North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics Records
UA 100.021
Special Collections Research Center
1.75 Linear feet
1941-2001
The records of the North Carolina State University Department of Genetics 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, seminar and lecture materials, and other publications. Materials range in date from 1941 to 2001.
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. In 1951, the Department of Genetics was formally organized.
3 archival boxes, 1 archival half box
North Carolina State University. Dept. of Genetics.
Restrictions to Access
This collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice.
Acquisitions Information
Transferred from North Carolina State University, Department of Genetics.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of Item], North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics Records, UA 100.021, 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.
Processing Information
Processed by: Allison Hall; Pat Webber; Laura Abraham, 2009 July; machine-readable finding aid created by: Russell S. Koonts; Pat Webber; Finding aid updated by Laura Abraham, 2009 July; Cate Putirskis, 2009 July
Confidentiality Notice
This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which North Carolina State University assumes no responsibility.
Historical Note
No formally organization of a 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.
Additional information and resources on the history of the Department of Genetics can be found through the
NCSU Historical State website.
Department Heads
1951 - 1958
S. G. Stephens
1958 - 1963
H. F. Robinson
1964 - 1973
Thurston J. Mann
1974 - 1975
Dale F. Matzinger
1975 - 1985
John G. Scandalios
1985 - 1986
Dale F. Matzinger
1986 - 1988
William Atchley
1989 - 1991
Dale F. Matzinger
1991 - 1993
Dale F. Matzinger
1994 - present
Stephanie Curtis
Scope and Content Note
The records of the North Carolina State University Department of Genetics 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, seminar and lecture materials, and other publications. Materials range in date from 1941 to 2001.
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.
Organization of the Collection
The records of the North Carolina State University Department of Genetics are arranged in four series:
[General Records](ref15),
[Grants and Proposals](ref55),
[Research and Reports](ref68), and
[Publications](ref76). Within each series, materials are arranged alphabetically by topic or title.
Related Materials
-
North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Records (UA 100)
-
North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Annual Reports (UA 100.002)
-
North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Publications (UA 100.200)
-
Benjamin Warfield Smith Papers (MC 00135)
North Carolina State University. Dept. of Genetics.
Genetics--Study and teaching (Higher)--North Carolina
General Records
1945-2001
Scope and Contents note
Contains brochures, correspondence, course information, facilities information, faculty and student lists, graduate studies material, program information and reviews, and seminar material.
Committees: Faculty appointments
3
3
1961-1979
Committees: Organization of Genetics Unit
3
6
1950-1954
Committees: Self-Study and Re-Evaluation
3
4
1971, 1976
Comprehensive Review
1
1
1979
Correspondence, E.W. Glazener
3
5
1965-1966
Correspondence, H. F. Robinson
1
2
1958 - 1964, undated
Course Description -- Cytogenetics
1
3
1961
Course Information -- Correspondence
1
4
1950 - 1976, undated
Course Information -- Student Enrollment
1
5
1960 - 1969
Courses and Curriculum - Faculty Memos, Correspondence and Comments
1
6
1950 - 1976, undated
Course Offerings -- Syllabi and Outlines
1
7
1953 - 1986, undated
Course Outlines for Faculty
1
8
1961 - 1962, undated
Course Proposals and Revisions
1
9
1952 - 1976, undated
Departmental Brochure
1
10
1963
Departmental Events and Parties
1
11
1966, undated
Faculty Information and Correspondence
1
12
1952 - 1977, undated
Fellowships
1
13
1972, undated
Genetics and the Future of Man, by Carey H. Bostian
1
14
1970
Genetics Planning Conference
1
15
1964
Graduate Student Guidelines
1
16
1977, undated
Library -- Genetics Resources
1
17
1951 - 1970, undated
Organization of Genetics Unit
1
18
1950 - 1951
Facilities and Equipment
General Records
1
19
1952 - 1977, undated
North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station
1
20
1967 - 1972
Pamphlets and Instruction Manuals
1
21
1950, undated
Faculty and Student Lists
1
22
1962 - 1965
Genetics 666, Laboratory Manual
Accession no. 8736
1
23
1987
Genetics Symposium articles
3
1
Oct. 2001
Video of presentation from the Genetics Symposium, "Genetics and the New Millennium," Dr. M. J. Mehlman
3
2
Oct. 2001
VHS cassette
Seminars and Lectures
Brochures
2
1
1960 - 1978
Class Notes
2
2
1945 - 1968, undated
Flyers
2
3
1964 - 1976
Visiting Lecturers
2
4
1955 - 1973
Staff Meetings
Agendas and Comments
2
5
1952, undated
Minutes
2
6
1960 - 1966
Minutes
2
7
1967 - 1975
Sub-Committee for Genetics and Evolution of National Academy of Sciences
2
8
1964
Teaching Schedules
2
9
1961 - 1974, undated
Grants and Proposals
1952 - 1969
Scope and Contents note
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
2
10
1960
Report of Progress
2
11
1962
Report of Progress
2
12
1963
Outline of a Proposed Genetics Program
2
13
1952
Proposal for a Doctoral Program in Genetics
2
14
1952
A Proposal for an Expanded Doctoral Program in Physiological and Biochemical Genetics
2
15
1964
Quantitative Genetics Project -- Budget Proposal and Information
2
16
1959 - 1960
Outline of a Proposed Genetics Program
2
17
1952
Quantitative Genetics Project -- Progress Reports
2
18
1959 - 1963
Undergraduate Research Participation
2
19
1969
Research and Reports
1967-1972
Scope and Contents note
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
2
20
Cytogenetics of Maize: Report of Progress [1962-1963]
2
21
1963
Director's Report -- Undergraduate Science Education
2
22
1963
Problem Analysis (Quantitative Genetics of Forest Trees)
2
23
1964
Project Proposals and Outlines, Various, undated
2
24
Task Force 20 (USDA) Review -- North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station
2
25
1972
Publications
1959-1988
Scope and Content Note
This series contains publications produced by the Department of Genetics.
Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University presents Dr. Robert Sinsheimer, Third Annual Distinguised Lecturer in Genetics
4
1
11 Mar. 1980
Development of the Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, 1924-1976
4
2
Feb. 1977
Evening Lecture Series in the Summer Institute of Genetics for College Teachers
4
3
14 Jun.-Jul. 21 1960
Final Announcement and Registration Forms : Second International Conference on Quantitative Genetics
4
4
31 May-5 Jun. 1987
Genetics flyer
4
5
Undated
The Genetics Program : N. C. State College
4
6
Oct. 1959
GN301 : Genetics in Human Affairs
4
7
1988
Graduate Studies and Graduate Opportunities in Genetic posters
4
8
1980-1983
Graudate Studies in Genetics pamplet
4
9
1976
Graudate Study in Genetics at North Carolina State University : Program and Admission Requirements
4
10
Undated
North Carolina State University at Raleigh, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics
4
11
1975
Summer Institute of Genetics for College Teachers
4
12
1960-1965