Guide to the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics Records, 1941 - 1987

Collection Number UA 100.021

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Collection Information
Abstract:

These records contain brochures, correspondence, grants and fellowships information, courses and curriculum material, a departmental history, facilities and equipment information, faculty and student records, research project files and reports, and seminar and lecture material.

Contact Information:
Special Collections Research Center
NCSU Libraries
Campus Box 7111
Raleigh, North Carolina
27695-7111 USA
Phone: (919) 515-2273
Fax: (919) 513-1787
URL: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/specialcollections/
Web Contact Form
Processed by
Allison Hall; Pat Webber
Date Completed
September, 2002
Encoded by
Russell S. Koonts; Pat Webber
Finding aid updated by
Todd Kosmerick, 2008 April

Descriptive Summary

Creator

North Carolina State University. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Title

The North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics Records, 1941 - 1987

Call Number

UA 100.021

Extent

2 records storage boxes , 1 linear foot

Location

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Special Collections Research Center Reference Staff.

Information for Users

Restrictions to Access

This collection is open for research; access requires at least 24 hours advance notice.
Acquisitions Information

Transferred from the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Consult University Archivist for additional information.
Preferred Citation

[Identification of Item], North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics Records, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Copyright Notice

The nature of the NCSU Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NCSU Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Historical Note


No formally organizated of genetics department existed at North Carolina State University until 1951. Until that time, the subject of genetics was distributed to several long-established departments within the School of Agriculture. By the 1930's, departments such as Agronomy, Zoology, and Plant Pathology (among others) were beginning to take an interest in genetics and the possible ways in which it could be integrated into their coursework and research projects. These departments had for some time employed geneticists on an individual basis to help conduct research projects and teach courses (such as cytology) in Agronomy and other biological sciences that focused on subjects such as plant and animal breeding. Eventually, the University decided that the field had becomre important enough to create a department devoted entirely to genetics for graduate degrees and more basic research.

In 1951, the Department of Genetics was formally organized with Dr. S. G. Stephens as chairman. The faculty consisted of many professors who had taught and conducted research in other departments in the School of Agriculture. The department was temporarily housed with the Botany Department in Winston Hall, and relocated to the newly built Gardner Hall in 1952. During Dr. Stephens' tenure as chairman, the graduate program, including the Ph.D. degree, new faculty, a genetics garden, greenhouse and an experimental station were added to the department. In 1958, Dr. H. F. Robinson became the new head of the department, and established a genetics nursery and obtained a significant amount of funding for increased research. In that same year, Genetics became the first North Carolina State College department to employ an African-American woman, Justina Williams, who worked in the Drosophila research lab.

In 1964, Dr. T. J. Mann took over leadership of the department after Dr. Robinson's promotion to Director of Biological Sciences. Dr. D. F. Matzinger became acting department head after Dr. Mann's departure in 1974 and in 1975, Dr. John G. Scandalios became the new department head. Under the leadership of these individuals, the department expanded and earned national recognition and distinction. Today the department maintains a strong research and academic presence, including a nationally-ranked graduate program.

Department Heads

1951 - 1958 S. G. Stephens
1958 - 1963 H. F. Robinson
1964 - 1973 Thurston J. Mann
1974 - 1975 Dale F. Matzinger, Acting Head
1975 - 1985 John G. Scandalios
1985 - 1986 Dale F. Matzinger, Acting Head
1986 - 1988 William Atchley
1989 - 1991 Dale F. Matzinger, Acting Head
1991 - 1993 Dale F. Matzinger
1994 - present Stephanie Curtis

Scope and Content Note


The collection consists of records on grants, progress reports, proposals, a history of the department, courses and curriculum, and faculty correspondence and comments.

Some records in the collection relate to a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, which funded a project in 1959, called "Quantitative Genetics." Progress reports from 1959 - 1963 include the yearly results from this project. In 1960, the Genetics Department proposed and received new appropriations for a program called "Graduate Training and Research in Quantitative Genetics Breeding Methodology." A progress report from 1963 includes remarks on the progress of this new program. Among other things, these grants made it possible for students from Central and South America to receive graduate training in quantitative genetics.

The collection also houses many records relating to the courses and curriculum of the department from 1953 - 1977. These records include course descriptions, criteria and syllabi for a variety of genetics courses. Course proposals and revisions from 1954 - 1987 are also included, as well as, outlines, brochures and programs, flyers and announcements for genetics seminars and lectures from 1955 through 1977.

Perhaps some of the most important records in the collection relate to the conception and organization of the Genetics Department, which spanned several years and was finally achieved in 1951. The transition was a large collaboration between several different departments and members of the faculty. Many records exist that document the comments, correspondence, memos, etc., that were passed amongst them. The records relate plans for the transfer and purchasing of facilities and equipment, as well as plans for a possible new greenhouse and experimental garden.

