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The collection contains correspondence dating from 1940 to 1950, including letters addressed to George L. Brown in his capacity as president of South Dakota State University and other professional correspondence. A small group of materials dating from 1944 to 1946 includes letters and an image associated with commemorations of Brown’s work and long service to the institution. The records document administrative responsibilities, professional relationships, and institutional recognition during the later years of Brown’s career.

This collection documents George L. Brown’s leadership roles and continued involvement with South Dakota State University during the closing years of his professional life. The correspondence and commemorative materials offer insight into institutional governance, presidential duties, and the recognition of long-term service within a land grant university context.

The Hilton M. Briggs Papers document the professional career, presidency, retirement, and postretirement activities of Hilton M. Briggs, president of South Dakota State University from 1958 to 1975. The collection spans from the 1940s through 2001 and includes correspondence, administrative and biographical materials, speeches, writings, reports, scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, certificates, awards, and memorabilia. Materials document Briggs’ leadership at South Dakota State University, including campus growth, administrative reorganization, alumni relations, presidential housing, athletics, and student life, as well as his involvement in national and international agricultural education initiatives.

The collection contains extensive documentation of Briggs’ retirement and recognition, including congratulatory letters, legislative resolutions, tribute volumes, plaques, trophies, and certificates from professional organizations, alumni groups, agricultural associations, and equine organizations. Significant portions of the collection relate to Briggs’ induction into the Saddle and Sirloin Club portrait collection, including correspondence, photographs, and programs. The papers also include Briggs’ scholarly and professional writings in animal science and agricultural research, progress reports, journal articles, and later reflective writings, including an autobiography.

Photographic materials document university events, campus architecture, travel, family life, professional activities, and Briggs’ long standing involvement with horses and horse shows. Scrapbooks and memorabilia volumes compile news coverage, honors, and personal materials spanning his early career through retirement. The collection also documents Briggs’ work after leaving the presidency, including international agricultural programs, People to People tours, and the Botswana Agricultural College project.

The Hilton M. Briggs Papers document the longest presidential administration in the history of South Dakota State University and a period of substantial institutional transformation. The collection provides evidence of the university’s transition from a college to a university, expansion of academic programs, growth in enrollment and facilities, and changes in shared governance involving faculty and students. Briggs’ writings and administrative records also contribute to the historical study of animal science, agricultural research, and extension education in the mid twentieth century. The extensive recognition materials and retirement documentation reflect Briggs’ national influence in agricultural education, university administration, and livestock and equine communities, while the international materials illustrate the global reach of land grant agricultural expertise during the postwar period.

The Robert T. Wagner Papers span the years 1971 to 1998 and document Wagner’s academic and administrative career in South Dakota higher education. The collection includes biographical information, professional correspondence, calendars, speeches, photographs, newspaper clippings, reports, certificates, newsletters, evaluations, and materials related to public events and institutional activities.

Early materials document Wagner’s service as a professor of rural sociology at South Dakota State University and include correspondence, calendars, programs related to speaking engagements, and greeting cards. A small amount of instructional material related to courses he taught is also present. Records from his service as Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs include correspondence, calendars, clippings, photographs, certificates, and related administrative materials.

The largest portion of the collection documents Wagner’s presidency at South Dakota State University from 1985 to 1997. These records include extensive correspondence, calendars and activity files, speeches, newspaper clippings, photographs, reports, and materials related to campus events, travel, and public appearances. Notable files document international travel, including a trip to Russia in 1990 and participation in the Oxford Round Table at Cambridge University in 1994. The collection concludes with materials related to Wagner’s retirement, including guest books, letters, and records from his designation as President Emeritus.

The Robert T. Wagner Papaers document the administration of South Dakota State University during a period of institutional transition and growth from the mid 1980s through the late 1990s. The records provide insight into university governance, presidential leadership, campus development, and public representation of the institution. The collection also contributes to the documentation of higher education administration in South Dakota and preserves evidence of Wagner’s earlier academic career in rural sociology.