The Dr. Harry Pitkin Bowes records contains the master plans for General Beadle State College and other files and correspondence from Bowes' presidency. Dr. Bowes' presidency is of particular significance due to the proposed plan of closing the school during his time in office. Dr. Bowes along with students and Madison residents prevented the closing of General Beadle State College, as well as the plan to make the school a branch of South Dakota State University.