One of the most interesting and valuable records found in the collection is a document called "Outline of a Proposed Genetics Program for North Carolina State College." This document, written by Dr. S. G. Stephens to the Dean of Agriculture in 1952, contains many proposals and suggestions from the genetics faculty on what was needed to broaden and improve the newly developed genetics program. The proposals included the need for more highly specialized faculty, a greenhouse and experimental garden and more funding for research. During his tenure as Chairman of the Genetics Faculty, most of these proposals were implemented.

The collection also contains numerous other records relating to the Genetics Department such as departmental events flyers, programs and brochures, faculty correspondence and memos, research and facility and equipment procedures, guidelines and instructions. The records are arranged into three series: General Records; Grants and Proposals; and Research and Reports.

Related Materials

[HTML] North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Records, UA 100
[HTML] North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Annual Reports, UA 100.002
[HTML] North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Publications, UA 100.200
[HTML] Benjamin Warfield Smith Papers, MC 135

Detailed Description of the Collection

  • General Records, 1945 - 1986


    1.5 records storage boxes, 0.75 linear feet

    Contains brochures, correspondence, course information, facilities information, faculty and student lists, graduate studies material, program information and reviews, and seminar material.

    • Comprehensive Review, 1979 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 1]
    • Correspondence, H. F. Robinson, 1958 - 1964, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 2]
    • Course Description -- Cytogenetics, 1961 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 3]
    • Course Information -- Correspondence, 1950 - 1976, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 4]
    • Course Information -- Student Enrollment, 1960 - 1969 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 5]
    • Courses and Curriculum - Faculty Memos, Correspondence and Comments, 1950 - 1976, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 6]
    • Course Offerings -- Syllabi and Outlines, 1953 - 1986, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 7]
    • Course Outlines for Faculty, 1961 - 1962, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 8]
    • Course Proposals and Revisions, 1952 - 1976, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 9]
    • Departmental Brochure, 1963 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 10]
    • Departmental Events and Parties, 1966, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 11]
    • Faculty Information and Correspondence, 1952 - 1977, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 12]
    • Fellowships, 1972, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 13]
    • "Genetics and the Future of Man," by Carey H. Bostian, 1970 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 14]
    • Genetics Planning Conference, 1964 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 15]
    • Graduate Student Guidelines, 1977, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 16]
    • Library -- Genetics Resources, 1951 - 1970, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 17]
    • Organization of Genetics Unit, 1950 - 1951 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 18]
    • Facilities and Equipment
      • General Records, 1952 - 1977, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 19]
      • North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, 1967 - 1972 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 20]
      • Pamphlets and Instruction Manuals, 1950, undated [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 21]
    • Faculty and Student Lists, 1962 - 1965 [UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 22]
    • Genetics 666, Laboratory Manual, 1987
      Accession no. 8736       		[UA 100.021 Box 1, Folder 23]
    • Seminars and Lectures
      • Brochures, 1960 - 1978 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 1]
      • Class Notes, 1945 - 1968, undated [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 2]
      • Flyers, 1964 - 1976 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 3]
      • Visiting Lecturers, 1955 - 1973 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 4]
    • Staff Meetings
      • Agendas and Comments, 1952, undated [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 5]
      • Minutes, 1960 - 1966 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 6]
      • Minutes, 1967 - 1975 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 7]
    • Sub-Committee for Genetics and Evolution of National Academy of Sciences, 1964 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 8]
    • Teaching Schedules, 1961 - 1974, undated [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 9]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]

  • Grants and Proposals, 1952 - 1969


    0.25 records storage box, 0.125 linear feet

    Contains grants and proposals relating to work performed by the department. This material does not document particular research projects, but instead on the development of the department itself and some of its subsequent research and training activities.

    • Graduate Training and Research in Quantitative Genetics Breeding Methodology
      • Proposal, 1960 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 10]
      • Report of Progress, 1962 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 11]
      • Report of Progress, 1963 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 12]
    • Outline of a Proposed Genetics Program, 1952 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 13]
    • Proposal for a Doctoral Program in Genetics, 1952 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 14]
    • A Proposal for an Expanded Doctoral Program in Physiological and Biochemical Genetics, 1964 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 15]
    • Quantitative Genetics Project -- Budget Proposal and Information, 1959 - 1960 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 16]
    • Outline of a Proposed Genetics Program, 1952 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 17]
    • Quantitative Genetics Project -- Progress Reports, 1959 - 1963 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 18]
    • Undergraduate Research Participation, 1969 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 19]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]

  • Research and Reports, 1963 - 1972


    0.25 records storage box, 0.125 linear feet

    Contains reports and papers. This series a variety of research topics, from genetics research to departmental teaching activities and efficacy.

    • Agricultural Research Classification Instructions, undated [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 20]
    • Cytogenetics of Maize: Report of Progress [1962-1963], 1963 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 21]
    • Director's Report -- Undergraduate Science Education, 1963 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 22]
    • Problem Analysis (Quantitative Genetics of Forest Trees), 1964 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 23]
    • Project Proposals and Outlines, Various, undated [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 24]
    • Task Force 20 (USDA) Review -- North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, 1972 [UA 100.021 Box 2, Folder 25]

    [Return to Descriptive Summary]