Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Ralph H. Smuckler Papers
UA.17.234
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
- Creator - Donor
- Smuckler, Ralph H.
- Title
- Ralph H. Smuckler papers
- ID
- UA.17.234
- Date [inclusive]
- 1955-2003
- Extent
- 0.25 Cubic feet , 5 folders, 1 book
- Language
- English
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."
Biographical Note
Ralph H. Smuckler came to Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in 1951 as a professor in the Political Science department after finishing his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In June of 1955 Smuckler, his wife Lillian, and their two children moved to Saigon, Vietnam. Smuckler was the research coordinator for the MSU Vietnam Project. Later that year he became the acting chief advisor replacing Wesley Fishel. In 1956, the family returned to East Lansing and Smuckler became the Assistant Dean of International Programs under Dean Glen Taggart. While he was assistant dean, he also worked half time in the Political Science department.
In April 1958, the Smucklers returned to Saigon because Ralph was appointed head of the Vietnam Project. He served as head until 1959 when he returned to East Lansing and his position as assistant dean. In 1966 Smuckler became acting the dean of International Programs until Taggart’s return from Nigeria in 1967. From 1967 to 1969, Smuckler took a leave of absence from MSU and became a representative for the Ford Foundation in Karachi, Pakistan to lead their Pakistan Project. The program supported agriculture growth and improvements in the import and export base.
In 1967, when Taggart left MSU for another job, President John Hannah wanted to Smuckler to return from Pakistan and become dean. Smuckler felt he could not neglect his commitment to the Ford Foundation so he agreed to return in 1969. In 1990, Smuckler left International Programs and became assistant to President John DiBiaggio on international affairs. In 1993, Smuckler retired.
Throughout his professional life, Smuckler was involved in many committees such as the Agency for International Development Research Advisory Committee. In the 1980s he served, as chairman on the National Research Council’s Board on Science and Technology in Development.
Source: A University Turns to the World by Ralph H. Smuckler
Scope and Contents note
Smuckler’s papers consist of chronological correspondence, memos, articles and reports related to the Michigan State University Vietnam Project. A copy of Smuckler’s book A University Turns to the World is also available. His book is an autobiographical account of his career at MSU.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Conrad Hall888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu
Restrictions
This collection is open for research.
Legal Status note
Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.
Controlled Access Headings
Genre(s)
- Letters (correspondence)
- Memorandums
- Reports
Geographic Name(s)
- Vietnam
Personal Name(s)
- Smuckler, Ralph H.
Collection Inventory
1955, 1957, Undated |
Drawer FD |
Folder 1 |
||
|
1958-1959 |
FD | 2 | ||
|
1960 |
FD | 3 | ||
|
1961-1962 |
FD | 4 | ||
|
1965-1966, 1975, 1995 |
FD | 5 | ||
| Volume | ||||
|
A University Turns to the World by Ralph H. Smuckler 2003 |
reference | |||