Robert T. Wagner

Robert Todd Wagner (October 30, 1932 – January 17, 2011) was the 17th president of South Dakota State University from 1985 to 1997. A native South Dakotan, Wagner received his Ph.D. in sociology from SDSU in 1972. He was a teacher and administrator at South Dakota State University, including a brief time as chief administrator before his elevation to the presidency. Wagner was the second alumnus to be named president.

Robert graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, then earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Augustana College in 1954. Wagner led the university's first capital campaign, raising $52 million.

Wagner also held an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Augustana College, honorary Doctor of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of South Dakota. Upon his retirement from the SDSU presidency, the South Dakota Board of Regents awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Public Service.

In 2010, South Dakota State renamed a major campus building in honor of Wagner and his spouse, former State Senator Mary Mumford Wagner (1932–2004).