J. Howard Kramer Papers

John Howard Kramer was born November 12, 1902, at Canning, South Dakota. He grew up in Pierre and graduated from Pierre High School in 1920. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota in 1924, his master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1930 and his doctorate degree from Colorado State University in 1943. On July 17, 1926, Kramer married Lenette Dunlap at Vermillion, SD. They had two children, John and Miriam. J. Howard Kramer worked in education in South Dakota for more than 50 years. He was a debate coach and taught at Madison High School, Madison SD from 1924 to 1927. He served as superintendent of public schools for 18 years in various South Dakota communities. After leaving the public school system, Kramer moved into higher education in South Dakota. He was president of Southern State College in Springfield, SD from 1945 until 1954. From 1954 until 1956, he served as professor and head of the Education Department and Director of Summer School at South Dakota State University [SDSU]. He was president of Northern State College from 1956 until 1968 when he returned to Brookings and served as professor of Education at South Dakota State University. He was appointed president emeritus of Northern State College and professor emeritus at South Dakota State University. Throughout his life, he was active in various state and national education organizations. He wrote in his field; was a speaker in great demand; and distinguished himself as an able college administrator. He was active in civil and service organizations, serving as a member of the Masonic Lodge, Consistory and Shrine. He was also a member of Alpha Tau Omega, Tau Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Kappa and Rotary Club. John Howard Kramer died at his home on January 9, 1984.