Robert T. Wagner

Robert Todd Wagner (October 30, 1932 – January 17, 2011) was the 17th president of South Dakota State University from 1985 to 1997. A native South Dakotan, Wagner received his Ph.D. in sociology from SDSU in 1972. He was a teacher and administrator at South Dakota State University, including a brief time as chief administrator before his elevation to the presidency. Wagner was the second alumnus to be named president.

Robert Todd Wagner
Born(1932-10-30)October 30, 1932[1]
DiedJanuary 17, 2011(2011-01-17) (aged 78)[2]
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
MonumentsWagner Hall, South Dakota State University
Occupation(s)professor and university administrator
Years active1972-1997
Known for17th president of South Dakota State University
SpouseMary Mumford Wagner

Robert graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, then earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Augustana College in 1954.[2]

Career

Robert Wagner was a popular professor at South Dakota State. He began his career in administration as an assistant to the SDSU vice president for academic affairs. Wagner then served Dakota State College for a year as vice president. He was appointed president of South Dakota State University in 1985.[2]

Wagner presided over a time of expansion at the university. The campus grew by more than 380,000 square feet (35,000 m2). His administration formed the College of Education and Counseling, and constructed academic buildings including the Animal Disease Research Laboratory and the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory.[3] Wagner led the university's first capital campaign, raising $52 million.[2] He was known for inclusive, thoughtful management, chosen as a marked change from previous turbulent years at SDSU.[4]

Wagner also held an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Augustana College, honorary Doctor of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of South Dakota.[2] Upon his retirement from the SDSU presidency, the South Dakota Board of Regents awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Public Service.[4]

Wagner Hall

In 2010 South Dakota State renamed a major campus building in honor of Wagner and his spouse, former State Senator Mary Mumford Wagner (1932–2004).

References
  1. "Social Security Death Master File". tributes.com. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  2. "Former President Wagner remembered for vision, leadership". South Dakota State University Connect magazine. 23 May 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  3. "Hall of Presidents". South Dakota State University. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  4. "Citation for the Honorary Degree: Doctor of Public Service" (PDF). South Dakota Board of Regents. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
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