University Archives Division

The University Archives is the official repository for University files, publications, photographs, audio/visual materials, and memorabilia.

While the University Archives is a part of Special Collections, it is serviced from the Congressional and Political Research Center located on the First Floor near the Hardy Street entrance.

The items below are but a sampling of significant holdings in the University Archives.

Presidents Papers/Executive Documents

The Archives contains the papers of all MSU presidents from Stephen D. Lee through Charles Lee. The papers of current President Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong and his successors will also be deposited in the Archives. Executive Council minutes contained in the Archives document the activities of presidents and their vice presidents. Other official documents, such as University budgets and construction reports, are also in the Archives.

Division, College, School, and Departmental Records

The Archives periodically receives files from the offices of vice presidents, deans, and department heads which reflect administrative activities and philosophies.

Cooperative Extension Service Records

The records, both in printed and photographic format extensively document the history and impact of the Extension Service on the agricultural and social history of rural Mississippi. The extensive publications of the Extension Service are also available.

Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Records

These records contain paper and photographic documentation of the role the Experiment Station and its various branches throughout Mississippi play in many areas of agricultural and forestry research. The extensive publications of the Experiment Station and its branches are also available.

Faculty Publications/Activities

Books, published articles and other publications and media authored by MSU faculty are collected and held in the Archives. Faculty Council minutes and other materials are also maintained. Faculty research activities are often reflected in respective departmental files deposited in the University Archives. Some faculty members deposit their personal papers in the University Archives. These papers may reflect research interests, professional association activities, and teaching activities.

University Committees

Minutes and activities of many university committees are on deposit in the Archives.

Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning

Board minutes are kept in the Archives, including the minutes of the early years when MSU had its own board.

Student publications

The Reflector and Reveille, reflect many threads of the fabric of campus history, especially the impact of historical events on student life. Other student publications include handbooks and various organizational publications.

University catalogs and other administrative publications

Document various aspects of academic, administrative, and physical plant developments in University history.

Vertical files

Contain information on all aspects of University history, such as faculty, staff, students, departments, buildings, and athletics.

Photograph collection

Descriptions of some 10,000 cataloged photos are available via keyword searches in a database. Some photographs have been digitized and are available on the MSU library website.

Athletics

The Archives contains football film, programs from various athletic events and some athletic memorabilia.

Memorabilia

Various items of memorabilia reflect university history. These include, but are not limited to, uniforms worn during the universities early years, student handbooks, diplomas, and scrapbooks.