such as constitutions, by-laws, membership lists, and officer duties provide insight into the governance and structure of the club.

Supplementary materials include pamphlets, newsletters, and manuals related to club programs, national initiatives, and musical outreach. The collection also features documentation of performances, scholarship activities, and music education efforts, including piano programs and student division initiatives. Creative materials include scrapbooks, event programs, and original sheet music for treble and women’s voices, showcasing the club’s cultural and artistic output.

SDSU-Archives UA 005.10 · Records · 1969-2007

This collection is composed of material published by the South Dakota State University Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. It includes brochures, newsletters, programs, guides, announcements, photographs, and reports that document the department's outreach, research, and educational activities. Notable items include the Buffalo Banquet program—an annual awards event sponsored by the student Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club—and Wildlifer’s Log, the department’s newsletter. Materials such as the Wisdom Wednesday Series announcements and departmental brochures reflect ongoing public engagement and student involvement.

The collection also includes the South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit annual report, the American Fisheries Society Fisheries Management Section newsletter, and publications such as Wetland Resources of Eastern South Dakota by Rex R. Johnson and Kenneth F. Higgins, which contribute to the documentation of regional environmental research. The Habitat Management Guides, issued by the Soil Conservation Service in Huron, South Dakota, offer applied wildlife management strategies for species such as pronghorn antelope, wild turkey, and ring-necked pheasant.

This collection provides insight into the department’s role in wildlife conservation education, student engagement, and regional ecological research. It is particularly valuable for understanding mid-to-late 20th-century wildlife management practices and institutional outreach in South Dakota.

SDSU-Archives UA 035.08 · Records · 1976-1991

The Non-Traditional Student Club Records consist of materials documenting the organization’s administration and activities. Included are budget records, the club constitution, executive council documents, membership lists, meeting minutes, and related correspondence.

This collection provides insight into efforts to support non-traditional and lifelong learners at South Dakota State University, reflecting the university’s commitment to educational accessibility and inclusion for diverse student populations.

South Dakota State University. Non-Traditional Student Club
SDSU-Archives UA 026 · Records · 1973-1993

The Non-Traditional Student Office Records (UA 26) document the development, administration, and support services of South Dakota State University's Non-Traditional Student Program from its inception in the mid-1970s. The records span a wide range of topics, including program administration, recruitment, orientation, counseling, publicity, financial aid, and continuing education efforts for adult and re-entering students. A significant portion of the collection focuses on child care—an ongoing concern for non-traditional students—with materials from the Day Care Task Force, legislative efforts, provider lists, and research on campus-based day care models. Additional contents include newsletters, handbooks, research studies, and promotional materials like "Let SDSU Open the Door for You." The collection reflects institutional efforts to attract, retain, and support adult learners through targeted services and advocacy.

These records highlight SDSU’s early recognition of and response to the unique challenges faced by non-traditional students, particularly in areas such as child care, flexible learning, and support services. The materials offer insight into the evolution of adult education policy and support infrastructure in higher education during the late 20th century.

South Dakota State University. Non-Traditional Student Programs
SDSU-Archives UA 009.03 · Records · 1985-2008, undated

The Nutrition, Food Science, and Hospitality Records consist primarily of brochures and posters for nutrition seminars sponsored by the department, covering topics such as dietetics, food safety, nutrition ethics, and public health issues like obesity. The collection also includes newsletters aimed at health professionals, providing reliable information on nutrition and maternal and child health, as well as fact sheets describing academic programs in food science and hotel and foodservice management. Additional materials include program reviews, laboratory dedications, manuals, and event documentation.

This collection reflects the department’s efforts to advance public and professional knowledge in nutrition, dietetics, food science, and hospitality management. It documents the department’s educational outreach, program development, and contributions to health education, highlighting its role in shaping food and nutrition-related fields at South Dakota State University and beyond.

South Dakota State University. Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Hospitality
SDSU-Archives MA 103 · Records · 1989-2016

The Oak Lake Writers' Retreat Records document the activities and impact of the Oak Lake Writers Society, particularly their summer retreats aimed at supporting Native American writers, educators, and storytellers. Spanning seven boxes, the collection includes correspondence (notably between Charles Woodard of South Dakota State University and retreat applicants), writings produced during and about the retreats, application materials, grant and funding documents, educational resources, and administrative records.

