President E.G. Peterson papers document Utah State University (USU) history between 1916 to 1946, encompassing both World Wars and the Great Depression and recording a transitional period for the Agricultural College. Peterson functioned without additional administrative officers and was involved in almost all University affairs including, recruitment, hiring, budget, student affairs, buildings and grounds, as well as being the primary spokesperson for the College.

President E.G. Peterson Papers mostly include correspondence with various people and organizations related to the function of the university including, outside organizations, the Directors of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station and Utah Cooperative Extension Service, faculty members, departments, and the College’s Board of Trustees.

Also Included in this collection are materials documenting the National Summer School (NSS) program which was Peterson's attempt to broaden the educational scope of the College and to circumvent legislative mandates that had restricted the College from offering certain curricula. Another highlight of this collection are the documents of the College's experience during World War I and World War II.