This is a comprehensive collection of Dr. Baird's time as the Seaver Dean and the subsequent publishment of his book. The Chronological and Subject Files that compose the first series include many research materials that Dr. Baird used when writing Quest for Distinction. Most of the collection consists of paper documents, and many materials are photocopies. The materials in these files include newspapers, meeting minutes, handbooks, pamphlets, photographs, correspondence, reports, and essays. The collection also contains notes and outlines Dr. Baird created as he was writing Quest for Distinction.

W. David Baird is Dean Emeritus of Seaver College at Pepperdine University. He is a native of Edmond, Oklahoma, and served as Dean of Seaver College from 1998 to 2008. He obtained his AA degree from George Washington University; his BA degree in History and Geography from the University of Central Oklahoma; and his MA and PhD degrees in History and Geography from the University of Oklahoma. He served on the History faculty at the University of Arkansas (1968–1978) and Oklahoma State University (1978–1988), then coming to Pepperdine as the Howard A. White Professor of History in 1988, and became the Dean of Seaver College in 1998.

29.19 Linear Feet