The files encompass a wide range of themes such as environment, economic development, Indigenous education, mentorship, cultural heritage, and community empowerment. Notable contents include retreat histories, newsletters, reflection papers, photographs, and records on special events such as the Indian Education Summit and the Anniversary Conference. Recurring documentation of specific individuals (e.g., Lowell Amiotte, Joyzelle Godfrey) and locations (e.g., Enemy Swim Course, Devils Tower) also provide personal and geographic context.

This collection chronicles the development of a key cultural and literary initiative that nurtures Indigenous voices in the Northern Plains. It reflects the collaborative efforts between tribal communities and academic institutions to promote Native literature and cultural preservation. The records offer valuable insight into contemporary Indigenous literary movements, community-building through creative expression, and the intersections of education, environment, and Indigenous identity.

Oak Lake Writers' Society
SDSU-Archives UA 045 · Records · 1996-2008

This collection documents the programming, outreach, and educational efforts of the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (later known as the Office for Diversity Enhancement) at South Dakota State University. It includes brochures, flyers, calendars, schedules, newsletters, video recordings, and clippings related to diversity initiatives, events, and lectures. Materials promote campus-wide awareness and engagement around issues of diversity, inclusion, and social equity. Featured content includes the “Festival of Cultures,” “Ethnicity Matters” conference sessions and keynote, and lectures such as “Iraq War, American Foreign Policy and the Mass Media” and “Syria and the Changing Middle East” by Dr. Imad Moustapha. The collection also includes educational materials on prejudice, discrimination, sexual harassment, and disability awareness, as well as internal documents such as annual reports and job descriptions.

The collection reflects the university's evolving approach to diversity education and outreach, highlighting its role in facilitating inclusive dialogue and cultural understanding on campus. It provides evidence of institutional responses to global issues, community engagement, and diversity-related pedagogy.

South Dakota State University. Office for Diversity Enhancement
SDSU-Archives UA 021 · Records · 1993-1994, 1996-1997

The records primarily include annual reports, departmental assessment findings, and student performance data across academic levels. Key components include entering student profiles, mid-program and senior-level assessments (e.g., CAAP exams), credit by examination processes, faculty profiles, and comprehensive assessment plans from colleges and departments such as Agriculture, Engineering, Nursing, and Education. The collection also includes extensive documentation of curriculum development, survey instruments, graduate program reviews, and correspondence between assessment coordinators and department chairs. These materials reflect both internal and external evaluation processes, accreditation reviews, and efforts to improve institutional effectiveness.

This collection offers insight into institutional assessment practices from the 1990s through the early 2000s. It serves as a vital resource for researchers studying educational measurement, academic program evaluation, student learning outcomes, and institutional accountability in higher education. It is also useful for program administrators engaged in curriculum improvement and accreditation.

South Dakota State University. Office of Institutional Research and Assessment
SDSU-Archives UA 035.09 · Records · 1949-2018

The Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society Records document the activities, governance, and membership of the South Dakota State University chapter from its charter meeting in 1949 through the early 2000s. The collection includes meeting minutes, constitutions, membership lists, banquet and lecture programs, correspondence, publicity materials, and financial records.

These materials offer a detailed view of the chapter’s founding, development, and academic involvement on campus. Foundational items include the original charter meeting minutes and constitution, along with extensive nomination and selection materials for faculty, student, graduate, alumni, and honorary members. The collection also contains initiation records, banquet and faculty lectureship programs, officer communications, IRS filings, national and regional correspondence, newsletters, clippings, and directories.

This collection is significant for understanding the role of honor societies in fostering academic achievement and faculty recognition at SDSU. It reflects decades of academic excellence, institutional support, and intellectual engagement, and provides valuable insight into evolving academic culture and organizational practices over time.

