The College of Nursing records span the years 1887-2006 and capture significant moments in the history of the College of Nursing including its affiliation with Roper Hospital. A large part of the collection was compiled by Ruth Chamberlin, dean of the College of Nursing (hereafter CON) from 1949 to 1966. Dean Chamberlin used the materials for reference in preparing for her book on the history of the nursing program, "The School of Nursing of the Medical College of South Carolina: Its Story," published in 1970. Additional materials were also collected for the Nursing Historical Library by past CON historians Mary Lee Lavelle and Roxy Rust. The collection provides an in depth look into the development of the College of Nursing, its role in and impact on the education of nurses in South Carolina, and the day-to-day academic, clinical, and extracurricular activities of faculty, staff, and students. Records documenting the college's Alumni Association comprise part of the collection and consist of biographical information on past administrators, some faculty and students; files on class reunions, the 75th and 100th anniversaries of CON; and history of the association. Administrative files concern the construction of the CON building (dormitory) and the new Medical College Hospital; satellite nursing programs administered by CON and its long affiliation with Roper Hospital; annual reports detailing the college's achievements; and newsletters and yearbooks. Other significant topics covered in the collection include: race and the integration of students in hospital wards and dormitories; the hiring of African American faculty; student conduct in the hospital and dormitory; development of class schedules and courses; nursing licensure requirements; and nursing during World War II. The collection includes records from the office of the dean and the alumnae association as well as publications such as annual reports, course catalogs, and yearbooks. The collection also includes curriculum materials such as study guides and workbooks. The types of records found in this collection include correspondence, memoranda, minutes, blueprints and floor plans, reports, manuals, notes, speeches, newsletters, ledgers, certificates, nursing licenses, newspaper clippings, brochures, pamphlets, yearbooks, and photographs. Also included are artifacts such as pins and badges. The records were originally organized by CON by subject, however, the University Archives imposed a new arrangement for easier access. The collection is now arranged according to South Carolina's General Records Retention Schedule for State Colleges and Universities: Office of the Dean, Administrative, Human Resources Management, Accounting, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Alumni Relations, Health Services, Resource Files, and History Files. Each series is further divided into sub-series. Series currently identified as empty may be used in the future as more materials are integrated into the collection.
