Identifier

UA 53.42

Dates

1946-2019, undated

Extent

17.50 linear feet [17 record boxes, 1 shoebox]

Abstract

The Charles Woodard Papers are composed of materials Dr. Woodard accumulated during his career. The materials relate to many topics, such as, American Indians, diversity, race issues, and nicknames of sports teams.

Historical Note

Charles Woodard graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Literature/Letters in 1975.

Woodard started his career at South Dakota State University in 1975. He taught courses in American literature, specializing in American Indian literature, American poetry, and literature of the American Midwest and West, and also peace and conflict studies courses, composition, and Honors College courses. He developed four annual programs: the SDSU Great Plains Writers’ Conference, the Oak Lake Tribal Writers’ Retreat, the SDSU Wacipi and the Consider the Century Conference. His work typically focuses on American Indian Studies and Veterans Affairs, and he often works with professionals outside of the university community to develop programs to benefit others.

A few highlights from the achievements of his career include: being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1990; earning distinguished professor status in 1992; earning SDSU’s Excellence in Outreach and Engagement Award in 2012; and earning the South Dakota Council of Teachers of English Author of the Year award in 2013.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

This collection is composed of materials Dr. Woodard accumulated during his career. The materials relate to many topics, such as, American Indians, cultural and racial diversity, and nicknames of sports teams.

The bulk of the files relate to his activities with American Indians, Oak Lake Writers’ Society, South Dakota Humanities Council, South Dakota Resources Coalition, and South Dakota World Affairs Council. The content of these files may include correspondence, clippings, and grant material.

The files related to his work in the English Department at South Dakota State University are composed of course material, syllabi, tests, notes, committee files, and his work with Consider the Century and Great Plains Writers’ Conferences. Also included are audiocassettes of speakers at the Great Plains Writers’ Conference.

Material related to his publications are comprised of manuscripts, clippings, correspondence with co-authors and publishers.

Researchers will also find files related to people with whom Woodard worked. These files may contain correspondence, clippings, or writings.

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Download

Share

COinS