Phi Kappa Phi. South Dakota State University Chapter
Phi Upsilon Omicron Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.10 · Records · 1909-2006

The collection is composed of material collected by the Phi Upsilon Omicron Phi Chapters at South Dakota State University. Included are correspondence, minutes, newsletters, annual reports, scrapbooks, member lists, financial information, publications, clippings, meeting minutes and agendas, and photographs.

Also included is "The Candle," the Phi Upsilon Omicron National Honor Society journal, covering the years 1930-2004, annual reports submitted to the national headquarters, Initiate information sheets, detailed ledger sheets starting in 1934, hand-made chapter programs, very creative from 1937 to about 1980, senior biographies from 1952-1971 which are very detailed and include photographs, and detailed secretaries notebooks.

The scrapbooks consist of photographs, cards, significant correspondence and programs for events held by the chapter. Some items of note include a Coat of Arms patch for Phi Upsilon Omicron, a Holy Bible presented to the chapter by Laura J. McArthur in December 1941, and a material related to a Fruitcake Fundraising project which includes photographs, but the fruitcake recipe could not be found.

The photographs are not well described; however, most are group shots of members.

Phi Upsilon Omicron
SDSU-Archives UA 006.12 · Records · 1962-2005

This collection consists of material gathered by the Department of Philosophy and Religion at South Dakota State University. It includes pamphlets, booklets, lecture notes, correspondence, and course announcements related to religion, philosophy, education, agriculture, and cultural studies. Notable items include a philosophy lecture by Dr. Stanley L. Olsen, materials from the 1973 Symposium on Education for New World Realities, a course announcement for "Middle East Topics," and documentation of conferences and declarations on religion and public life. The materials reflect the department’s engagement with interdisciplinary and global themes during the 1970s.

The records offer insight into the academic and public programming activities of the Philosophy and Religion Department during a time of expanding curricular focus on global, ethical, and interdisciplinary issues. They document the department’s role in fostering intellectual dialogue on contemporary topics in religion, education, and public life, as well as its collaboration with broader university and national initiatives.

South Dakota State University. Department of Philosophy and Religion
Physics Department Records
SDSU-Archives UA 008.09 · Records · 1995, 1997, 2007

This collection consists of records from the Department of Physics at South Dakota State University through June 30, 2018, when the department was administratively reassigned to the College of Natural Sciences. Materials include a sabbatical report from Dr. Joel Rauber during the spring 2007 semester, along with supporting documentation such as the initial sabbatical leave request and a revised edition of the Physics 211 Laboratory Manual. Dr. Rauber’s sabbatical work involved updating laboratory experiments to reflect current equipment and teaching practices. Additional items include a department brochure and an alumni directory covering the years 1927 to 1995.

These records document administrative, curricular, and instructional developments within the Department of Physics over time. Dr. Rauber’s sabbatical work reflects a continued emphasis on instructional quality and modernization, while the alumni directory provides historical context regarding departmental growth and the career trajectories of its graduates.

South Dakota State University. Department of Physics
SDSU-Archives UA 005.08 · Records · 1932-2012

This collection is composed of records and publications from the South Dakota State University Department of Plant Science. Materials include annual meeting abstracts from professional societies such as the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America, along with departmental reports, newsletters, course notes, announcements, lecture series programs, and posters. The collection documents departmental activities, research progress, academic programs, outreach efforts, and faculty contributions.

Notable items include the "New Ideas" reports on agroecology and tribal collaboration, faculty involvement in international education initiatives in Bolivia, and a 1930s soil science notebook from student Paul Brown. Also of interest are materials related to departmental field days, student expectations, scholarship programs, seminar syllabi, and soil and crop science research. The collection includes visual media (CD-ROMs, DVDs), correspondence, and documents highlighting the department’s extension, academic, and research missions over time.

The records provide insight into the evolution of agricultural education and research at SDSU, showcasing the department’s engagement with regional agriculture, interdisciplinary teaching, and global collaboration. The materials reflect both the historical development and continued innovation within plant science and related disciplines.

SDSU-Archives UA 006.10 · Records · 1981-2005

This collection contains records documenting the academic and outreach activities of the Political Science Department at South Dakota State University. Materials include departmental administrative files, informational pamphlets, and documentation related to specialized programs such as European Studies, Pre-Law advising, the Model United Nations, and the South Dakota Legislative Internship Program. The collection also includes records from the SDSU Native American History Conference.

