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Baird (W. David) Papers
0151
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Pepperdine University. Special Collections and University Archives.
Title: Baird (W. David) Papers
Identifier/Call Number: 0151
Physical Description:
29.19 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1920s-2016
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.
Dr. Baird has written and edited many books and articles about the history of the American
West and Native Americans. Some of his most notable books include a biography of Peter
Pitchlynn (University of Oklahoma Press, 1972 and 1986), a history of the Quapaw Indians
(University of Oklahoma Press, 1988), and a history of the state of Oklahoma (with Danney
Goble, University of Oklahoma Press, 1994 and 2007). His most recent book is a history of
Pepperdine University, entitled
Quest for Distinction: Pepperdine
University in the 20th Century
(Pepperdine University Press, 2016).
Dr. Baird began working on
Quest for Distinction after he was
asked by Pepperdine President Dr. Andrew K. Benton to write the seventy-fifth anniversary
history of Pepperdine University. Research for the book started in 2009, and it was
published in 2016.
The collection is arranged into three series: Series One: Chronological Files, Series Two:
Subject Files, and Series Three: Office of the Seaver Dean, 1976-2015. The Chronological
Files are arranged chronologically, while the Subject Files and Office of the Seaver Dean
Files are arranged alphabetically by folder title. Many folder titles were retained from Dr.
Baird's original labeling.
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.
The Office of the Seaver Dean series includes files that contain documentation surrounding
Dr. Baird's administration as Seaver Dean. Most of the files consist of paper documents,
including meeting minutes and agenda, newspaper articles, handbooks, pamphlets, Pepperdine
University publications, photographs, correspondence, and reports.
Users who consult the materials in this collection should be able to get some insights into
the rich history of Pepperdine University from its founding in 1937 through the early 2010s.
However, Dr. Baird has noted that there is a lack of materials relating to the founder,
George Pepperdine, as well as Batsell Baxter, Hugh Tiner, and David Davenport. Thus, users
probably will not find many materials about them in this collection. However, users can
access abundant information on the work of various faculty organizations on campus, as well
as insights into student life and hiring procedures.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was given to Pepperdine University by Dr. Baird on 2016 June 22.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Accreditation (Education)
Christian education
Education, Higher -- California
Education, Higher -- California -- Malibu
Christian universities and colleges -- United States --
History
Universities and colleges -- California -- History
Universities and colleges -- California -- Malibu -- History