Finding Aid for the Pete Crossland papers

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: Pete Crossland papers
Inclusive Dates: 1966-1970
Author: Finding aid prepared by Liz Campion, October 2025
Origination: Crossland, Peter 1937-
Extent: 0.16 cubic feet (1 slim document case)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 55)
Abstract: This collection contains student, faculty and staff correspondence, newsletters, flyers and other related ephemera. 
Language: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS 2nd Edition

Biography of Pete Crossland: Peter "Pete" Nelson Crossland was born on May 8, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Zanesville High School in 1955, earned a B.A. from Miami University in 1959, a B.D. from Yale University in 1963, and a PhD from Duke University in 1966. After graduating from Duke University, Crossland served as a professor of Political Science at Kent State University from 1966 to 1995. During the spring of 1970, Professor Crossland was teaching Political Science 111, in which he had Allison Krause as a student, who was killed on May 4, 1970. 

Between 1973 to 1983, Crossland was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and was later appointed as the assistant director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services by Governor Richard Celeste. He also served as a member of the Summit County Council for 22 years, and was elected as the District 4 representative.  

Scope and Content: The Pete Crossland papers includes student, faculty, and staff correspondence related to the completion of the spring 1970 semester, student organization flyers and other related ephemera. 

Statement of Arrangement: This collection has been arranged by subject and date.

Preferred Citation: Pete Crossland papers. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Restrictions on Use: Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information: The materials in this collection were donated to Kent State University Special Collections and Archives by Pete Crossland in 2013.

Box 55
Folder -- Contents

1. Correspondence: To/From Faculty and Staff, 1968-1970
2. Correspondence: Pete Crossland to Students, May-June 1970
   Scope and Content: Correspondence to Political Science 111 students includes "Black Power" test.
3. Correspondence: Students to Pete Crossland, May-June 1970
4. Black United Students ("BUS"), 1966-1968
5. "Kent Red Guard," February 1, 1970
6. Students for a Democratic Society ("SDS"), 1968