A substantial portion of the collection is devoted to the Municipal Institute, an outreach and training program administered by the department. These records include curricula, correspondence, program reports, directories, educational materials, and publications from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and the South Dakota Local Government Institute. Topics include municipal management, elections, records administration, public policy, and local government procedures. Also included are participant transcripts, photographs, certificates, and workshop documentation.

The collection reflects the department’s dual role in academic instruction and public service. It provides insight into the evolution of political science education at SDSU and documents efforts to support civic engagement and local government professionalism across South Dakota. The Municipal Institute records are particularly valuable for understanding the development of continuing education for municipal officials and the department's long-standing partnership with state and regional governance initiatives.

South Dakota State University. Department of Political Science
SDSU-Archives UA 065 · Records · 1971-2019

The Prairie Repertory Theatre Records document theatrical production and performance activity associated with South Dakota State University and related campus and regional organizations from 1931 through 2018. Materials consist primarily of programs, playbills, posters, season calendars, season ticket brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, correspondence, recruitment and promotional publications, and photographs. The bulk of the collection reflects the work of Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre, including annual seasons, summer outreach activities, and touring or festival participation. Also represented are earlier student and campus theatre activities such as the Footlight Club, Yellow and Blue Revue, Experimental Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and Film and Cafe Society, as well as related academic and promotional materials from the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre and campus media outlets. Together, the materials provide chronological and programmatic documentation of theatrical programming, performance offerings, and audience engagement at South Dakota State University.

This collection provides a record of theatrical life at South Dakota State University across much of the twentieth and early twenty first centuries. It documents the development of university theatre programs, the establishment and growth of Prairie Repertory Theatre, and the role of performance arts in student life, academic instruction, community outreach, and regional cultural activity. The materials support research on campus cultural history, theatre production practices, performance repertory, and public engagement with the performing arts in South Dakota.

Prairie Repertory Theatre
SDSU-Archives MA 064 · Records · 1970-2019

The Prairie Striders Running Club Records document the activities, events, and history of the organization from its founding in 1969 in Brookings, South Dakota, to the present. The collection includes materials related to race planning, certification, and results for numerous local, regional, and national events, including the Jackrabbit 15, Longest Day Marathon, and various 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races. Also included are meeting minutes, membership lists, organizational constitutions, financial records, and club newsletters such as The Pacesetter and Plains Runner.

The collection contains extensive race certification files, promotional materials, schedules, and training guides, as well as photographs, newspaper clippings, awards, and personal records of notable members such as Keith Morrill, Bob Bartling, and Jay Dirksen. It documents the club’s involvement in collegiate, amateur, and community running activities, including marathons like Boston, Lincoln, and Grandma’s. Also featured are uniform samples, course maps, and coverage of broader running culture through magazines, articles, and memorabilia.

This collection provides insight into South Dakota’s running history and the broader amateur running movement in the Midwest.

Prairie Striders Running Club (Brookings : S.D.)
President's Office Records
SDSU-Archives UA 001 · Records · 1887-2022

The President’s Office Records document the administrative, academic, and strategic functions of South Dakota State University from the early 20th century through the early 21st century. The records include correspondence, reports, committee minutes, planning documents, speeches, memoranda, and audiovisual materials produced by or related to university presidents and their offices. Topics covered include accreditation, budget planning, academic programs, institutional governance, state and federal relations, student life, campus facilities, faculty affairs, strategic planning initiatives, and major university events. The collection also contains materials related to presidential inaugurations, annual reports, and university outreach, including relationships with the Board of Regents and external stakeholders.

This collection offers comprehensive insight into the leadership and institutional development of South Dakota State University across decades. It reflects evolving administrative structures, academic priorities, and university responses to local, state, and national challenges. The records are valuable for understanding higher education governance, policy formation, and SDSU’s role as a land-grant institution. The inclusion of strategic initiatives such as the “Lead Forward Land Grant” and “Impact 2018” planning frameworks highlights long-term visioning and institutional advancement.