David W. E. Baird was born in Baker, Oregon in 1898 and graduated from the University of Oregon Medical School in 1926. He became associate dean of the School of Medicine in 1937 and succeeded Richard B. Dillehunt as dean of the medical school in 1943, a post he held until he retired in 1968. He was responsible for the administration of the Oregon Primate Center that opened in 1960, and was also a member of the Portland Clinic staff. His collection consists of news articles, photographs, publications, reports, policies, and correspondence from his time as associate dean until his retirement. He died 1974 July 28.
